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Hunter sits up, pulling the blankets over us. He lays down again, positioning himself behind me, his body a warm, strong shield against the cold world outside. His arm wraps around my waist, holding me against him. His other hand comes up to my face, thumb tracing my cheek before he plants a soft kiss on my forehead.
“Goodnight, Maya,” he murmurs against my hair. My body molds itself against his. I feel safe as I let go of the loneliness that has been weighing me down.
* * *
The sun peeksthrough the glass windows into the bedroom and I hear Hunter's voice whisper, “Good morning, sunshine."
“Mm,” I murmur, nuzzling into the crook of his arm and stretching lazily. “Do you always get up this damn early?”
“I do.” He laughs, running his fingers through my hair before reaching over to the bedside table and picking up the phone. “And what would madam sleepy-head like for breakfast?”
I peek over the covers. “I don't know? Coffee… For sure coffee... and bacon. Definitely bacon...”
He laughs again. “Got it. Coffee... and bacon. Can I get you some French toast, berries, maybe some eggs?"
“Perfect. But only if you promise to share it with me.”
“Deal." He dials down for room service.
As he wraps up the order, his work phone buzzes. And it doesn't stop.
"Sorry." Hunter looks guilty like he doesn’t want to answer it, but he does.
"Yes?" he says as he brings the phone up to his face. His eyebrows furrow as he listens and his free hand unconsciously clenches into a fist.
I watch him, trying to read his expression. He always has this guarded look when it comes to work like he's preparing for a battleground. He ends the call and looks down at me.
"Change of plans."
"Change of plans?" I echo, pushing myself up on my elbows.
"Yes." He pauses for a moment, a strange, almost excited light in his eyes. "Pack your bags. We're taking the yacht to the Mediterranean."
11
HUNTER
Ipull up in front of Maya's apartment as she walks out from the entrance, her hair tousled by the wind. She's been rushing. I kind of threw her a curveball with this trip, so it's not surprising.
"Ready for some sun and sea?" I get out to help put her bags in the black SUV. She looks stunning standing there, her small suitcase next to her.
"Only if you promise to apply my sunscreen."
I laugh, shaking my head at her sass. "That's not a bad deal." I open the car door for her. "Let me get that." I reach for her suitcase.
"Nope, I got it," she retorts, hoisting the suitcase into the trunk with a huff.
"Tough girl... I like it." I close the trunk before getting back in.
The drive to the marina is quiet but comfortable. Maya is lost in thought and I can't help but steal glances at her when she isn't looking.
"So... when are you going to tell me what this trip is for? Or are you still going to keep me in suspense?" she asks, her voice teasing.
"I'll fill you in on the yacht."
She raises an eyebrow at me. "It's a good thing I trust you."
Finally, we arrive at the marina. I get out before her and this time, I make it to her bags in time to pull them out for her before she can. She grins, shaking her head as she takes my arm and we walk together to the yacht.
