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A foundation that promises to provide travel care to those children whose families might not be able to afford it. From the sounds of it, the money won’t go toward making the kids’ last bit of time on earth more comfortable, but rather to get them to appointments and try to get cured.
One thing I have known since Holden passed away is that his parents will never stop fighting. Even though he’s gone, they are still desperately trying to fight this bear of a disease that took him away from them. They have two beautiful children still here, but they are so blinded by their grief and sorrow that I don’t think they can shut their minds off from Holden. Nor should they. But I also feel bad for Haley and Hunter because I know they probably miss how things were before he got terribly ill and died. I remember how different his parents were before Holden got cancer. Sure, they still worked a lot back then. And their careers were the most important things. But they also made sure to make time for their children. Even if it meant bringing a nanny along on family vacations—much like my own parents did.
Dinner was incredible, just like I had known it would be. Lobster from New England waters. Steak from the best butcher shop. And the most delicious mashed potatoes I’d ever had in my mouth. Literally. Chef’s kiss on those.
And then there was dessert. Which didn’t include the fancy, dried-out cupcakes that Hunter’s mother likes so much from the overpriced bakery in the city. But instead, a flourless chocolate cake with whipped cream. But I have to say, the pieces were a little small, and I definitely could have had a second.
Glancing down at how snug my dress is, I sigh. I guess it isn’t like I need a second one—that’s for sure.
Reaching over, Hunter splays his hand on my thigh, and when I glance at him, he gives me a look, as if telling me he’s sorry and that it’s almost over. Maybe the second part is wishful thinking because my ass is starting to fall asleep.
As his hand lingers on my flesh, a million butterflies fill my stomach, flapping around, causing a whole dang tornado in there. I have to tell myself not to squirm from his touch—even if I want to because it renders me breathless.
A fake boyfriend’s touch isn’t supposed to make your skin catch on fire. Yet here I am, waiting for the fire department to show up, hose me down, and put me out.
I wonder if his sister is seeing him touch my leg this way when no one is looking. She knows it’s not real. Or isn’t real to her brother. Tonight, she’s been a little cold to me. She isn’t rude, but she’s not her warm, fuzzy, usual self that she was back before everything changed.
His parents rented this huge-ass yacht for the night and aren’t even staying here. Apparently, the second this is over, they and the other dozen people are leaving. Which is nice because Hunter and I get to spend the night and hang out until noon tomorrow before we head back to Brooks for practice—my dance and his hockey. But I plan to make the most of it. Having the private chef make me a delicious breakfast, jumping off the boat, soaking in the hot tub that overlooks the ocean. I’m going to pack as much luxury into this night as I can.
Finally, the presentation ends, and everyone begins to move around a bit.
“Be right back. Haley is headed out to go visit some friends who live nearby,” Hunter says, kissing the top of my head, and I remind my heart it’s only for show and to beat in its normal rhythm.
Watching him walk over to his sister, I smile because they’ve always been so close. Hunter has always been so protective of her too.
Before she leaves, her eyes find mine, and she holds her hand up and waves good-bye. It’s not much, but she flashes me the smallest smile that gives me hope that, one day, maybe we’ll get back to how we used to be. Maybe.
A man in his mid-thirties, who I used to have a crush on, steps in front of me. “Sutton Savage? Wow, I haven’t seen you in years. You’ve grown up.” He holds his hand out, raking his eyes down the entire length of my body. “Elliot Klavert. You probably don’t remember me, but I used to come to some of your family’s events.”
I do recognize him. How could I not when Haley and I always thought he was so hot? Heck, every girl who came across him thought so.
“I recognize you.” I smile, shaking his hand before he releases mine.
“I haven’t seen your parents in quite some time. How are they doing?”
“They are good, thanks,” I lie, not wanting to explain anything to him. “How have you been?”
“Better now,” he coos, winking. “I know I already told you this, but, wow…you’ve really grown up. How old are you now?”
“Nineteen. I’ll be twenty in a few months.”
His eyes twinkle with mischief as he leans closer to my ear. “Would you look at that? You’re legal now.”
“Yep.” I nod. “Scratch-offs and cigs. Can’t beat it.”
“Oh, I can think of much more fun things than that, beautiful,” he utters before reaching in his pocket and handing me a business card. “You should call me sometime, and we’ll hang out. Unless you’re free tonight?”
I frown. Opening my mouth to speak, I’m cut off by Hunter kissing my cheek as his arm goes around my waist.
“Sorry, babe. I just needed to talk to my old man,” he says before looking at Elliot. “Keeping my girl company, are you, Elliot?”
His energy is different than it was when his hand was on my leg. His hand holds my waist in an almost-protective way. And I watch him look at the man who was just hitting on me. And honestly, Hunter looks angry.
“Yes, I, uh…hadn’t seen her in quite some time.” Elliot clears his throat. “She’s all grown up.”
Stepping closer, Hunter holds out his free hand, extending it to Elliot. But when he takes it, Hunter grips it tightly. “Let your eyes look up and down her body again, I fucking dare you,” he growls. “I know you saw her sitting next to me. Stay away from my girl. Got it?”
Elliot pulls back, his face reddening. “I didn’t realize she was yours.” He glances at both of us. “Lucky man.”
