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She shrugs, standing. “I’m not usually a hugger of people I’ve only just met. But in our case, I think that would be a good place to start.”
As they hug, she looks at me, giving me a small smile. I’m really happy for her. Because maybe she won’t have to feel so alone now. Maybe she’ll feel like she has someone on this earth who’s family.
I just hope that, one day, maybe I can be her someone too. Because as crazy as it sounds, she’s already mine.
Sutton
Heading home after meeting Brody and Bria, Hunter puts the music on low and doesn’t say much. I’ve come to realize how respectful he is. And sometimes, he doesn’t want to overstep. I appreciate that, but right now, with the thousand thoughts running through my head…I just want him to be close.
“I can take you home, if you need space,” he says softly, glancing over at me. “But honestly, I’d rather you stay the night with me.”
I’m quiet for a minute, and he shrugs.
“I’m trying to be softer. Not so psychotic and shit. But…fuck, I hate the thought of dropping you off right now.”
“I don’t want to go home. And I don’t want to be alone,” I utter. “At least not without you.”
I hate that he doesn’t have a bench seat in this fancy truck. Because right now, all I want to do is get as close to him as I can. I might have just found my sibling and the only family I have, but I’ve never felt more alone in my life. And the small space between Hunter and me feels like a million miles. And I can’t stand it.
As if sensing my feelings, Hunter reaches over, capturing my hand in his. Bringing it to his lips, he kisses my skin. “I’m right here, Little Bird. And I’m not going anywhere.”
I want to melt into his words and allow myself to just jump into whatever the hell we started headfirst. But at the end of the day, this whole thing began from fake dating.
Is he still faking it now?
The thing is, I love him. I think I have since we danced together for the second time. But I’m afraid of rejection. Because my whole life, that’s all I’ve known.
I’ve never been talented enough. My posture isn’t perfect. My skin is far from flawless. I’m stubborn and oftentimes self-conscious. A million little things have been picked apart since the day I was born. And I’m scared. Scared that when he sees the real me…he’ll decide he doesn’t like what he sees.
We pull into his driveway. Releasing my hand, he gets out and jogs to my side, opening my door. As I follow him into the house, I know something is about to change between us. The energy is shifting. It’s no longer about lust or sexual tension. Sure, those are there too. But now, it’s about the fact that we found love in the most unlikely circumstances. And I think—Ihopewe both feel it.
Cade sits on the couch, half-asleep, and doesn’t hear us come in. Watson is nowhere to be seen—same with Haley. And when Hunter leads me to his room and closes the door behind him, my heart skips a beat.
Going to his drawer, he pulls out a T-shirt and hands it to me. “You can sleep in this, if you want.”
I nod silently, too emotionally exhausted to form a word. And when I sit back on the bed, he kneels down before me, gently taking the fabric of my shirt in his fingertips.
“Let me help you, baby,” he whispers before slowly peeling the shirt over my head. Leaving me in my bra and leggings.
He swallows thickly, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he touches the strap of my bra. “Do you want to leave this on or…”
I look up at him and shake my head. “No.”
He nods slowly before reaching behind my back and unclasping my bra. By now, even though we’ve had sex—among other things—he hasn’t seen me completely naked. Right now, I’m being stripped to nothing. Physically and emotionally. He’s going to see it all.
When my bra falls, exposing my bare breasts, there’s no mistaking the sound when he sucks in a breath. But I know he’s trying to keep it together because he probably doesn’t think this is an appropriate time to push things further after what we’ve dealt with all night.
Slowly, he takes the Brooks hockey shirt and pulls it over my head, dressing me like I’m a damn baby. And I don’t fight it because I know Hunter enjoys doing nice things for people. It’s who he is.
When his fingers find the waistband of my leggings, I lift my ass up slightly to help him wiggle them from my legs. Tossing them to the floor, leaving me in only my thong, I reach under his shirt and rest my hand against his abdomen.
“Hunter,” I rasp, years of bottled-up emotions laced in my voice. “Please, even if this is fake…love me tonight. Love me like it isn’t.”
Kneeling before me again, he cups my cheek, his eyes burning into mine. “Little Bird, there isnothingfake about this. I promise you that.”
Tears flow down my cheeks as he brings his lips to mine.
“Are you sure you want to do this tonight?” His forehead presses to mine. “We don’t have to. I could hold you in my arms and be happy.”
