“Because it gives me an outlet and because this time…it’s my choice and on my terms.”
When he finishes, I don’t say anything. Closing my eyes, all I can see is Hunter as a child and me as his mother while he protects us both, and he takes the brunt force of a man much stronger. How can I judge him for doing something that keeps him grounded? How can I judge him for taking control of his life, for protecting the one person who did her best to protect him?
Yes, he should have told me, but there are things I should say too.
A sob bursts free, then another and another, until I’m crying uncontrollably. Hunter takes me in his arms, telling me that he loves me, that everything will be okay and he’ll take care of me.
“I’m so damn lucky to have you in my life, angel.”
I stare at him through wet lashes. “I think we’re lucky to have each other.”
“No more lies or omissions.” He kisses the tip of my nose. “Swear to you that I don’t have any more. You know all my secrets now.”
“No more lies,” I agree.
He holds me closer. “Thank you for listening to me. I was afraid I was going to lose you.”
“There’s nothing you can do to lose me now. I know what’s in your heart.”
—
On the way home from work the next day, my phone lights up like crazy. My lawyer’s phone number marches across the screen and my heart speeds up.
Please don’t let this be another threat from Penn.
“Any updates for me, Lucy?” I ask, trying to stay positive.
“Actually, I do. In a strange turn of events, the McCarthys have generously allowed for your legal fees to be repaid and Mr. McCarthy is dropping his suit for harassment. I don’t understand how or why, but this is wonderful news.”
“Indeed it is.” Triumphantly, I listen as she talks about how things will go much smoother now and that she will deposit the money into my account as soon as it is wired to her.
“Thank you so much.” Pressing End, I toss my phone into my purse, then pull into my parking spot. My hands are shaking and so are my knees. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to walk inside at all.
Legs quivering, I run inside Hunter’s apartment without knocking, making him tense up. I really should stop doing that to him, but I’m kind of hoping I find him naked again.
“What’s gotten into you?”
Jumping into his arms, I wrap my legs around him and plant one on his mouth. “The video worked. He’s agreed to my demands and I don’t have to put up with his bull a second longer!”
“That’s my woman,” he says approvingly. “How about I reward you with a daily orgasm?”
“Can we pretend it’s Sunday?”
“Oh yeah.” He pushes me into the sofa cushions and starts kissing his way down my body, then stops. “After dinner.”
“You are the meanest man on the planet,” I joke, leaning up to kiss him and to change his mind.
“I’m punctual,” he counters. “We have reservations at six with Dwight and his wife.”
“Oh, now we are really getting deep.”
“Yeah, next week, I’ll take you to meet my priest.”
I snort and giggle. “I heard that you only do that with the woman you want to marry.”
“That could be arranged.”
“I was only joking.”
He lets me up. “Go get dressed and I’ll be over to pick you up in ten minutes.”
“Ten? I need at least twenty.”
“Five minutes,” he says flatly, but his eyes dance. “You’re already beautiful.”
I roll my eyes. “Fine,” I huff. “Come over in ten minutes. The door’s already unlocked, so you won’t have to use your key.”
A grim look covers his face. “Don’t like it when you do that, angel.”
“Oh, please. We’re the only two apartments on this side of the house. Who’s going to get me—besides you or Jake?”
Jake stretches in his bed.
“Hard life for that one,” Hunters says, then tilts his head to one side. “This is your last time leaving the door open. Got me?”
“I got you.” I give him a sassy smile before sauntering out into the hallway. I make sure to close his door. “Bless his paranoid heart.”
With a shake of my head, I stroll into my apartment, my heart lighter than it’s ever been in years. I need to tell Hunter how I feel. I know that now.
There’s no need for me to keep holding back from him, to keep that part of me boxed and locked up tight.
“Hello, Eva.”
I freeze, my mouth going dry as an asphalt road in August. I attempt to swallow, but it’s practically a useless move.
“What are you doing here?”
“Wanted to congratulate you on the viral video you made about us,” he says, stepping toward me.
I really want to say in this moment that Penn is somehow smaller than I remember, or ugly, or…something derogatory, but I can’t. He’s perfectly perfect on the outside. A tall man with a beautiful, cold face and a charming smile. He’s the rattle on the snake. The one you never see coming until he’s already struck.
But I know better now.