I’m on a complete high from the past two hours. Finally telling my parents the news has lifted a huge weight off my chest. I never should’ve doubted Hunter for a second because he freaking nailed his part. In fact, he was almost too convincing. I had to remind myself several times we were acting.
“My parents adore you,” I tell him once we’re in my old room with our luggage.
“I told you,” he singsongs. “Parents love me.”
I snort and roll my eyes. “My sisters were right. You sure know how to charm people.” I rummage through my suitcase and look for some comfy clothes. I can’t wait to change into them after dinner and sleep for twelve hours. With Hunter lying next to me, I probably could.
“Only when I need to,” he corrects.
“Actually, I don’t think I’m going to nap. Do you want a tour of the house? We can take a walk around the neighborhood, and I’ll show you all the ways we tried and failed to sneak out,” I say with a laugh.
Hunter leans against my old desk with his arms crossed over his chest, looking at me so intently. “Sure, I’d love that.”
Once I’ve organized my clothes and unpacked my toiletries, I lead Hunter around the house and relive childhood memories. My mom busies herself in the kitchen while my dad works in his office. Though he just gave a sermon this morning, he’s already working on the next one. He cares about his members, and his devotion to their needs often means staying late at church. Considering tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and the volunteers at the celebration will include members of the congregation, I know my parents have a jam-packed day for us.
I take Hunter on a walk and point out the elementary school my sisters and I attended, the park we used to hang out at, and the walking trails we’d meander along with our friends on the weekends. Going down memory lane brings feelings of nostalgia. Even though I somewhat wish I could raise my child here too, I’m happy with my life in Sacramento even after all the heartbreak I’ve endured.
By the time we return, I’m beyond exhausted and ready for food and sleep. Mom makes a fuss, so we sit in the formal dining room as she serves roast and potatoes. While we eat, we talk more about our “relationship” and how excited we are to become parents. I stand to show off my belly, then make a joke about how bloated and big I am for only being a few months along. Mom reassures me it’s normal since she started showing early with each of her pregnancies and was always asked if she was carrying twins.
Crisis averted.
For now, at least.
Hunter answers questions about his job, and I can’t help but notice how he lights up when he talks about it. He’s definitely passionate about his work, and my parents eat it up. They love how he’s driven and has a career, and considering the rings he bought, it’s safe to say I didn’t realize just how good of a living he makes.
When Mom passes out slices of homemade apple pie, my father asks Hunter about his family. Reaching under the table, I take Hunter’s hand and pull it on my lap for support as he tenses.
“He isn’t close with his parents,” I tell them, so he doesn’t have to explain.
“It’s okay, Lennon,” he says, looking at me as his gaze falls to our interlocked fingers. “I figured they’d be interested.” Hunter shrugs, but his confidence quickly returns when he looks at me. I nod, and he turns to my parents.
He tells them about Hayden and how close they are. Then he directly dives into his childhood, and how he grew up in a political household but had nothing to do with that once he left home. He speaks so effortlessly, opening up to my parents without a second thought. It’s amazing to watch him be so candid.
“Well, you’re a part of our family now, Hunter,” my father says after, and my heart pounds with a mixture of pride and guilt. We’re deceiving my parents, and for a minute, I think about revealing our hoax and telling them the truth, hoping they’ll accept what is, but then my father continues, reminding me exactly why I can’t. “We know your lives are in California, but we hope you’ve found a place of worship that follows our beliefs. Teaching you and your sisters the right way—God’s way—was important, and my grandchild’s life will be easier if the written word is taught and followed.”
My stomach drops. He’s being entirely too preachy, and it almost makes my skin crawl. I’ve heard it my entire life—go to church, get an education, date with the purpose to find a husband, get married, then have children.
Having a job was never forced, and being a stay-at-home mom was considering the norm. My sisters and I wanted careers we were passionate about and left to pursue them in California. None of us dreamed of being a homemaker like my mother. She was “the wife of the pastor” and in charge of bake sales and getting us to our extracurricular activities. Mom loved it, and I know plenty of other mothers in the church who did, but that life wasn’t for me.
“I can assure you we’ll raise the baby together and make those decisions as we go,” Hunter answers, saying enough to make my father happy.
Yawning, I get my mother’s attention, who luckily changes the subject. “You kids should get to bed after such a long day. Tomorrow’s going to be a blast!” She claps excitedly. “Did Lennon tell you all about it? Oh my gosh! All the church ladies are going to die over your handsome husband.”
Hunter clears his throat, sitting straighter. “Yes, ma’am, she’s told me some. Though I have a feeling I’m going to be in for quite the surprise.” He smirks, making my mother melt.
“It’s tradition,” I tell him. “Trust me, there’s no getting out of it.” I snicker, giving him an apologetic smirk.
Hunter wraps his arm around my shoulders and leans in closer. “Can’t wait.”
After we say good night to my folks and head upstairs, I go to the bathroom to brush my teeth and change clothes. Once I’m done and go back to the room, I see Hunter already under the covers, halfway off the bed.
Chuckling, I look at him and bite my lip. “Gonna be snug, huh?”
As if he could be any sexier, he puts his arms behind his head and stretches out. “Yeah, I don’t know where you’re gonna sleep,” he says with a smug smile.
“Ha-ha, funny. I warned you.”
“Yeah, but we ‘practiced’ in a big bed, and now I’m realizing just how ridiculous this is gonna be.”
I stop at the edge of the bed and frown. “I’m sorry. I know this isn’t ideal.”
“Lennon.” His face drops as he pulls back the covers. “Get in.”
My feet stay frozen to the floor, unable to move as I take in Hunter’s large frame and notice he’s only in his boxers. It’s hot as hell up here, and my parents never turn the central air below seventy degrees. It’s why I’m only wearing a pair of mesh shorts and a tank top.
Swallowing, I nod and finally snap out of it.
I will not stare at him.
Hell, who am I kidding? I’m gawking so hard I’m surprised my eyes haven’t popped out by now. I turn off the lamp on the nightstand and inhale.
I can do this.
We’re snuggling because we have to. If we don’t, one of us will literally fall off the bed. Hunter’s huge, which means he can’t help but take over two-thirds of the small mattress.
Climbing in, I pull the sheet over us and melt into his body. He brings one arm down and wraps it around me, holding me closer. I rest my hand on his chest, and we try to fall asleep glued together.
“Hunter,” I whisper after a while. His heartbeat has been steady and his breaths even, so I’m shocked when he answers.
“Yes?” he asks softly.
Tilting my head up, I look at him, and when he gazes down at me, I smile. “Thank you again for today. I’m pretty sure my parents fell in love with you.”
His body tenses for a split second before he responds, “It’s obvious they want the best for you, so I’m happy to play the part.”
I blink up at him, the moon giving just enough light for me to see his face. Hunter’s features are relaxed, which sends warmth down my body. Being this close should feel uncomfortable and awkward, but it makes that lonely feeling evaporate, even if only temporarily.
“Are you comfortable?” I ask, realizing he’s shifted over to give me room.
“I’m fine.”
Sitting up, I look at my side and compare it to his. “If we spoon, we’ll both have more space.”
Hunter’s throat moves, and I see the tic in his jaw. “Whatever you want.”
I roll my eyes, knowing he’s trying hard to keep boundaries between us. I understand the guilt he feels, but we need to set that aside for the time being.
“It’s just me and you, Hunter. Remember? No history or past,” I remind him, repeating my words from the night before. The guilt feels heavy on my chest, but it’s the only way we’re going to get through this without it consuming us. He says I’ll always be Brandon’s girlfriend, and even if that’s how he sees me, it’s no longer the reality.
I don’t wait for him to respond before turning on my other side. A moment passes before he finally shifts his weight, and his body curls around mine. Wiggling closer to him, I grab his hand and wrap it around my belly. Our legs mold together, and we both finally have enough room to breathe.
“You okay?” I ask after a few minutes.
“I’m regretting not bringing that cup with me,” he teases.
“Hey! I can’t even kick you in this position,” I defend, laughing.
Then I hear him growl. Against my ear.
Holy hell. It sends shivers down my spine as I wait for his response.
“That’s not what I’m gonna need it for.”
“Huh?” It takes me a good five seconds to put the pieces together. “Oh.”
“Good night, Lennon,” he says, tightening his hand around my belly as if he’s protecting me and the baby.
“Night, Hunter.”
Sleep comes quick and easy, but when my alarm goes off, I curse at my phone. Motherfucker. Seven in the morning came too soon, but if we don’t want to be late, it’s rise ’n’ shine time.
“Ugh.” I hit snooze and slowly start shifting.
“For the love of God, stop moving.”
My eyes pop open at Hunter’s words, his breath brushing against my cheek. It’s then I notice our compromising position. My butt fits directly against his groin, and one of my legs is between both of his.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, swallowing hard.
“You were wiggling your ass against my dick.”
The blood drains from my face, and I feel heat rush between my legs. Oh, my God.
“Uh, sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
Hunter moves his hand to my hip and slides his other arm out from under me. I adjust my leg so he can free himself.
Once I feel his weight shift, I sit up on the edge of the bed. “Did you sleep okay?” I look at him over my shoulder but can only see his back and messy bedhead.
“Mmhmm,” is all the response I get before he stands and walks to his suitcase. He grabs his clothes, then goes to the door. “I’m gonna shower first. Is that okay?”
When he finally looks at me, I notice the pained expression on his face. We were definitely too close last night, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel good. Too good.
Remorse hits me hard and fast. I hate how I can’t get ahold of my emotions when it comes to Hunter, and I need to. There’s no denying I miss having someone close to me, someone to hold me, to touch and kiss me. Brandon and I were together for two years and losing that has been worse than a painful breakup because there’s no chance of closure.
Hunter makes me feel things, and I don’t know if it’s because I miss Brandon and I’m projecting them onto him or if it’s something else completely. I’m confused and feel so lost.
I shake and clear my head. There’s no time to think about any of that now. I’ll suppress my feelings until I’m forced to deal with them.
“Sure, go ahead. I’ll go see if my mom needs help with breakfast or anything.” I flash him a smile, hoping he relaxes.
“Okay.” He opens the door and walks down the hallway.
Do guys always wake up with morning wood? Brandon did occasionally, but now I’m wondering if it’s a regular occurrence for some men. My experience in that department is minimal, and I’m pretty sure Googling that question would lead me to some scary websites.
Grabbing my phone, I open my messages and text Sophie.
Lennon: Forgot to tell you we made it here safe and sound. Mom and Dad love Hunter (shocker, right?) and today is when the REAL fun begins.
Sophie: About damn time, woman! I wasn’t sure if they kicked your asses out or not. I mean, based on the situation, it was kind of a toss-up.
Lennon: Funny. Well, just for future reference, they’d much prefer a daughter who secretly got married and knocked up versus one who gets pregnant out of wedlock.
Sophie: Duly noted.
Lennon: Anyway. Do all guys get morning wood?
Sophie: Why would you assume I’d know the answer to that? Also, does Hunter?
Sighing, I should’ve figured she’d ask that.
Lennon: Why do you think I’m asking! Brandon did sometimes, but Hunter has all three times we’ve slept in the same bed together. Is that normal?
Sophie: Probably when there’s a body pressed against it. Especially YOUR body.
I groan, wondering why I even asked her in the first place.
Lennon: I bet that’s uncomfortable for men. Kinda explains why he’s always so moody in the morning.
Sophie: Where is he right now?
Lennon: In the shower.
Sophie: And I rest my case.
Lennon: What case?
Sophie: You gave him morning wood, and now he needs to go “relieve” himself.
Rolling my eyes, I quickly type out my response.
Lennon: Oh yeah, I’m sure my pregnant ass is such an aphrodisiac. He probably had a sex dream about someone else.
Sophie: Keep lying to yourself, sis, but it doesn’t refute the fact that he’s the one who came up with this idea in the first place and has been all too eager to play the role of your husband.
Lennon: He’s doing it as a friend, Soph. For Brandon.
Sophie: Mmhmm.
Lennon: Ugh! I’m going to text my FAVORITE sister from now on.
Sophie: Nice try. It’s you two who are constantly fighting over that title, not me. Either way, I love you, and I’m glad the plan is working.
My shoulders slump as I re-read her last few messages. Even if she was right about Hunter, it doesn’t change the fact that Jenna could be carrying his baby or change the dynamic of our friendship. We agreed to push it all aside for now so we could focus on our fake relationship, so that’s exactly what I need to do even if it hurts.
Lennon: I love you too. I’ll tell you all the details when we get back!
Sophie: BTW. Can I tell you how much I HATE CARTER? I’m beginning to hate Maria for allowing him to act this way. After the shit he pulled this morning (I’ll tell you about it later), I’m over this stupid living situation.
Lennon: I’m sorry. It gets better. I promise.
I know she won’t believe that, but it’s all I can do to offer her some peace.
Sophie: Gotta go. Chat soon. Tell your hubby I said hello. Hehe.
I finally make it down to the kitchen, where I find my parents sitting with their cups of coffee. Groaning about the delicious smell, I wrap my arms around my mom and give her a hug.
“Morning, sweetie. How’d you two sleep?” she asks.
“Good. Hunter’s in the shower now.”
“There are scrambled eggs on the stovetop for you and juice in the fridge. Want some toast?” She loves taking care of her kids, something I missed when I first left.
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll get it.”
As I’m stuffing my face, Hunter comes strolling in wearing nice shorts and a tight-fitting T-shirt. I nearly choke on my food when I look at him, remembering how all that hard muscle felt wrapped around me last night, and I force back the mixed feelings that surface.
“Morning,” he greets my parents sweetly, reaching for the coffee after my mother tells him to help himself. He grabs a plate of food, then sits at the table.
Hunter flashes me a wink, and all my nerves wash away. “Morning, sweetheart.” He leans down, cups my face, then presses a soft kiss on my lips. “Feeling okay?” he asks, looking deep into my eyes.
“Uh, yeah,” I mutter, swallowing down the lump of food in my throat. “Baby’s hungry.”
“Have you had a lot of morning sickness?” my mom asks after Hunter takes a seat.
“No, not really,” I respond. “Certain smells make me sick, but other than that, I’ve been really blessed with an easy first trimester.”
I quickly finish my food and excuse myself to get ready. Oddly enough, I’m not even worried about leaving Hunter with them, knowing he has this husband thing down.
Once I’m showered and look presentable in a sundress and flats, I make my way down and announce I’m ready to go. It’s already eight thirty, and my parents wanted to be there before nine. The 5k run has already started, so we’re supposed to meet up with their church friends at the park.
“You look beautiful,” Hunter whispers when he’s standing in front of me.
Smiling up at him, I reply, “Thank you. I like this getup you have going on.” I run my eyes down his body before looking back at his face.
Hunter chuckles. “Thanks. Figured casual wear was best for outside activities.” He shrugs as if he’s insecure about it, but he has no reason to be.
“It’s perfect,” I reassure him.
My parents meet us at the door, and we follow them outside. We ride in the back of the car, and Hunter grabs my hand as if we’ve done it a hundred times, and he doesn’t even have to think about it anymore.
“This city is so impressive. It’s gorgeous,” Hunter says, looking out the window.
“You should see it in the winter. It’s a huge tourist attraction,” my father chimes in.
“Maybe you could come back for a visit?” My mom looks over her shoulder at us. “Maybe after the baby’s born?” she asks hopeful.
Hunter squeezes my hand and responds before I can. “We’d love that.”
Clearing my throat, I grab my mom’s attention as she’s easily gawking over my fake husband. “The baby’s due in the middle of January, so I’m not really sure we’ll be able to swing it.”
Lying to her about the baby’s due date makes me feel guilty as hell, but it’s inevitable at this point.
“We’ll play it by ear, sweetheart,” Hunter says, turning and looking at me with a wide smile. I know he wants them to like him, so I nod in agreement so the subject can be dropped.
Finally, we arrive at the crowded park. Hunter gets out of the car and leaves the door open for me. After he slides out, he takes my hand and helps me up.
“Relax,” he whispers, closing the door behind me. He rubs a palm over my shoulder, then down my arm before he grabs my hand. “We’ve got this, remember?” The wink he flashes me sends a shiver down my spine. Hunter’s charm puts every other man to shame.
With a deep breath, I nod and smile. “You’re right. It’s just...we’re about to get bombarded.”
Hunter shrugs with a smirk. “I’ve had these unrequited feelings for you since the moment I met you, but I’ve always kept my distance out of respect for your relationship with my best friend. After his death, we leaned on each other and grieved our loss together. We grew closer and could no longer deny what was brewing between us.”
My heart races as his words come out so confidently, and I almost lose my breath.
“Wh-hat?”
I blink, looking at him with confusion. What?
Then his smirk deepens. “That’s the story we’re going with, right? About how we got together?”
My stupid heart. It nearly stopped beating with how casually he said those words. A part of me wonders how he plays this role so easily while the other part knows he’s doing this for Brandon, but I can’t help thinking there’s so much more to it.
I finally snap out of my thoughts. “Oh duh, yes.”
“And after the circumstances that brought us together, we decided that life was too short and wanted to be together for good. Got hitched in Vegas and knocked you right up.” He winks, sending butterflies straight to my pregnant belly.
Ugh. These damn hormones. They need to be locked up because I can’t take how they’re confusing me.
I snort at our story recap. “Sounds about right.”
Hunter grabs my hand, pulls me against his chest, then dips his head. “Showtime, Mrs. Manning.”
And then he slants his mouth over mine for a breathtaking, heart-stopping kiss.