Every nerve in my body is on fire when Hunter’s lips brush against mine. Everything inside me lights up like fireworks when he says the most beautiful and heartfelt things, cherishing me like I’m his whole world.
He loves me.
I don’t think I will ever get tired of hearing him say those words. He says them with every fiber of his being, so truthful and meaningful it makes my heart pound at the realization we’re in love.
This whole time, I’ve been in denial, fighting it and refusing to allow myself to love again.
But I can’t live in the past anymore.
When our mouths fuse in a heated, passionate kiss, I’m done speaking and allow our bodies to do the talking. I want this so badly every part of me aches for him.
Sinking into him, we’re as close as two bodies can be together, and I claw my nails down his back. Hunter rewards me with a desperate groan and reaches around to cup my ass. I feel just how hard he is. I want to taste him, lick him, devour him the way he did me.
When he wraps his hand around my thigh, I use it as leverage to climb on top of him and straddle his waist. His lips consume mine, his large hands roaming over every surface of my exposed body, and for once, I don’t feel insecure.
Kissing my way down, I press my lips to his bare chest, silently admiring his tattoos and his muscles. Then I feather kisses to his stomach and all the way to his very admirable V over his hips. Hunter moans when I rub a hand over his cock, teasing and desperate.
“Fuck, Lennon…” His head falls back, and I smile, knowing he’s already losing his damn mind, and I’ve barely touched him.
I scramble to help him take off his pants and boxer shorts, and when he’s fully bared to me, my breath hitches at the sight of him. I always knew Hunter was a gorgeous man, solid and muscular, but seeing him like this, exposed and hard, makes me want to kiss every damn inch of him.
Unable to wait for another second, I wrap my hand around his cock and slide my tongue up his shaft. He groans, and oh my God it turns me on even more. I look up at Hunter whose eyes are glued to me, and his mouth parted as he wraps a hand in my hair and pulls it to the side.
I slide my tongue around his tip before pulling him into my mouth. His fingers tighten in my hair, so I do it again.
“Fuck yes, sweetheart. Just like that.” Hunter moans as I rotate my hand over his length and suck on him, pulling him deeper into my throat. I do this over and over, before sliding my hand down to his balls to carefully massage him and then opening my mouth wider. With my ass in the air, I pull him all the way inside my mouth and suck. Hunter’s hips arch as he thrusts upward, and the taste of him has me growing more anxious to have all of him.
As I come up for air, I bring both hands to his cock and stroke him hard and fast. His eyes roll to the back of his head, and I love the way he responds to everything I’m doing to him. It gives me the confidence to climb up his body and straddle his lap.
Hunter sits up, cups my face, and slams his mouth to mine. He pours so much love and passion into everything he does, and right now, in the heat of the moment, it’s no different. It’s always been real. I pull him closer and rock my hips to let him know exactly what I want.
“Hunter…” I beg against his lips. “I need you.”
“Yeah?” he asks, kissing down my neck and to my ear. “How much?”
His taunting tone makes me smile as my head falls back. Hunter’s mouth and hands explore, leaving goose bumps everywhere he touches.
“Please,” I whimper, rocking my body. “Now.”
“Fuck,” he growls. “Yes.”
Hunter wraps a hand around my waist, then spins us around until I’m lying on the bed and he’s over me. “I love hearing you beg for it.” He flashes me his shit-eating grin. “Might’ve fantasized about it a time or two.” Then he winks.
Smug bastard.
I shake my head but can’t stop smiling, even when he slants his mouth over mine and kisses me.
Hunter leans back, spreading my legs wider, then he aligns our bodies. I bite my lip in anticipation as he strokes his dick a few times, and when I finally feel him inside me, I lose all control. The way he groans, then pulls back momentarily before sliding back in is complete bliss. My hips move with his, and we easily form a rhythm. Hunter braces himself above me, and as I wrap a hand around his neck, our mouths fuse and weld together.
“You feel fucking incredible, Lennon,” he whispers, his forehead pressed to mine. I wrap my legs around his waist, giving him all the access he needs. “Lennon, baby. Do you feel how amazing we fit together?” His head drops to the side, and his lips press against my ear.
“Yes…” I whisper on a moan. “Better than I could’ve ever imagined,” I shyly admit.
Hunter’s eyes meet mine, our bodies completely in sync as he increases his pace, hitting the right spot over and over. My breathing picks up, my back arches, and I’m so damn close.
“Yes, yes, yes,” I mutter, feeling every inch of him and unable to control the words spewing out of my mouth.
He reaches around for my leg to bring it over his shoulder, and then he drives impossibly deeper. The angle has my fingers clawing at his arms, wanting more, harder, faster—which he delivers.
Panting, rocking, begging for all of him.
“Oh my God, Hunter,” I cry out, my body arching to meet his, and then everything spins, and I see stars. The orgasm hits me so quick and unexpectedly, I clamp my hands around his biceps and dig my nails into his skin. He releases a loud grunt, and as soon as my vision clears, I watch him lose his fucking mind as he chases his own release.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck…” His rugged voice comes out hoarse as his jaw tightens. Damn, he looks sexy as hell when he comes, and knowing I’m the reason is so damn satisfying.
Hunter nearly collapses on top of me but holds himself up before dipping his head down to kiss me. Though we’re both trying to catch our breaths, I smile against his lips as our hearts pound in a mutual rhythm.
He rests his forehead against mine. “I love you,” he whispers. “I hope you don’t get tired of hearing me say that. I’ve been waiting a while…”
His breathy confession has me chuckling. Hunter falls to the side, taking me with him so we’re face to face.
“I know.” I brush my fingers through his hair. “I love you too.” My heart nearly bursts, so relieved to be able to say those words to him after denying them for so long.
“You’re mine,” he says with a seductive smile.
“And I’m yours,” I finish.
With a smile, Hunter kisses the top of my nose. “Don’t move. Be right back.”
He returns moments later with a towel, and once we’re clean, we climb under the covers, and our bodies naturally mold together. My eyes flutter closed as I fall asleep next to the man I, without a doubt, have fallen recklessly in love with.
As soon as my eyes pop open, I check my phone and panic at how late it is. “Oh my God,” I mutter, sit up and scan my room, then realize Alison isn’t in her crib.
Hunter’s hand lands on my thigh and squeezes. “She’s with Mrs. Locke,” he reminds me in a sleepy voice. When I look over at him, his eyes are closed, but he somehow knew I was freaking out.
“Oh, right,” I mutter. “I should go pick her up soon.”
Hunter opens his eyes and smiles. “I sent her a text a couple of hours ago and let her know you’d be sleeping in, but we can go get her anytime you want.”
I lie back down, and he wraps me in his arms. “You were up and checked on her?”
Hunter presses his lips to mine for a sweet kiss, and my face lights up at the memory of our night together. “Yep. Guess it’s become a habit now.” He winks, brushing his fingers over my cheek. I love his little touches and the way he’s always found a reason to let me know he’s close, even if it was strictly platonic at the time. But now I want his hands all over me all of the time. “She sent some pictures if you wanna see. Looks like she’s having a blast.”
“Alison or Mrs. Locke?” I chuckle.
Hunter laughs, reaching for his phone, and then clicks on the message. “Both. I doubt she’s put her down since you dropped her off.”
“Well, Alison is still too young to do anything except demand to be held, fed, or changed. Although she loves to kick her little legs and arms, and pull my hair.”
He shows me the few photos, and we both aww at how cute they are. Mrs. Locke absolutely loves being a grandma, and I know it doesn’t erase the pain of what happened to Brandon, but it’s definitely brought us closer to healing.
“Can’t say I blame her for that one,” Hunter taunts, grabbing a loose strand and yanking. “I might’ve dreamed about it a time or two.”
“Oh, is that so?” I hitch a leg over his waist and pull myself on top of him. “What else have you fantasized about?”
Hunter’s eyes widen as he tosses his phone, then plants his hands on my waist. His hips arch, and his dick pushes between my legs. “Fuck,” he drawls the word out. “Are you about to make one of them come true?”
I smirk, leaning down to kiss him. “I think I just might.”
“Don’t mess with me, woman,” he growls. “I wanted to wake you up hours ago and have my way with you, but I figured you’d kick me in the dick again and tell me to fuck off.”
“That was one time!” I laugh against his mouth.
“Technically, it was two,” he corrects. “But I’m willing to let it go on one condition.”
“Hmm…” I grind against him, knowing it’s driving him crazy.
“You better stop that,” he warns, holding my hips in place.
I chuckle, loving this playful side of him so damn much. “And what would that be?”
“You come on my cock right fucking now,” he blurts out the words in a husky voice.
I pretend to contemplate it, and when I don’t respond right away, Hunter brings his hand to my ass and smacks it.
“Fine!” I burst out laughing.
Shifting, I take his dick in my hand, stroke him a few times, then slowly slide down on him. I watch as his face contorts, his lips part, and then his head falls back when he’s completely inside.
“Christ, Lennon,” he moans. “Why do you feel so damn good?”
I love how much I affect him. I want to prove to him how much I want and love him, especially after everything we’ve been through.
With my hands braced on his chest, our bodies rock together into oblivion. Every slap to my ass encourages me to go faster, harder, and take him deeper. I love watching his face, how every move affects him, but he has no idea what he’s doing to me. When I lean down to kiss his lips, he rests a hand on each side of my face gently and kisses me so damn deep and passionately, it brings me over the edge.
I moan his name as I ride out my release, and then I lean all the way back until my hands rest on his thighs and grind my hips against him as fast as possible. As soon as Hunter rubs my clit, my head falls back as we race toward another wave of pleasure. I scream out his name, begging for more, unable to control the sounds that come out of my mouth with every thrust.
Hunter grunts and growls, pushing his hips into me as he comes hard. His entire body flexes, the cords of his neck tighten while his fingers dig into my legs. God, the man is raw perfection.
I collapse on top of him, and he wraps his strong arms around me as we both pant to catch our breaths. He shifts us to our sides with our legs still tangled together.
“Not even gonna lie,” he starts. “Fucking love hearing you scream my name.”
I’m still trying to steady my breathing but chuckle at his admission. “Don’t get used to it. Pretty sure that performance would wake up the baby. Hell, probably the entire apartment complex.”
“So what you’re saying is we’re gonna need to put a gag in your mouth to muffle the noise?”
His naughty thoughts make me blush. “You’re just straight-up dirty, aren’t you?” I tease, digging my heel into his ass to bring him closer.
“You have no idea the inappropriate thoughts I’ve had about you.” He leans in and bites my bottom lip.
“If I have to be muffled, then so do you.” I wrap my hand around his neck and kiss him. “It’s only fair.”
“I’d be on board with that.” He winks.
I look at him, wondering how I should bring it up. “What if you moved into my room with me? And we made your room into a nursery for Alison?”
Hunter’s brows shoot up, causing me to panic.
“Am I moving too fast?” I ask shyly, though it just feels right.
His eyes light up, and he grins so fucking wide it causes butterflies to flutter through me.
“Hell no,” he tells me with a smack on the lips, then holds me tight. “Now that I’m in here, I’m not ever leaving.”
When we finally make our way out of bed, I start making food while he takes a shower. I decide to text Sophie and Maddie, knowing they’re going to lose their damn minds.
Lennon: I guess I have you to thank, Soph…texting Hunter to ignore my text messages and all…he came barging home at 3am demanding I explain myself!
Sophie: OMG… FINALLY! Tell me everything!
Maddie: Did you two finally go to pound town?!
I snort at her bluntness.
Lennon: OMG, Maddie.
Sophie: WELL?
Lennon: YES OKAY! Several times. It was…
I lose myself in thoughts of him and chuckle when I read their messages.
Maddie: What? TELL US!
Sophie: …hello?
Lennon: It was amazing! HE is amazing. It felt so right and being able to finally say that I love him just makes my heart burst out of my chest. Is that cheesy?
Maddie: AWWWW
Sophie: About damn time! Lord! I was starting to get sympathy blue balls for him!
Lennon: OMG…you two are insane. But thanks for helping me through last night. I never knew I could feel this happy again. I know it’s super new and fresh, but it’s Hunter. He makes me feel so loved and comfortable in my own skin.
I almost tear up thinking about how tender and loving this man is and how I can’t possibly deserve a guy like him.
Sophie: Stop, I’m gonna cry!
Lennon: HA!
Maddie: Liam and Mason owe me $100 now. #BOOM!
Sophie: Ooh me too! $100 richer!
Lennon: You two bet on if we’d hook up?
I roll my eyes, but I’m not even surprised with them.
Sophie: No, we bet WHEN. They totally lost.
Maddie: I’m gonna make them pay up so hard!
Lennon: Okay, well you four have fun in your weird non-relationship relationships. I’m going to finish cooking breakfast so I have lots of energy for later…
Maddie: EW
Sophie: Double ew
Sophie: But we still love you!!
Maddie: Yes! And so, so happy for you guys!
Lennon: Love you too! Chat soon! MWAH
I hear Hunter shout my name over the water streaming, and when I walk inside, I’m slightly blinded by the sight.
Well, fuck me. Again.
“Did you call me?”
“Yeah, sorry. I ran out of body wash and have an extra bottle on my dresser. Would you mind grabbing it for me?” he asks.
“Sure, one second.” I tilt my head to the side, trying to sneak a look.
“You can join me, if you want…” Hunter taunts with a lazy grin. “Sing to me in the shower while I fuck you from behind.”
“Oh my God, you’re insatiable.”
His laughter echoes as I find the willpower to move my feet and walk into his room. I know the brand he uses, but I don’t see anything on his dresser. Hunter isn’t exactly organized, so I decide to check his drawers. Nothing. Hmm. I check his desk and closet next. Then I remembered his nightstand is basically a kitchen’s version of a junk drawer and look there. I dig around, moving random things around, and when I see a black velvet box, my entire body freezes.
I know it’s not from the ring he bought me since I have it in my room, but why the hell would he have this? Was he going to propose to someone before everything happened? Jenna?
Ugh, the thought makes me sick.
I shouldn’t look, but my curiosity gets the best of me, and before I can talk myself out of it, I flip it open and see an engagement ring.
A princess cut diamond on a white gold band.
It’s stunning.
I start breathing harder, my heart races, and when I pick up the ring, I immediately see an engraving on the inside.
03/18 the day I started dating my soul mate.
And then my heart stops beating.
The words inside the ring nearly make me choke on my emotions. We always talked about our future together and getting married, so when did he plan to propose?
Better yet, why does Hunter have it?
Kneeling on the floor, I stare at it, memories of us flooding in, and all the what-ifs burning in my mind. He died before he could ask me, before I could give him an answer, before we could ever start our forever together.
How could Hunter not tell me? I feel so fucking betrayed.
“Lennon?” I hear him shout from the shower.
Standing, I place the ring back in the box, slowly shut his nightstand, then walk back to the bathroom. He smiles as soon as he sees me, but it quickly falls from his face.
“What is it? Were you able to find it?”
“How could you keep this from me?” I ask, my voice brittle. Tears form in my eyes at how this changes things. I hold out my hand to show him the velvet box as my face hardens.
Hunter blinks, then looks at it, and as soon as the realization hits, he shuts off the water. “Lennon.” He says my name so softly, almost as if it pains him.
I turn and walk to my bedroom, slamming the door behind me. It doesn’t do a damn thing because Hunter immediately barges in.
“Lennon, wait. I know you’re upset…”
“Upset?” I turn and face him, my voice going up an octave. He’s drenched with a towel wrapped haphazardly around his waist, water droplets falling from his chest. I snap my eyes back to his. “How could you not tell me Brandon was planning to propose? How could you keep this ring and not tell me after everything we’ve been through?” I don’t realize tears are falling until I taste salt. I hate that I get emotional so quickly and wipe them away as fast as I can.
“Lennon, please. Let me explain…” He steps toward me, but I step back.
“Hunter, don’t. I should’ve known this was too good to be true. No wonder you suggested we pretend to be married.” I’m letting my anger speak, unable to control my emotions as they spill over.
“Don’t say that,” he barks. “I have been here for you through everything so don’t you dare use that against me.” Hunter closes the gap between us, and this time, I let him. “I did that for you and Allie.”
I swallow, nodding because I know he’s being sincere. “You told me to trust you,” I whisper-sob. “Were you ever going to tell me?”
Hunter closes his eyes, and he shrugs his shoulders. “I honestly don’t know. How do you tell someone that kind of news? Risk your emotional stress during the worst time of your life, or tell you when you’re happy and watch you spiral back to those dark days? I was put between a rock and a hard place.”
“Still, I had a right to know,” I bite out, my chest rising and falling as quickly as my heart races.
“You have to believe me, Lennon…” He takes my hands in his, looking so defeated as he speaks. “The last thing I wanted was to hurt you. There were so many times I thought of telling you, but I didn’t know what it’d do —if it’d set you back or if you’d be mad I said anything at all. I never thought this would be the situation when Brandon told me he was going to propose, and when I found the ring, you definitely weren’t in the mindset to see it.”
“Maybe, maybe not. But that wasn’t your choice to make,” I tell him softly. “My boyfriend died never being able to ask me. He died before I knew he was going to ask me to marry him. And you knew...this whole time!” Tears fall, and when Hunter nods and squeezes his eyes shut, I know it’s because he’s in tears too.
“Lennon, I’m so, so sorry,” he whispers, bringing a hand to my cheek. “This is not how I wanted you to find out or for things to happen between us. I love you, and bringing you more pain is the last thing I ever wanted.”
My bottom lip trembles. This man has changed my life in the best way possible. He stepped aside when I was with his best friend, and when Brandon died, he became my anchor. He’s always had my best interest in mind. Always. I can’t imagine how keeping a secret like this has affected him. I try to put myself in his shoes, and the rational part of my brain knows either option would’ve been a shitty one. Had I known Brandon was going to propose while grieving his death, I would’ve crumpled even more. If he told me during the pregnancy, it might have actually destroyed my heart. My hormones wouldn’t have been able to handle it. Soon after, shit went down with my parents, we made it through the first holidays without Brandon, and then Alison debuted. He’s right. There really wasn’t a safe time to tell me.
I want to hold and console him for being forced to keep this secret, knowing it put him in a bad situation. But I believe him and know it wasn’t held from me out of spite. He was keeping me safe from the pain it would’ve caused, and I understand that, as much as it hurts now.
“Please say something, sweetheart.” Hunter drops to his knees, wrapping his arms around my waist and holding me. “I can’t lose you, Lennon. I love you and Allie more than my own life, and I’ll never forgive myself if I can’t fix this.”
“That’s how you knew what diamond cut I’d want,” I say softly. “When you bought that one at the airport.”
He nods against my stomach, and my heart lodges into my throat, unable to swallow down my pain. Hunter tilts his head back and gazes into my eyes.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he states confidently. “I know you’re upset with me, and rightfully so, but I’m here, fighting for you, for us. So if it’s space you need, I’ll give it to you if you ask, but know that I’m not giving up.”
My heart pounds so hard in my chest as I think about his words. The love Hunter has for me is so overwhelming and special, and the last thing I want is for this to screw things up. I love him, and knowing he kept this from me hurts, but it’s not a deal breaker for me.
Nodding, I bring a hand to his face. “You were protecting me.”
“Yes,” he states. “I felt very protective of you right after he died and have only always wanted to be there for you. Once I found it, I didn’t know what to do…” He closes his eyes for a moment. “But I should’ve told you myself instead of risking you’d find it.”
I nod. “If anything, I’d like to give it to Alison one day. I think she deserves to have the ring her daddy picked out.”
“Absolutely. It’s yours. I never wanted to keep it from you two, but—”
“I know,” I cut him off. “You were put in the worst possible position.” I lean down and brush my lips against his. “I believe you.”
Hunter releases a long sigh. “Thank God.” I pull his hand, and he stands. “I love you so much, Lennon. You and Allie. You’re both my whole world.”
With tears in my eyes and a smile on my face, I nod, feeling the truth of his words right down to my soul. “I love you, too.”