All night long I could tell there was something on Hunter’s mind, but he never spoke about it. We made love and went to sleep, and I thought for sure he’d wake up in a better mood. I was wrong. I know he doesn’t like spending time at the club anymore, but I don’t think that’s it.

Something happened that he’s not telling me about. I can only imagine what that something could be. My stomach clenches and I can feel the jealousy stirring. I hate him being around other women; especially when he’s entertaining them. What if something happened between him and another woman? It makes me sick to think about it. What makes me even more insane is the jealousy. I’ve never felt like that before about any man.

I walk into the kitchen and Hunter pours me a cup of coffee. It’s Friday, our last day at the office before the weekend break, only he doesn’t get a break—he’ll be at the club.

“You tossed and turned last night,” I say, taking the cup.

His jaw clenches and he’s yet to look at me. “I have a lot on my mind.”

“I can see that. Is there something you need to tell me?” I snap the words and he jerks his head toward me.

“Are you angry with me?” he asks, softening his voice. The muscles in his face relax and those brown eyes of his regard me with concern. Just one look at his face like that and all the insecurities go out the window.

Sighing, I set my coffee on the counter and wrap my arms around his waist. I lay my head on his chest and his heart pounds away. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. It’s just you’ve been acting funny since you got home last night. Makes me think something happened at the club.” His body tenses and I know I’m right. I let him go and step back, my chest aching. He stares at me and I can’t read his expression. “Did you cheat on me with another woman?” I choke out.

“What?” he shouts, eyes widening. He rushes toward me and grabs my shoulders, his face frantic. “Why the hell would you think that?”

“So nothing happened between you and another woman?”

He grabs my face, his brown eyes boring into mine. “Fuck no. I would never cheat on you, Kennedy. I’m falling in love with you for Christ’s sake. I would never fuck that up.”

My eyes burn and it’s as if all my insecurities float away.

“I … I’m sorry. I never should’ve assumed.” He kisses me and I melt in his arms. “But I know there’s something you’re not telling me.”

“You’re right, there is. When I got home last night all I wanted to do was make love to you. I didn’t want to ruin the night.” Letting me go, he grabs my coffee and nods toward the kitchen table. “Sit down and I’ll tell you.” I sit and gulp down my coffee. I have a strange feeling I’m not going to like what he’s about to say. “Last night when I was walking to my car, I ran into someone,” he begins.

“Who?”

He huffs. “Chad Bates.”

“Oh my God, did he recognize you?”

“Yep, and it doesn’t end there. He claims Jennifer and I are fucking. He’s going to get his lawyer to counter sue.”

I scoff. “He can try. We both know he doesn’t have a leg to stand on. We’re the ones who have the proof.”

“What pisses me off even more is the cocksucker left with three other women. He’s such a fucking douche.”

“That he is. But is that all that happened?”

Grasping my hand, he shakes his head. “I think we’re going to have problems with this one, Kennedy. I saw the expression on his face. He’s the type of man who’s not afraid to hurt people. I can handle him if he comes after me, but I don’t want him going after you or Jennifer.”

I understand him completely. Even I saw the rage inside of Chad. Instead of asking Jennifer why she wants a divorce, he responded with violence. “I’ll be fine,” I say, squeezing his hand. “I’m a big girl. Besides, I have you to keep me safe.” I smile, hoping it’ll get the worried look off his face, but it doesn’t. Hell, even I can’t deny I’m a little nervous about the situation. Chad Bates is a powerful man with many connections. But whatever happens, I’m not going to let him win.

“I’m not with you twenty-four-seven,” Hunter murmurs.

I bite my lip. “No, but you could be.”

His brows furrow. “What do you mean?”

Glancing down at our clasped hands, I smile. “You could always move in with me. I mean, it’s not like it’ll be that big of a step. You’re practically living with me now.”

He lets go of my hand and tilts my chin up with his fingers. His eyes twinkle and a small grin splays across his lips. “Is that really what you want?”

“Don’t you?” I counter. “I know it’s all happening so fast, but—” Not letting me finish, he grabs the back of my neck and pulls me to him. His kiss is hard and demanding and I willingly open for him, enjoying the taste of his lips. “Does this mean yes?” I ask, breaking away from the kiss.

Chuckling, he lifts me up and sets me on the table, his hands rough as he pulls up my skirt. “You have no idea.” Before I know it, his pants are unzipped and he’s pushing into me. “You won’t be able to get rid of me now.”

I lock my legs around him, holding him tight. “I don’t want to.”

 

 

We made it through Friday at the office with no interruptions from Chad. The court date has been set and I have two weeks until I get to hammer his ass into the ground. What really shocked me was how quiet it was at the office, almost like the calm before a storm. At least I have Hunter to keep my mind off of it.

“Looks like this is all of it,” I say, helping Hunter load the rest of his boxes into his car. Everything is pretty much out of his apartment except for his furniture. We’re going to have it put in storage for the time being.

Grinning, Hunter shuts the trunk. “It is. I’ve been staying at your place for so long it feels strange being back here.”

“You can always move back if it doesn’t work out,” I tease.

“That’s not going to happen, love. You’re mine now.”

Giggling, I get in his car and we head back over to my house. Soon, he’ll have to start getting ready for his shift at the club. I wish he would just quit and work for me. I have a feeling it’s what he wants to do, but he’s too prideful to ask. What is it with men and asking women for help?

The day is hot so when we arrive at my house, Hunter takes off his shirt and unloads all the boxes. I think I spend more time watching his muscles work than I do helping him. By the smirk on his face, he doesn’t seem to mind. He sits on the front porch and I run inside to get us both some water.

“Does it get old having so many women admire you?” I ask curiously.

He takes a sip of his water and sighs. “It does now. I used to love it, but there’s only one woman I want looking at me.”

He tries to put his arm around me, but I move away. “You’re sweaty,” I laugh, not really caring that he’s getting it all over my shirt. I just like to tease him.

Chuckling, he guzzles down the rest of his water. “It’s never seemed to bother you before.”

“Well, it does now. I don’t want you touching me.” His eyes twinkle and I jump up and run away before he can snatch me.

“Oh, you just messed up now, sweetheart.” I take off down the front porch steps into the backyard. He chases me and I laugh so hard I can barely breathe. I hide behind a bush and he rushes past, circling back around to the front of the house. Once everything goes quiet, I sneak out of my hiding spot to the side of the house. I peek around the corner and Hunter’s there.

“Gotcha,” he shouts, trying to grab me. I scream and run away, back around to the front of the house. It’s not long before his arms grab me around the waist and we’re tumbling to the ground, the grass tickling my body.

“Who’s sweaty now?” he laughs. I’m pinned to the ground and he rubs his skin all over me. I laugh so hard I end up gasping for air.

“You’re so going to pay for that.”

Taking my wrists, he pins them above my head and leans down, his teeth nipping my lip. “I’ll help you clean off in the shower. How does that sound?”

“Fantastic.” He gets up and lifts me with him, but I didn’t realize we had company until I glance over at the driveway. “Oh, shit.”

“What is it?” Hunter peers over at the man and woman getting out of what has to be a rental car. They live in California and I had no clue they were flying in. Although, it’s not going to be hard for Hunter to tell who the woman is with her bright, red hair. We look exactly alike. “Is that …”

“Yep. It’s my parents.” I haven’t seen them in months, but more importantly, I’ve never seen them look so shocked. A lot’s changed since the last time they were around.

 

 

“I can’t believe you didn’t call to tell me you were coming into town,” I scold.

My mother shrugs. “We wanted to surprise you.”

It’s not every day you get a surprise visit from your parents; especially since mine are from California. “I’m glad you did. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you and Dad.”

She runs her fingers through my hair, her gaze roaming over my face as if she’s trying to remember it. “I’ve missed you, Kennedy. You’re so beautiful. There’s a glow to you now.”

“That’s Hunter’s doing,” I tell her.

Her gaze finds him through the kitchen window. “He’s absolutely the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. I love his smile.”

I laugh. “So do I.”

Her red hair and green eyes are the same as mine. The only difference between us is our height. I got my long legs from my father. “Why have you kept him a secret?”

I’m not about to tell her I met him at a sex club. I stand beside her and watch him as he talks to my father. Once they got started talking about football, my mother and I couldn’t get them to shut up. That’s why they went outside. My father looks the same with his salt and pepper colored hair, but he’s starting to lose some of it. He’s still one of the most handsome men I knew.

“I’ve been busy,” I reply, which is not exactly a lie. “Plus, our relationship is kind of forbidden right now.”

“Why? Because he’s younger?”

“No, because he’s an intern at my office.”

Her eyes widen. “Oh wow.”

“Exactly. His age doesn’t bother me. Once he graduates, it won’t matter if people see us together. It’s not like we’re really strict on keeping it a secret.”

She bumps me with her shoulder and smiles. “You look happy with him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.”

I shrug. “He makes me feel things I never thought existed. He even met Aaron not too long ago as well. He’s also dating someone else.”

Sighing, she pulls me in for a hug. “I’m just glad you’re happy. I’ve been worried about you for so long. It’s not easy living so far away from my only daughter.”

“Hey, I can’t help it you and Dad decided to retire to California.”

She lets me go and smiles. “I know, but it’d be nice to talk to you more. I know you’re a busy woman.”

Her gaze finds Hunter’s boxes that are stacked in the living room. “Is he moving in?”

I glance over my shoulder and nod. “Today marks the official date, but he’s been staying here for a while now. I thought it was time.”

Hunter and my dad stroll back in, their chuckles so loud it makes me smile. He meets my gaze and winks as they walk into the kitchen. My father opens his arms and I hug him hard, loving the familiar smell of his cologne. “I’ve missed you,” I murmur.

“Maybe if you called me every once in a while you wouldn’t feel like that,” he jokes.

I step back and sigh. “I know. I promise to do better at calling. It’s been a hectic few weeks.”

He nods. “We understand. Hunter told me about this hard case you’ve been working on. Maybe when it’s over, you two can fly down to California and stay with us for a weekend.” He slaps Hunter on the back. “I’d love to have your beau go with me to a football game.”

Hunter beams. “I’m down for it if your daughter is.”

My mother clasps her hands pleadingly and smiles when I nod. “All right, we’ll come down there. We can celebrate Hunter’s graduation.”

Hunter agrees with a grin. “Sounds good to me. I’ve never been to California.”

He and my father go to the living room and I can hear him telling Hunter about all the things they can do when we visit. I’m glad to see he likes him. Even if my parents didn’t approve of him, I’d still be with him. However, it does make things easier.

“Are you in love with him?” my mother asks.

“I am,” I confess, knowing I’ve felt that way for a long time now. “One day I’ll be sure to tell him.”