You're The One

by Layla Hagen

  “Hunter, can you come over later today to give me a hand with the thermostat? It’s giving me headaches again.”

  “Sure, I’ll be there in about an hour.”

  Better to be surrounded by Mick and Amelia, two people I respected and loved, than alone with my own thoughts.

  When I arrived at Mick and Amelia’s apartment, Ryker was there too, to my surprise.

  “Hunter, long time no see,” Ryker greeted me.

  “Hey! What are you doing here?”

  “Mick asked for help with the thermostat.”

  Which begged the question... why was I there?

  “Right. Is it working now?”

  Mick nodded. “I think Ryker and I sorted it out. But you can double-check. I have some beers ready after that. We can watch the basketball game.”

  He pointed to the couch and the enormous TV in front of it. Mick had what he liked to call a man cave in one of the bedrooms. In addition to the TV, he also had a workstation where he tinkered with wood.

  I inspected the thermostat for a few minutes before joining Ryker and Mick on the couch. “Everything is looking good.”

  Footsteps caught my attention. Amelia joined us, smiling. “Boys, thank you for fixing the thermostat.”

  Something was very wrong. That was the only reason she’d ever show up here. The man cave was her least favorite place in the apartment. “So dark in here. It stresses me out,” she always said.

  Ryker frowned. We exchanged glances. He was just as miffed about it as I was.

  When Amelia zeroed in on me, it quickly became obvious that I was what was wrong.

  “Hunter, I’ve heard some worrying news.”

  “How?”

  “Tess brought me up to date.”

  “Right.” Of course she had. I glanced to Mick, who was focusing on the TV as if he didn’t want to miss one second of the commercials.

  “I take it you didn’t really need my help?”

  Amelia was the one who answered. “Well, no, Ryker was already here. But then Tess said you’d been sitting on a bench in front of her building for a while, so clearly, you needed our help.”

  “Knew the thermostat was the easiest way to get you here,” Mick said.

  I chuckled, because it was true. Whenever Mick called to ask for my help with anything, I always pitched in.

  Ryker nodded. “Listen to whatever Mom has to say. She always knows best.”

  Amelia looked at her youngest through narrowed eyes. “So, if I know best, why do you never listen when I tell you to stop acting like you don’t ever want to bring a girl home?”

  Ryker shook his head. “Walked into that one on my own. No one to blame but myself.”

  “You’ll figure it out, Hunter,” Amelia said gently. “Just give yourself time. Give Josie some time. You can come here after work for dinner if you don’t want to go home.”

  “Wait a second, whenever you think I need advice, you talk my ear off, but all Hunter gets is you’ll figure it out? I feel like a second-class citizen right now.”

  “Don’t be so dramatic. You two are different.” Winking, Amelia patted his shoulder. “I need to tailor my advice accordingly.”

  The game began shortly afterward, and we all watched in silence.

  But I wasn’t really watching. I was... figuring things out.

  I couldn’t believe I’d left for the event that evening. I should have stayed home and been her anchor, the way she’d been mine that night when she’d found me on the treadmill. She’d just been there for me. How could I have left? How could I have thought that was what she needed? We challenged each other because we both had fiery personalities. We were bound to clash from time to time. I loved that fiery, funny woman. She added so much to my life. I’d learned to enjoy life every day, not just the big achievements. Learned to try out new things and let go.

  I hung on to this thought, feeling like I’d made a major breakthrough. By the time the game was over, I was feeling one step closer to victory.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Josie

  The best part about spending time with Tess? She was so bubbly and full of energy that it was catchy. And we had so much work to do. How she’d thought she’d finish everything by herself was beyond me.

  On Sunday, we had our very first semi healthy meal—chicken salad with chips and guacamole on the side.

  “You still haven’t said one word about Hunter. Oh, okay. You’re still glaring when I bring him up. More chips?”

  “I’ll never say no to that.”

  “I’m thinking, we need to shake things up a bit,” Tess said once we’d finished our salads, placing her hands on her hips and scrunching her face up in concentration.

  “Uh-oh. Should I be afraid?”

  “What? Not at all. When have my plans ever been dangerous?”

  “Umm... when haven’t they been dangerous?”

  “Girls’ night out?”

  I shook my head. “Your cold is still not one hundred percent over.”

  Tess continued undeterred. “Girls’ night in?”

  I laughed. “I forgot you never give up.”

  “Ha! Nothing is impossible if I’m making it my mission, and I totally am.”

  I smiled, despite myself. Tess did her nickname justice. She was a damn hurricane. And camping here, in her apartment, I felt bad.

  “Tess, have you ever just... felt lost? Like you’re not sure what’s best?”

  “You’re talking about your career?”

  “No, about Hunter. I love him. So much. I’m just afraid that I’m mucking things up with him. Being his friend was always so easy... I’m not used to things being strained between us.”

  “Is there something more that you’re afraid of?”

  I swallowed, deciding to own up to all my fears. Tess would give it to me straight.

  “I’m afraid that maybe we got carried away, what with the marriage and living together, but that we’re first and foremost friends... I mean, if he hadn’t needed my help, we would have stayed just friends forever.”

  “Ha! No, you wouldn’t have. You two always had this spark I loved. And of course, you’re going to have growing pains. Honestly, I think that’s true of any marriage or relationship. Everything happened so fast between the two of you, though. I can understand that you’re afraid. Just take your time. And as for your question... Josie, I’m human. Of course, I’ve had my moments of doubt and uncertainty. After Dad left, Mom was depressed for months. She tried to hide it, but it didn’t work. And for a while, we just let her do it, thinking it would pass. I mean, we were kids, didn’t know any better. But then after a while, we realized we had to help. Every time we saw her disappear into herself, instead of leaving her alone, we’d take her out and about and just be silly.”

  “How could you do it?”

  Tess gave me a sad smile. “Don’t tell anyone, but... I actually hoped my dad would come back. Hoped right until we found out he married that woman. Cole and Ryker were super sweet when they found out. They hugged me and said they’d never leave us. And then we took Mom for ice cream. But enough about that. Let’s focus on you. I just had an idea. How about some girly activities? Facials, painting our nails? Just messing around? Take your pick. And because your need is greater than mine, I’m also willing to donate my bathtub.”

  I grinned at Tess. I just loved her.

  Later that evening, I did something I’d never voluntarily done before: went for a run.

  After twenty minutes, I stopped. Since I wasn’t a regular runner, I couldn’t go on for too long, but I was feeling reborn. This felt amazing. I couldn’t believe I’d been firmly in the I’m not a runner camp for so long.

  In the months I’d lived with Hunter, I’d given his treadmill a few tries, and gave up because I was bored stiff. But I could get used to running outside. Tess lived near a park , and breathing in fresh air, being surrounded by greenery gave me a much-needed boost of energy. More than that, my mind was clearer during the
run.

  I loved feeling productive again. It also felt good to finally have a plan, and it didn’t include begging anyone for a job. From now on, I was going to bust my ass for myself. I planned to open my own place. My experience practically spoke for itself, and I was confident that I could convince two other colleagues to join me.

  My specialty was corporate law, and theirs were family and estate law, so we could cover a broad spectrum between us.

  Why didn’t I feel good? I missed Hunter like crazy. I hadn’t seen him at all since he’d showed up on Tess’s doorstep two days ago, and I had Hunter withdrawals.

  I grinned when a message from Hunter popped up on my phone. Was he thinking about me as often as I was thinking about him?

  Hunter: I need a friend’s advice. Can I call you?

  Josie: Sure.

  He called the next second. I leaned against a lamppost, just smiling at the phone like a lunatic for a few seconds before answering.

  “Hello, beautiful.”

  “Hey. How can I help?”

  “What?”

  “You said you need a friend’s help.”

  “That was a ruse. I just wanted to make sure you’d answer.”

  I laughed, cradling my phone with both hands. “I wouldn’t ignore your calls.”

  “Didn’t want to take any chances.”

  “Forgot how devious you can be. So... you have me where you want me. What now?”

  “If I had you where I wanted you, you’d be home right now, in our bed, underneath me. We’d be naked. You’d be calling out my name. But we’re not there. Yet.”

  I was glad I was leaning against that lamppost, because my knees had weakened a little. My entire body reacted to his sinful voice, to that vivid image he’d painted.

  “Hunter—”

  “No, no, no. Don’t finish that sentence. Sounds like you want to reprimand me, and you haven’t even heard what I want to say.”

  “Okay, let’s hear it.”

  “I want us to talk every day for one hour.”

  “One hour?”

  “It’s not negotiable.”

  “So what are you going to do if I say no?”

  “I’ll come by Tess’s house and throw stones at your window until you open it and talk to me.”

  “You’re taking devious to a whole new level.” I laughed; I couldn’t help it. “Tess and I were just talking about you before the run.”

  He didn’t answer, which made me slightly suspicious.

  “Oh my God... Tess told you about our conversation, didn’t she?”

  “Yeah. She said she had a vital piece of information I had to know. Her words. So now I have a simple mission.”

  “Do tell.”

  “No, not how this works.”

  “But it requires talking one hour every day?”

  “Yes.”

  “I see. And does that devious plan of yours begin right now?”

  “If you have a free hour, then yes, ma’am.”

  “My schedule happens to be free.”

  I walked right back to the park, sitting on one of the many benches, toeing off my sneakers and bringing my knees to my chest.

  “So... what do you want to talk about?” I asked.

  “Whatever you want. Tell me about your day.”

  “I’ve just finished a run.”

  “You’re running?” Disbelief colored his voice.

  “Yep. Turns out that all the benefits you laid out are true. I just didn’t like doing it indoors. I should listen to you more often.”

  “I completely agree.”

  I laughed. “Shouldn’t have said that. Have a hunch you’ll use it against me.”

  “You have no idea.”

  Oh, my. What exactly did he have in mind?

  “I’ve made a plan. Want to hear it?”

  “I’m all ears.”

  “I’ll open up my own practice. It’s a bit risky, since I won’t have a big name to back me up anymore, but I don’t want to bust my ass for anyone else anymore. What... what do you think?”

  I was on the edge of the bench now, holding my breath. His opinion was important to me.

  “I think that’s the best thing you can do. You’re an excellent lawyer and have enough cases under your belt.”

  “Exactly.”

  “I’m proud of you, Josie.”

  “Thanks.”

  “How was your day?” I asked.

  “The usual. Except I keep thinking about a certain someone. I think my colleagues are starting to notice.”

  “That can’t be good.”

  “I disagree. I’d rather be with her on a beach, lying on lounge chairs, letting her talk me into scuba diving or some other god-awful activity.”

  I was melting. Honestly, I was. I vividly remembered that day, how much fun we’d had. How much we’d bickered.

  “You keep giving me shit for that, but you liked it.”

  “Maybe. If I say yes, will it earn me points?”

  I grinned. “Maybe.”

  I now had a suspicion about where he was going with this.

  ***

  Every day, he called at the same time, five o’clock. At four thirty, the butterflies in my stomach started spreading their wings. At four forty-five, my palms were sweating, my pulse sped up. Starting with four fifty-seven, I just couldn’t take my eyes off the screen of my phone.

  “Hello, beautiful.”

  That greeting was just what my lovesick heart needed. We spoke about our day, and then invariably one of us would bring up a memory.

  “I got the call from the workers yesterday. All the pipe work is finished,” he said.

  “So you’re at the house now?”

  “No. I don’t want to go there without you.”

  “Hunter... that’s silly. It’s your house.”

  “It’s our house. I miss making you hot chocolate, bringing it to you in that nook.”

  “I miss the nook,” I said.

  “The nook? Not me, the nook?”

  “You too,” I admitted. I’d missed him since the second he left. I missed him so much, it felt as if I’d left a part of myself at the house. I had no idea what else to say. As if knowing I needed to change topics, he asked about my plans for the practice.

  We spoke for longer than an hour, right until I heard a light knock at the front door.

  “Wait, there’s someone at the door.”

  “I know.”

  I stopped walking. “Is... are you here?”

  “No, but it sounds as if you wish I were.”

  “How do you know there’s someone at the door?”

  “Open up and you’ll see.”

  Hunter had sent dinner for Tess and me. She wasn’t home yet, though. It wasn’t just any dinner, but sushi from my favorite restaurant.

  I ate at the kitchen counter, straight from the take-out box.

  “It’s delicious. No wonder it’s my favorite—hang on, are you trying to bribe me?”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “You do have a history of feeding me my favorite food when you try to talk me into something.”

  “Okay, I confess. I do, and I’m not even sorry about it.”

  “You’re not just devious. You’re downright shameless.”

  “I’ve been advised to use my strengths... which include shameless tactics.”

  “Who advised you?”

  “Common friends.”

  “Sounds like something Amelia would say.”

  “Right on the first try.”

  “I need to attend a function tomorrow evening. Come with me.”

  “You think you’re going to have problems with the immigration office if you’re not seen with me?”

  “I don’t care about the immigration office. I want you there as my wife. Sorry—I misspoke. As a friend.”

  I chuckled, even as my chest filled with so much joy, I felt like doing a happy dance. I was going to see him.

  “You misspoke? Really? That’s
your excuse?”

  “I’ve been advised not to pressure you... to give you your time.”

  “And this is you following that advice?”

  “I’m halfway there. But I think me not showing up at Tess’s place, throwing you over my shoulder, and taking you back home counts for something.”

  “It definitely does.”

  “I’m an impatient man.”

  “And don’t I know that?”

  “I just want us to spend time together, Josie. As friends, whatever makes you comfortable. I’ll be wearing a tux, by the way.”

  “More bribing. Wow. You’re taking this to a whole new level.”

  “You haven’t answered me yet.”

  His voice was playful, but I detected worry behind all that. Apprehension. This was our decisive moment. And God, I wanted this so much. I wasn’t giving up on us as a couple. Yes, we were best friends, but wasn’t that the very best thing that could happen to a husband and wife?

  Oh my god! That had been his exact plan with the phone calls. I smiled, shaking my head. He knew me so well.

  “I’ll be there. And I’ll be wearing something pretty.”

  The function tomorrow was about celebrating the opening of the school that Hunter’s company had built. It wasn’t a Ballroom Gala. It was a party in his honor at a restaurant.

  “Then you’ll forgive me if I flirt with you, friend?”

  “Hunter....”

  “No, don’t answer that. My fault for asking anyway. I’ll pick you up at six.”

  “Can’t wait.”

  I was grinning by the time we said goodbye, hugging the phone to my chest.

  The next morning, I woke up early with far too much energy. Running didn’t help shed it. On the contrary, I had more energy. Probably adrenaline.

  If I thought I’d been nervous anticipating his calls, boy, that was nothing compared to how I felt now. I had Hunter on my mind. Lodged in my heart. Under my skin. To kill time, I started preparations for the night right after lunch, beginning with a trip to a nearby beauty store.

  Half an hour later, I learned a valuable lesson: do not go to a beauty store when you’re on pins and needles.

  You might end up emptying your bank account buying beauty products.