After the beverage was prepared, she pulled out one of her cookbooks to plan a dinner that would feed at least five. Kevin always invited one or two friends after the tournament was over. This was a clear sign he was comfortable in his new home and his life was progressing in the right direction.
If only…
Since her conversation with Master Kurt, she’d rationalized that it was best to clear things up between Joe and her. Put an end to his secretive doings and get closure. Last night after much internal debating she went out on a limb, and half hopeful and half pessimistic, she texted Joe:
Hi. Can we talk? I would like to set up a meeting.
Joe: Say when. I’ll be there.
Biting her fingernail, she read his answer and chickened out.
I’ll text tomorrow.
Joe: Okay.
Her bruised ego had protested, but her aching heart had pushed back. Who was she kidding? She’d forgiven him the moment she read the letter. After that, he’d atoned for his mistake in every way possible, all to win her back.
Hunter held the phone, hesitated, then dropped it on the kitchen counter. She would send the message later.
Kevin and his friends yelled happily outside, and her thoughts changed course. She opened the book to a cheesy chicken casserole recipe. That and a salad would work. She closed the book and began collecting her ingredients, when the front storm door slammed closed with a bang.
Here they come, she thought as she pulled out the pitcher from the fridge and quickly lined up eight glasses on the counter.
“Mommy?”
“Yes, baby,” she murmured, picking up the pitcher to pour.
“Your friend’s here.”
Her heart jumped. She turned in place so quickly, the pitcher wobbled in her hands. Joe grabbed it before it would drop to the tile floor. Carefully, he placed it on the nook table.
“Hi, Hunter,” he murmured, a shy smile fighting to appear on his face.
Stunned, she blinked furiously and her throat constricted as her brain fought to accept the truth. He was real and not a fantasy.
She’d never seen a more beautiful eye patch. Even that, she’d missed. The other changes in him were hard to take. The separation had clearly hurt him as well. He’d paled. Lost weight. His sparkling gaze had dimmed. And even though his handsome presence filled her kitchen, a deep sadness emanated from him.
“You came,” she said.
A light blush colored his cheekbones. “After I didn’t hear back from you, I took a chance. Being Saturday and all.”
What should a woman do when the love of her life appears out of nowhere after a long, painful absence? She wanted to cry out, run into his arms, kiss his face, his eyes, his lips. She wrapped her arms around herself instead.
“Master Kurt told me he saw you.”
She nodded.
“He said you looked great. He lied. You don’t look just great. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Hunter blinked again, tears were pooling in her eyes.
Joe shoved his hands in his pockets. His gesture was so familiar, so heartwarming, and said so much. He felt awkward and out of place; nonetheless, he’d come to face her anger.
“I’m here because…” He hesitated. “How do I earn your forgiveness? Tell me, please? Is that even possible?”
Kevin watched from the doorframe. His expression was serious and intent, almost adult.
“What do you say, son?” Hunter asked.
A frown carved his young forehead. His eyes darted from Joe to her. He was thinking and evaluating.
“Mom, you always say everyone deserves a second chance. And I like him. I think he’s nice.”
“You do, honey?” She spoke to Kevin, but her attention was fixed on Joe. A minute passed in silence. She looked at the doorframe. Kevin had left.
“I forgave you at my mother’s stoop,” she murmured.
Joe took a step forward.
She moved closer to him.
She touched his cheek, and tingles raced up her arm. When he placed his palm over her fingers, the tingles became a fiery current.
“Kitten?”
“Sir, would you please tell me?”
There, she’d given him what he wanted.
Her soft acceptance opened the door to renewed life.
His smile returned color to his face.
“I love you. More than anything.”
He cupped the back of her neck, restating his possession.
And the world was right again.
THE END
A word from the Author.
Thank you for reading Deception, Joe and Hunter’s book. I hope you enjoyed their story and if you did, might you consider leaving a review wherever you purchased the book
Important advice: Please understand, this is a work of fiction and elements of the narrative were hurried for the sake of pacing. In the real world, the D/s dynamic should never be rushed in any way and must always be consensual. If this lifestyle is something that interests you, join an online community, visit a reputable club, asks questions, and state your wishes and desires. Above all do your research.
Be safe. Always.
About Victoria
Award-winning, multi-genre author Victoria Saccenti picked up pencil and paper the moment her childhood book heroes started conversing with her. Sounds a little crazy, but there’s no rhyme or reason for inspiration. Back then, she wrote one-act plays and short fairy tales for simple amusement. Today—many…many moons later—her playful stories have grown into romantic women’s fiction, paranormal, retro and contemporary romances with an edge. An avid people watcher, she explores in her novels the twists and turns of human interaction, the many facets of love, and all possible happy endings.
After thirty years of traveling she’s settled in Central Florida. She splits her busy schedule between family and her active muse at Essence Publishing. But if she could convince her husband to sell their home, she would pack up her computer and move to Scotland, a land she adores.
Victoria loves to hear from her readers. You can always contact her at: www.victoriasaccentiwrites.com/
Other Works by Victoria
Destiny’s Plan
Destiny’s Choice
Destiny’s Way
Noémie's Journey
Belove Titanian
Deception Page 32
