“Maybe you would if it was someplace you wanted to come home to.”
She used to always do that to him – she’d make him see logic and always brought him back to reality. Growing up as he had, Hunter never really had to put too much thought into just about anything. His parents provided everything he ever needed or wanted and money was never a factor. But when he was around Lexi, she used to make him think beyond the immediate. Hell, she made him think about thinking for himself! After he’d broken up with her, he had gone right back to letting his parents do all of the thinking for him.
“This was my rebellion house,” he said, his voice low. He couldn’t even look her in the eye as he said it.
“What do you mean?”
“My parents had a house picked out for me in Chapel Hill – not in their exact neighborhood, but not far from it. It was ridiculously big for one person and I refused to buy it. We argued and…I bought this instead.”
“So this isn’t exactly your first choice of homes,” she commented.
“It actually was. When I saw this place I thought…yes! This is what I want!” He straightened in his seat and looked at her again. “I envisioned doing all of the work on it myself to make it exactly how I wanted it. Not that I’m overly handy but I wanted to make the design choices and pick everything out.”
“Then I don’t understand. Why didn’t you?”
“Life got in the way. Work got in the way. Too many other demands on my time and I just accepted it.”
“Hunter, please don’t take this the wrong way but…you’re a little too old to keep making these kinds of excuses. No one can live your life but you.”
“It’s not that easy, Lex…”
“Oh, I know. I struggle every day with it. I hate that I have to work so hard and that I have to work two jobs – and I don’t particularly like either of them! But…I know I’m working toward something. I have a little house but it’s all mine and everything in it is exactly the way I want it.” She stopped and laughed softly. “I mean, I’d kill for a kitchen like this – I love to cook – but other than that, I love it. It’s home.”
And those words hit him like a kick in the gut.
It’s home.
Hunter had no idea what that felt like.
Looking up at her, he knew it was written all over his face because her expression fell and then turned sympathetic. She squeezed his hand.
“Only you can make your life, Hunter. What is it that you want?” she asked softly.
“You,” he said. Hunter didn’t even have to think about it. She had always been what he wanted. Standing, he walked around the table and cupped her face in his hands again. “It’s always been you.”
Her big brown eyes looked up at him and he expected her to tell him he was crazy or that he was wrong.
But she didn’t.
“Hunter?”
“Hmm?”
“Kiss me.”
And he did. Over and over and over. He couldn’t get enough – didn’t want to get enough. Here in his arms was hope. All those years ago she had dared him to dream, had opened his eyes to a life of opportunity and he had been foolish enough to walk away. He couldn’t – wouldn’t – do it again.
He murmured her name as he lips traveled over her cheek, her jaw. His tongue teased at the delicate shell of her ear. “Just you,” he said breathlessly before claiming her lips again.
Lexi’s hands raked up into his hair, holding him to her and he wanted to tell her there was no need to do it. He wasn’t going anywhere. She was here with him. Snow was falling outside and as far as Hunter was concerned, she was staying with him tonight. Tomorrow. Hell, forever if he had his way.
When he lifted his head a few minutes later, they were both breathless.
“Wow,” she whispered.
“That was going to be my line,” he teased, placing a soft kiss on the tip of her nose.
She laughed quietly and then sniffed the air. “I think the sauce is burning.” They both jumped up and went over to the stove to inspect. The water for the pasta was boiling and sauce had just started to stick to the pan. Together they worked to get it all under control and within minutes, Hunter was plating up their food.
“Do you mind if we turn on the TV?” Lexi asked. “I kind of want to see what the weather is doing out there.”
He didn’t mind at all. The living room was where he ate most of his meals anyway. He carried their plates over to the coffee table, turned on the television and then went back to the kitchen for utensils and their wine. When he sat down beside her, he smiled. She looked relaxed and comfortable and…exactly like the girl he fell in love with so long ago.
They ate in silence as they listened to the weather report and for the first time since he was a kid, he was thankful for the snow. There was no way he was letting Lexi drive home in those conditions, especially not in her old pickup truck. His SUV could probably make it if she really wanted to go, but…
Hunter looked around his home and felt…nothing. He almost hated that Lexi had even seen it. He was so ready to start fresh and this was not the atmosphere he wanted to do that in. This wasn’t a place for anyone to be inspired in. He needed…
“Let’s finish up and we’ll go to your place,” he said quickly.
Lexi choked on her food and Hunter immediately wanted to kick himself for blurting that out the way he had. When she caught her breath, she looked at him as if he were crazy. “Excuse me?”
Putting his plate down on the table, he faced her. “Look, the weather is getting worse and I’m sure you’re anxious to get home.”
“Well…I…”
“The roads are getting bad and I know it would be safer for us to stay here but…” Sighing, he gave her a lopsided grin. “I’m ashamed of this place.”
Her eyes went a little wide. “What? Hunter…are you crazy?”
Shaking his head, he replied, “No. For the first time in years I’m actually thinking clearly. This isn’t a home. Hell, it’s two weeks before Christmas and you’d never know it from being in here. It’s depressing and bland and…I want to see where you live. When you talked about your home, you smiled. I could hear it in your voice how much it meant to you. I want that, Lex. I want to experience that.”
“And we can, but…now? Wouldn’t tomorrow be better? The roads will be cleared a bit and the sun should be out and…”
There wasn’t a rational explanation for it, but Hunter knew he needed to get out of his house. Now. “Please, Lex. I…I need to…I mean, I want…”
Taking pity on him, she put her own plate down and stood up. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
Five
It was after nine when they finally arrived at Lexi’s house and as much as she hated to admit it, she was really glad they were there. Her Christmas lights were on a timer so as they pulled up to her little house, it looked cheery and festive and inviting. When she glanced over at Hunter – who had insisted on driving them in his brand new SUV – he was smiling.
And really, she felt a sense of pride in that moment because the look on Hunter’s face was one of genuine appreciation.
Inside, her tree was lit – it was also on a timer – and everything looked so festive. The smell of fresh pine filled the air and it was the complete opposite of Hunter’s home. She glanced over at him and watched as he walked over to her tree and looked at the ornaments and the presents under the tree.
“Impressive,” he said, looking over his shoulder at her.
Shrugging, Lexi took off her coat and hung it on the hook by the door. “It’s sort of my thing. I love the shopping and the wrapping and then seeing how it all looks under the tree.”
Hunter stood, straightened and took off his own coat. “You wrapped them all yourself? There’s like a hundred presents under the tree.”
“What can I say? I love it!”
He chuckled softly and hung up his coat. They stood in silence, simply looking at eac
h other. It should have been awkward. After all, before they left Hunter’s home, he had packed an overnight bag so Lexi knew what was going to happen here. And she was totally and completely on board.
But…maybe it was too soon. Maybe this was all some sort of crazy Christmas dream and…
“You’re thinking too hard about this,” Hunter said softly, his voice breaking her train of thought.
She chuckled. “I can’t help it. This is kind of a big deal.”
He stepped in close to her. “I agree. But in the best possible way.”
God, it was so easy to get lost in his eyes and in his arms and in his kisses. For so long Lexi lived cautiously. She made a big fuss earlier about going after what you want but the truth is, that only applied in other areas of her life – never when it came to men. And now…now she had to ask herself if she was really brave enough to take that leap.
Hunter’s hand came up and caressed her cheek. He was so close to her that she could feel the heat of his body, felt his breath on her skin and…hell yes. Chewing on her bottom lip, she realized that she was brave enough. Would it be wrong to just attack him right here, right now, in front of the Christmas tree? Was there some sort of protocol for a situation like this? Should she…?
“Lex?”
“Hmm?”
“We don’t have to do anything,” he said quietly. “I’m just so damn happy to be here with you. Why don’t we sit for a little while and talk?”
Talk? He wanted to talk? She felt like they had been talking for hours already! It wasn’t as if they were strangers, even if it had been eight years since they’d seen each other. She knew Hunter. Really knew him. And over the last several hours, she could tell that he was still the person she had fallen in love with – only better. He was more confident now and she had a feeling that the man who stood up for her tonight, was the man he always wanted to be.
And now he was on his way to being that man.
Gently, Hunter tugged her toward the sofa and once they sat down, he turned off the small lamp and so that the room was lit solely in Christmas lights.
“I do that all the time too,” she said, looking over as she put her head on his shoulder.
“Do what?”
“The lights. I love sitting here and looking at the tree like this. It’s so peaceful to me.”
Wrapping an arm around her, Hunter pulled her close. “To me, too.” He paused. “So tell me what you normally do when you’re here looking at this amazing tree. Do you watch Christmas movies? Listen to Christmas music? Read? Eat cookies and drink cocoa?”
She laughed softly again. “I think you hit every possible Christmas stereotype there. But I have to say, I do love a good Christmas movie. The Hallmark Channel always has some cute ones. I’m slightly addicted to watching them.”
“Sounds good to me. I’ve never watched one so let’s see if we can find one on now,” he suggested.
Lexi was going to ask if he was serious, but he found her remote on the end table and handed it to her so she had her answer. Within minutes they found a movie to watch but before she could really settle in, she turned and asked, “Would you like some cocoa to drink while we watch this?”
His eyes went as wide as his smile. “Are you serious?”
“I have cookies too…”
Hunter jumped off the sofa so quickly that Lexi almost fell over. Holding out a hand to her he said, “Come on!”
They laughed all the way to the kitchen and while she felt a little self-conscious about the size of it – especially after cooking with Hunter in his kitchen earlier – he didn’t seem to mind one bit. It didn’t take long for her to whip up the hot chocolate while Hunter had pulled an assortment of Christmas cookies out of the tin she kept all of her homemade cookies in. Within minutes, they were heading back to the living room.
“I’ve never done this before,” he commented as they sat down and got comfortable again.
“Me either.”
He froze and looked at her. “But…you said…just a few minutes ago…”
“I mean with another person. If I’m going to curl up with hot chocolate and cookies and watch a movie by Christmas light, I tend to be by myself. I kind of like having someone here with me.”
He visibly relaxed. “Someone? Or me?”
Leaning in, Lexi kissed him softly on the lips. “You. Definitely you.”
Pleased with her response, he settled back against the couch and tucked her in close again. Later on, Lexi wouldn’t be able to say what movie they watched, but it was the best one ever.
****
Two movies later, Hunter felt more relaxed than he ever had. Lexi was half-asleep next to him and he relished the feeling of her body against his. Unfortunately, he knew she was going to need to move.
“Lex,” he whispered, shifting slightly. “Lexi…sweetheart…it’s late.”
“Mmm…”
“C’mon…time for bed.” The words sounded weird and wonderful at the same time. He wasn’t even thinking about sex – and that was the honest truth – but the thought of simply holding Lexi while they slept sounded like heaven.
Beside him, Lexi opened her eyes and gave him a sleepy smile. “You’re still here.”
He nodded. “Yes I am.”
“I’m glad.”
“Me too.”
She stood and held out a hand to him and silently led him to her bedroom. For the life of him, Hunter wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do or say, but when Lexi stepped in close, kissed him softly on the lips and said she’d be right back, he figured he’d just go with it.
While she was in the bathroom, he grabbed his overnight bag and brought it into the bedroom. He stripped off his shirt and froze when he heard Lexi behind him. She stepped into the room wearing a pair of red flannel boxer shorts and a clingy tank top and looked sexy as hell. Swallowing hard, he watched as she pulled the comforter and sheet back and climbed into the bed.
Within seconds he was down to his own boxers and climbing in beside her. She was in his arms and pressed against his side almost immediately. When he turned to shut out the light, he imagined that it would take him a while to fall asleep. It always did.
“Hunter?”
“Hmm?”
“In case I’m dreaming and you’re gone when I wake up, I want you to know you’re the best Christmas present I ever could have asked for.” Then she placed a small kiss on his chest and fell asleep.
Kissing the top of her head, Hunter let her words sink in. He was asleep before he even knew it.
The room was light when he opened his eyes. Lexi was sprawled out on top of him, kissing his chest, his shoulders, his neck and it was a damn fine way to wake up. “Good morning,” he said, his voice a little gruff.
“You really are still here,” she said between kisses.
“You keep saying that. I’m starting to get a complex.”
She shook her head. “Still can’t believe it’s true.”
He reached up, anchored his hand into her hair and gently forced her to look at him. “It’s true, Lexi. And I’m not going anywhere. I’m here for as long as you’ll have me.”
A slow smile spread across her lips. “What if I said I wanted you to stay for the day?”
“Then I’m here for the day.”
“What if I said I wanted you here for a week?”
“Then I’m here for a week.”
“And what if…?”
Reaching up, Hunter placed a finger over her lips. “Lex, it doesn’t matter how long – or short – of a time you want me. I’m here. If you asked me to stay forever…then I’d stay forever. And love every minute of it.” She went a little limp on top of him and he saw tears form in her eyes.
“Oh…Hunter…”
Carefully, he maneuvered them so she was beneath him. She was so warm and soft and curvy and so damn beautiful, she took his breath away. “Let me stay,” he whispered, taking his turn kissing her.<
br />
“Yes…”
“Let me love you…”
“Yes…”
And after that, he was done talking.
He was more a man of action anyway.
Six
He stayed for the day.
And then another.
And another.
It was the day before Christmas Eve and Hunter was still with her. Lexi felt like she was living in a dream world and she did not want to wake up! They had each gone to work when they had to but every night, Hunter was back at her house. Part of Lexi still couldn’t believe he’d enjoy being in her little house instead of his own, but she certainly wasn’t going to argue about it.
Because of the holiday, she had today and the next four days off. It felt quiet in the house – something that had never bothered her before, but ever since Hunter had all but moved in, the silence seemed so loud! Staring at her laptop, Lexi played around with some ad ideas for Hunter. They had been talking about her work and she even did her presentation for him after their first night together, but they hadn’t talked anymore about her coming to work for him.
And that had been her choice. Hunter had offered her the job after seeing the presentation, but she was afraid to accept the offer. Things were still so new for the two of them and if she had to choose between her job and Hunter, she’d choose Hunter.
Which still seemed crazy to her too.
Eight years and they managed to slip right back into the comfortableness they’d had back then – only better. They had dinner with Brady and his new girlfriend Kendall. When Hunter told her how the two of them had ended up together, she laughed. It looked as if Susan Ashton managed to be quite the matchmaker without even knowing it.
It was almost lunch time and as much as she had a fully-stocked refrigerator, she wasn’t in the mood to make anything. Deciding she’d surprise Hunter with lunch, Lexi quickly grabbed her coat and keys and walked out the door. He’d said they were working with a skeleton staff today since it was the day before Christmas so she had a feeling he’d be free. Thirty minutes later she was in downtown Raleigh and it looked as if the parking garage was almost empty.
Christmas in the City II Page 4
