by Leesa Bow
‘Yes,’ he whispered.
I was comfortable talking as though we were friends. My insides warmed to him. ‘Well, I was thinking about a movie to help me sleep, if you want to, but I don’t want to wake the girls.’
‘Trust me, you won’t wake them. Or you could hang in my room and watch a movie?’
‘I’m not a fool.’
‘And I’ve never taken you for one. The lights can stay on and you can keep that blanket around you. If I scare you that much I’ll sit on the floor.’
‘You don’t scare me anymore,’ I said, keeping my voice level.
‘Then prove it. Promise I won’t bite.’
Did I want him to bite? Even though I’d already acknowledged that we weren’t good together, my body tried to trick me into believing that I needed Hunter. It was physical, nothing more.
‘Fine. I’ll watch a movie in your room and then I’ll go back to my room.’
‘I’d like to point out that all the rooms are mine, so technically, I can sleep wherever I choose.’ He grinned and this time I did swat him.
I followed Hunter to his room and sat on the end of the bed, holding the blanket around me like a protective cloak. It wasn’t that I needed protection, more a barrier to block the sexual appeal oozing from him. I watched his back muscles move beneath taut skin as he rummaged through a drawer of movies.
When he sat the bed dipped, my body tilted, and although our shoulders barely touched I could feel heat radiating from him. I glanced sideways, at his shoulders. My gaze followed the trail of a vein that ran the length of his bicep. As hard as it was I forced my eyes to look away. ‘Want to put on a shirt?’
‘No. Want to take off yours?’
Arrogant.
‘No.’
‘At least we agree on something.’ His lips curled up.
‘Both saying “no” isn’t agreeing.’
‘Okay. Then I’ll put on mine if you take off yours.’ He turned those damn blue eyes on me.
I inhaled sharply. ‘Are you really going to do this?’ I tightened the blanket around my shoulders.
‘Just making sure we were on the same page.’
‘We’re not even reading the same book.’ I snorted as a laugh burst from my chest.
He looked at me and smiled. ‘I’ve missed you.’
I turned away. ‘Just play the movie.’
He sat back, linked his fingers behind his head and stretched his long limbs along the length of the bed. ‘What did I say about you breaking the out-of-bounds rule before the weekend’s over?’ I spun around and narrowed my eyes at him. He laughed. ‘I’m joking.’
‘Just watch the goddamn movie before I change my mind.’
I opened my eyes and realised I wasn’t in the upstairs bedroom. I must have fallen asleep during the movie, and slept the night in Hunter’s bed.
No, this wasn’t good.
My eyes scanned the room but there was no sign of Hunter. A quilt had been thrown over me and I’d slept on top of the covers. The door was slightly ajar and voices echoed from the kitchen. There was no way I could sneak unnoticed to my upstairs room. I listened closer—female voices. My eyes scanned the room, neat and tidy as always, and no sign of Hunter’s belongings. Then I remembered him saying, ‘I promise I’ll be gone by morning’.
I stepped out of his bedroom to an owl-eyed Maddy. Her brows arched high above her eyes. ‘I felt bad waking you, but I don’t think it was me who kept you up all night.’
‘I wasn’t up all night. I watched a movie because after you woke me I couldn’t get back to sleep.’
‘Aha,’ she said, not sounding convinced.
‘Well, I’m sorry.’ Shenae stepped out from the pantry. ‘I’ve already apologised to Hunter.’
‘Is Hunter here?’ I managed to keep the hope out of my voice.
‘He left a while ago,’ Shenae replied.
My stomach dropped. ‘What? When? Did he say anything?’ I searched both girls’ expressions for a clue.
The back door beeped with the security system alerting us to someone entering. Maddy stared at me. ‘Calm your farm, Aubs. He just went for a run.’
‘Oh.’ My gaze moved from her to a sweaty Hunter striding towards us bare-chested and wearing brief running shorts. My stomach cartwheeled as I ogled his sweaty pecs and that I’ve-died-and-gone-to-heaven eight-pack. His abs did all sorts of things to my insides. The trail of dark hair sprouting from his belly button to the top of his shorts reminded me how well built that part of him was, and those long legs sprinkled with dark hair went forever. I recalled an anatomy poster of muscle definition and I silently named Hunter’s leg muscles: iliotibial band, sartorius, quadriceps, and those delicious hamstrings I’d stroked when we were —
‘Ahem.’ Maddy looked at me.
My gaze flashed back to Hunter, who stood with his hands on his hips, grinning.
‘You sweat an awful lot,’ I said in an attempt to explain my staring.
He moved forwards, arms out wide.
‘Don’t even think about it.’ I stepped back.
‘Uh-oh.’ Shenae giggled. ‘That’s an open invitation.’
‘I’m having no part of this,’ Maddy said as she walked by. ‘FYI you were staring at his groin.’
‘I was not,’ I said to her back as she headed towards the stairs. Now alone with Hunter, he looked like a tiger ready to pounce.
‘That was harsh,’ he said softly.
Blood rushed through my veins. As I moved backwards, I turned and looked behind to ensure I wouldn’t trip. No furniture and a carpeted mat.
‘Yes, I’m sorry.’
When I looked back his eyes had narrowed. ‘No, you’re not.’ Then he tackled me.
The smell of a sweaty Hunter, musky and male, hit me first. Then his body mashed into me. My hands wrapped around his back for support but slipped down his moist skin. I clutched tighter only to pull his hips closer to mine, but it was too late, the force of him toppled my weight backwards and we crashed to the mat. Hunter’s large hands cradled the back of my head and my lower back, and somehow he managed to get his knees to the floor first, so the fall was cushioned. My head jerked forward and my lips tasted salt on his shoulder. One cheek, my neck, arms, and legs were basted with sweat.
Hunter lay sprawled on top of me. He lifted his head and looked tentatively into my eyes. ‘You okay?’
Air caught in my chest at the feel of his naked body sliding over me. He studied my expression. I tried to hide my excitement. ‘You’re disgusting.’
His eyes widened. ‘Disgusting? That wasn’t the look you gave me a second ago.’
He waited and when I didn’t respond he lowered his lips.
‘Don’t,’ I whispered before our lips touched.
Hunter froze. After a moment he rolled off and pushed himself up without looking back at me. ‘I’m taking a shower.’
Shower . . . I remained on the floor for a few extra seconds to pull myself together.
A shower was also what I needed. I stood under the spray, thinking, willing the water to clear my mind. The weekend away was to cleanse my system, erase Hunter Stone out of my life. Yet within twelve short hours his presence had turned me 180 degrees to now wanting him in my life. Oh, this was bad.
I reminded myself that this is what he was good at—reeling in girls with his god-like body and beautiful face. It’s only physical.
Come on, Taylor. You’re stronger than this.
When I walked barefoot into the kitchen Maddy and Shenae were preparing a salad. Hunter was nowhere in sight. I ignored the pang of disappointment and refrained from asking where he was.
‘Lunch already?’
Maddy looked up. ‘Yeah. Thought we’d eat on the balcony since the weather’s perfect.’
I stared out the window to blue sky sinking into a sapphire ocean.
‘Wow.’
‘Yeah, wow,’ Shenae repeated. ‘Grab a plate and head outside.’
Maddy held up a bottle of pinot. ‘
Would you like a glass?’
I went to say no and changed my mind. What the hell. I was in need of a little courage.
After filling it almost to the rim, she handed it to me. I gave her a look. ‘I’ve a bone to pick with you. Hunter said you knew he was coming.’
‘Son of a bitch.’ Maddy drank a few mouthfuls of wine from her glass.
‘You’re my best friend,’ I said in my sweetest voice.
‘And his cousin, which is not by choice. He made me promise and then he goes and blabbers.’
‘Blabbers what?’ Hunter’s deep voice came from behind. He stood beside me. Domination oozed out of him and filled the space around us. ‘That I was heading to my own holiday house? Think I have a right. I thought it polite on my behalf to inform you, Madeline.’
‘That’s not what I was suggesting, Hunter.’ Maddy’s eyes darted from Hunter to meet my gaze.
I rolled my eyes and turned towards the ocean.
‘Just what were you suggesting?’ he asked.
My stomach clenched at his tone. I looked over my shoulder at him, not wanting to give him my full attention. He didn’t deserve it considering his bad mood. ‘I asked Maddy why she didn’t tell me you were coming. You did tell me that you’d told her and I don’t think she should’ve kept that information to herself.’
‘I’d like to remind you it is my house and I can do what I damn-well please.’ He narrowed his eyes at me.
‘Talking about politeness,’ I paused, and turned my body to him. ‘When one lends a holiday home one usually doesn’t expect the owner to show up and be all “it’s my home and I can do what I like” to the holiday goers.’ My voice oozed sarcasm. ‘But I don’t expect you to understand.’
Maddy and Shenae gawked at me. Hunter’s mouth gaped.
‘That’s what I thought.’
‘You of all people have no idea what I think,’ he growled.
‘And you don’t understand a bloody thing about me.’
‘That’s it.’ Maddy pushed up from her chair. ‘You two are getting on my nerves. Go and sort out your shit and stop involving me. You,’ she pointed at Hunter, ‘stop asking me to keep things from my best friend, and you,’ she pointed at me, ‘stop looking at him like you want to fuck his brains out and then question me as to why I let him come here.’ She let out a loud sigh. ‘Go and sort out your shit but not here. Let me and Shenae have some peace.’ She huffed and flopped down on the chair, looking exasperated.
My face burned. I looked at Hunter. He shrugged. ‘Geez, Mads, I didn’t mean to upset you.’
She raised her hand in the air. ‘Save it.’
I picked up my wine and drained the glass.
Hunter dragged his hand down the side of his face. ‘Are you seriously ordering me out of my own house?’
‘Both of you.’
‘Meet you in the car, Aubree,’ he said, striding towards the garage.
I looked at Maddy and pointed a finger to my chest, raising one brow in question.
She nodded.
I huffed. ‘This is a girls’ weekend.’
‘Just talk to him, Aubree.’
CHAPTER NINETEEN
It was torture being trapped in the confines of Hunter’s car, the aroma of his aftershave reminding me of how good it was to hold him close, skin touching skin.
‘It’s your fault I didn’t get to finish lunch.’ I glared at him. His eyes, shielded by black-rimmed sunglasses, were unreadable.
He pressed his lips into a thin line as he focused on the road ahead. With a sharp movement he changed gears and planted his foot on the accelerator. Hunter’s house was only ten minutes out of Victor Harbor, yet the ride felt like an eternity.
‘My fault?’ He shook his head. ‘You’re always ready to blame me, Aubree.’
‘How was any of it my fault?’ I shot back. He remained silent, gazing at the road. ‘You’re the one with a split personality. Mr Nice Guy at night and all pissy during the day.’
He braked and the car slowed, adhering to the sixty-kilometre speed limit as we approached town. ‘I’m not pissy, as you put it.’ He turned left, not the usual right-hand turn into town.
‘You’re pissy now. Where are we going?’
‘To a fish cafe by the beach. And no, I’m not. I’m frustrated,’ he added.
‘Same thing.’
He swore under his breath and turned into a parking lot on the esplanade. As soon as I closed the door behind me he was there, leaning over me so my back was pressed against the door, both hands on either side caging me in. ‘If I were pissy you’d know about it. I’m frustrated because you drive me fucking crazy.’
‘My bad. Take control of your emotions, Hunter. No one makes you act like an arse.’
He stepped back. I waited for his verbal attack, but instead he grabbed both my shoulders. ‘Take control, you say.’ He lowered his head slowly. ‘Do you object to me taking control now?’
My mouth opened but no words came out. Hunter took it as an invitation and kissed me. His soft lips caressed tentatively, like he was waiting for me to say stop. I pressed both hands to his chest, ready to push him away, except my body reacted, remembering. My stomach clenched, and warmth ran through me. The tender kiss eased my apprehension. A moan snuck out of my throat, and his arms tightened around my back, deepening the kiss. My senses whirled with his scent, his taste, reminding me how much I liked kissing Hunter. His tongue edged inside, encouraging mine. I moved my hands to his lower back, sliding them under his black T-shirt to his warm skin.
He stiffened, pulled away, and rested his forehead against mine. ‘You have no idea what you do to me. Your mixed messages drive me crazy. One minute you’re pushing me away, the next you have fuck-me eyes.’
I blew out air. ‘Well, that’s not my intention.’ I looked away.
He moved his fingers to my chin and tilted my head, holding my gaze. ‘Are you calling Maddy a liar?’
‘What do you mean?’ I croaked.
‘Do you want to fuck my brains out?’ His lips twitched, hinting at a smile. My breath caught in my throat. No, he did not just say that. His smile grew and he released me, stepped back.
‘Of course not. She was talking rubbish. It’s quite obvious you two are related.’
I didn’t need to look at him to know he didn’t believe me. Hunter grabbed my hand and pulled, so I walked beside him towards the cafe. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him jut out his chin.
‘You’re such an arrogant arse.’
He chuckled, tightened his hand around mine and led me to the cafe.
Inside, Hunter kept hold of my hand, as though we were a couple. It sparked something warm inside me—contentment.
Once we were seated I suggested, ‘You can take off your sunglasses.’
His chin dipped. ‘I don’t want to be recognised. I’m not in the mood to listen to suggestions to improve my game and everyone has an opinion about my suspension.’
It wasn’t like him to shy away. I glanced around the room at the other patrons, who were staring already. ‘The sunglasses aren’t working.’
‘I guess not.’ He removed them and placed them on the table.
‘I’ll protect you.’ I smirked.
‘Gee, I feel so much better knowing you’ll have all the answers if someone talks footy,’ he mocked.
I rolled my eyes. ‘I can fight.’
He leaned forward. ‘Please tell me how.’ He was definitely laughing at me. He had that gleam in his eye. ‘I’m keen to know if you’ll throw yourself at me and cover my body with yours in the name of protection?’
I blushed and thankfully the waiter interrupted the flirting. He took our order and as soon as he disappeared we were staring at each other, not saying a word. My stomach tightened. I needed to change the subject. ‘Is everything okay, I mean what happened after being suspended?’
He genuinely looked disappointed and I couldn’t tell if it was because he was now thinking about the suspension or because I’d changed
the subject. ‘If being out of contract is okay . . .’
My eyes widened. ‘You’re out of contract?’
‘My manager was negotiating money,’ he said quietly. ‘He was holding off, hoping if I won the Best and Fairest medal it would solidify the offer he put forward. The club thinks the disqualification is a flaw in my profile. It reflects badly on the club. So now it’s a waiting game.’ He stared at the table, twirling the knife in his fingers.
‘I’m sorry,’ I whispered. ‘I told Maddy I shouldn’t have gone to the footy.’
‘You’re taking the blame?’ He frowned. ‘You didn’t force my fist into Percy’s face. I don’t understand you. When you should take the blame for things you don’t, and instead blame me.’ He dropped the knife and reached across the table and grabbed my hand, circling his thumb on top. ‘I didn’t mean it to sound like that. Can I ask you something?’ I nodded, and held my tongue. ‘Did you enjoy watching me play?’
‘I did, I told you that.’
His smile grew, showing perfectly straight teeth. ‘So you’ll come and watch me next year?’
I sucked in air. ‘Of course.’ Did this mean . . .
The waiter served our meals and we ate in silence. I was glad that we had spoken about his suspension, even if only briefly.
At the end of the meal Hunter paid the account despite my protests. ‘Walk with me?’ He nodded towards the beach. I rolled up my jeans and stepped out of my shoes to walk in the sand.
The sun sat high in the sky and a slight breeze made for a wonderful spring day. With every step cool sand squished between my toes. The ocean was a vivid blue, and it wasn’t the cold grey water of winter I’d been used to seeing the past few months. With an excited feeling of summer not far away, I breathed in the clean salt-sprayed air.
‘So why did you go to the cinema with him?’ he asked bluntly. My breath caught. So we were sorting out our shit, as Maddy put it.
‘We went to the cinema a few times . . . as friends. I was going to tell him that night that I didn’t think it was appropriate to continue. You never gave me a chance. We were only friends,’ I confirmed. ‘I was never attracted to —’
