Passionate Kisses 2 Boxed Set: Love in Bloom

by Magda Alexander

  She didn’t want to go through another long period of time without knowing how much that kiss would change things. She’d spent enough time wondering about it the last time. They’d have to clear the air eventually, whether they decided to never do that again and stay friends, or figure it out and go from there.

  Well, she could ponder over it as much as she wanted, but only time would tell. As soon as she hit the pillow and closed her eyes, she was barely coherent when Hunter slid under the covers beside her.

  “Not sure if you’re awake, but know that I’m here. You saved my life earlier. I owe you everything.”

  Chapter Six

  Hunter thought he’d sleep soundly, but just as dawn broke and the first rays of light filled the sky, he awoke with a pounding in his head. He sat up in bed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Why couldn’t he sleep longer? Becca stirred softly beside him. At least she had a chance to rest. He hoped getting back to the main island wouldn’t be too much trouble. And the fate of the sailboat, with the storm … where did it end up? That was going to cost him a lot if the damn thing was damaged.

  It drove him crazy that he couldn’t recall if he’d secured it. Just because he retraced his steps in his mind didn’t mean it had actually happened that way. Sometimes his mind produced thoughts that he wanted to be real, but could never be certain about.

  He’d rather believe that he hadn’t secured it than to think someone messed with it. It wasn’t like there were many people on this particular island. Why would someone do that?

  It didn’t make sense. He slipped out of bed to get a drink. His throat was so dry. He got halfway across the room when he heard Becca stir again.

  “Is it time to get up already?” she mumbled.

  He flew back to her side. “You’re talking again!” He raised the blanket and climbed under, forgetting about the drink.

  “Mmm,” she muttered. Then she sat up. “I am! Oh, good.”

  “I’m glad. I was concerned about how long it would last. How are you feeling?” Hunter asked softly. “You have bed head,” he chuckled, teasing her. He touched a lock of her hair and twirled it around his finger.

  “I’m groggy, but feeling okay. As for the hair, yours isn’t much better,” she replied with a giggle. “And you? Did you sleep all right? How’s your head?”

  “Hurts like hell, but I’ll survive. Sleep … well, it was a very restless sleep. I hope I didn’t disturb you with my constant tossing and turning. I’m not used to having someone next to me.” Not that he minded. When she’d asked him to stay with her, a part of him had been relieved. He didn’t want to be alone either and he felt better near Becca.

  And that kiss? Yeah, wherever that came from, he had no idea. The idea of exploring it further intrigued him, but terrified him. Becca was his friend. He was a mess. No way would he drag her down in his world.

  If he’d said something four years ago, would the outcome have been any different? Eva still would have turned out pregnant and he’d want to do the right thing. No, things went the way they had to. Getting his hopes up-or Becca’s-wouldn’t have made things better.

  As heartbreaking and painful as it was, things happened the way they were meant to. Should he have married Eva? No, but starting a new relationship with anyone else at the same time he’d learned the news of becoming a father wasn’t fair to anyone.

  His first reaction to seeing Becca at the swing made him realize how much he needed her in his life. Things were still messy, but he didn’t want to leave this island without at least talking to Becca about this. He had no idea what she thought four years ago, when he’d noticed a shift in the way things were going between them.

  He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it the entire time.

  No. No way can I do this. Not now.

  “I’m not either, but you didn’t disturb me. I never heard or felt a thing. Once I was out, that was it for me.”

  “You don’t sleep near Vince?” Oh hell. Why did he have to open his mouth and ask about that guy? None of his business!

  She laughed. “What would make you think I sleep with Vince? I said my grandparents want me to marry him, but I’m not dating him. He keeps thinking we are, but there’s absolutely nothing there.”

  “Sorry. I should have caught myself before letting that slip out,” he muttered, feeling sheepish. “Ready to start the day? I don’t know about you, but I’m anxious to get back.”

  “I definitely am. I want to take another shower and get into my own clothes,” Becca replied. “I won’t need another adventure for a long while.”

  He’d become a risk taker, some would go as far as to call him spontaneous, but even he was ready for some calm, quiet time. “Me too. I wouldn’t be surprised if I went for a nap at some point today.” Hunter slipped back out of bed, this time ready to face the day. He wanted the both of them to be ready when Shane dropped by. He’d have to get his information and send him a little bit of compensation to give to the owner of the house for using their things. That was nothing compared to what he might have to deal with for the boat.

  Becca climbed out of bed and stretched her arms over her head. Then she ran her fingers through her thick hair and something inside him longed to run his own fingers through it. He was losing control of his out-of-nowhere thoughts.

  “What?” Becca asked, staring at him.

  “What’s what?” He blinked. She’d caught him watching her, hadn’t she?

  “You were giving me a weird look.”

  “Are you calling me weird?” he joked. Really? He couldn’t find anything better to say? He usually cracked stupid comebacks when he was nervous. The question was, why did he feel so nervous around Becca?

  “That is not how I meant it!” She put her hands on her hips. With a shake of her head, Becca smiled and slipped past him. “Just for that, I get first dibs on the bathroom!” she called out behind her before closing herself in.

  It wasn’t until she closed the door that he realized how badly he had to pee. “Damn her!” he chuckled. Okay, she got him back, fair and square. While he waited for his turn, Hunter smoothed out the rumples on the burgundy bedsheets and made the bed. There. Good as new. It’s as if they hadn’t slept there last night. He was about to head off into the living room and gather the rest of their stuff when Becca opened the door.

  “All yours!” she gestured.

  She’d changed into her clothes from yesterday and pulled her hair up in a ponytail. “I felt weird about taking clothes with me that aren’t mine, so I figured I’d just wear this until we get back. I’ll shower again and clean up.” She cringed. “I feel weird either way, but…”

  “I get it,” Hunter said softly, moving around her. “Be right out.”

  Forty five minutes later, they’d eaten, gathered all their things and were making sure the last of their mess had been cleaned up when Shane came knocking on the door. Hunter pulled it open and greeted him with a smile. He held up the bag the man brought yesterday. “Morning. I’ve got your dishes all washed. Thank you both for providing us with some excellent dinner.”

  “Our pleasure. Sorry we didn’t make it back last night. That storm went on for quite some time!” Shane stepped inside and took the bag from Hunter. He waved.

  Becca stood behind him. “Hi. I echo what Hunter said. Thanks for everything.”

  Shane’s eyes widened. He was probably surprised to hear Becca talking. “You’re welcome. I hope you two had a good night’s rest.” He flicked his gaze between them.

  “As best as can be,” Hunter replied. Why did he keep looking at Becca like that?

  “Well, when you’re ready to go, I’ll be glad to help you out.”

  Hunter nodded. “I’m hoping our boat is somewhere in sight and we can take it back in great condition, but I’m holding on to a lot of hope there.” He picked up the cooler and the blanket. Becca grabbed the first aid kit and her purse. She still limped a little this morning, but so far hadn’t complained about it. Hunter wasn’t
about to make a big deal if she wasn’t. He’d just keep an eye on her a little more.

  “If your boat isn’t anywhere in sight, I’ll take you to Mount Desert on mine,” Shane offered. He led the way down through the trees. The cool morning air felt good on Hunter’s face. The temperature was nice, but the humidity would make things hot and sticky if it warmed up later today. With the heavy cloud cover, it would take a while for that to happen. Lingering cumulus clouds hung on the distant horizon. If the threat of more storms happened today, at least they’d be back at Range’s.

  As soon as the water came into his line of view, Hunter searched for their boat. He spotted nothing. There weren’t any other boaters out on the water at this point either, but it was still pretty early. Fogged rolled off one of the other nearby islands, swirling on the waters. What an eerie, yet beautiful sight. Hunter had a feeling Becca was memorizing this sight right now and he’d find her painting this very scene later. He turned to look at at her. Sure enough, her gaze was on the water, right towards the very picturesque scene he’d just been staring at himself. He let out a slight laugh.

  Becca pulled out of her trance-like state and stared at him. “What’s so funny?”

  “I know what you’re doing.”

  She raised a brow. “What are you talking about?”

  Hunter pointed. “You’re memorizing the scene.”

  Her face lit up and she broke out in a smile. “You know me a bit too well.”

  “It’s a beautiful scene. I can’t wait to see how you capture it.” Hunter winked. “Now I’ll at least get to see two pieces from you soon.”

  “Two?” She scrunched up her nose. “Oh, right! You wanted my version of love.” She smiled and turned back to the foggy part of the water again.

  Shane stopped to turn back. “Everything okay?”

  “Everything is fine. Just got a bit distracted,” Hunter said quickly, putting a hand on Becca’s shoulder. They exchanged a look and she kept up her pace beside him. “I haven’t seen our boat at all.” Not good. Maybe somebody had come across it and turned it back in. One could only hope.

  “I’ll just take you in my boat then. You rented it?”

  Hunter nodded.

  “Oh, not good. Well hopefully it turns up.” Shane motioned for them to follow him. “We have to go the other way.”

  Shane had a nice boat, which he’d named Alina. “Named after our first born,” Shane said proudly. “She’s a surgeon in Boston and married. All aboard!”

  Shane climbed on board first. Hunter set down the cooler and reached for Becca’s hands to help her up. The dock creaked beneath their weight, but this dock looked much nicer and safer than the one they’d been on yesterday.

  “How many children do you have?” Becca asked, slipping on the life vest.

  “Four, and six grandchildren now. We’re all going to be together this Christmas, after two years of someone not being able to make it for one reason or another.” Shane grinned. He started the boat, which roared to life.

  Hunter looked at the man. He didn’t appear old enough for six grandkids. He’d pegged him yesterday for a man in his forties. Either Shane and his wife had children early, or he aged well. He put on his own life vest, set the cooler between his legs and perched on the seat next to Becca.

  “That’s lovely,” she said, sounding a little wistful.

  “Do you have a lot of family?”

  Hunter closed his eyes and leaned back. He listened carefully to the conversation between Becca and Shane. He didn’t really have anything to add himself.

  “I lost my family when I was young. I lived with my grandparents. We aren’t that close, but I do try. They didn’t know about me until I had no other guardian.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that.” Hunter heard the compassion in the man’s voice. “I couldn’t even imagine. How about you, Hunter?”

  He snapped his eyelids open, coming to attention at the sound of his name. “The only family I have is my daughter … and Becca,” he said quietly.

  “Oh? The two of you are having some vacation time together? That’s sweet. My wife and I come out here every year.”

  “We’re not together like that,” Becca giggled nervously. Hunter glanced at her, noticing the way she blushed. “Hunter and I go way back, but we’re just friends.”

  “Ah, okay,” Shane stuttered.

  Hunter stifled back a chuckle. The man had assumed they were together.

  What would that be like if they were? Would Becca give up on him eventually, too? She hadn’t so far, but they didn’t see each other often. She didn’t know of his complicated life and the way everyone seemed to just want something from him. Was it because he’d made something of himself when he’d been bounced around after the accident? He saved that settlement and it was his when he turned eighteen. The money from the crash. Not that he had needed or cared about it. If it weren’t for Becca’s grandparents, that never would have happened. They’d decided to pursue finding someone to blame and they ended up winning, which meant her family and Hunter were awarded a nice sum of money, as if that would bring his parents back. That had been one of the first signs of their horrible ways. They never cared that much about Becca as a person. They wanted what she could bring them, and that was money.

  After that, the rest of the trip back to the main island was quiet. Shane whistled while steering the boat. Becca stared out into the water and Hunter closed his eyes again, wishing he could give into the sleepiness he felt. Just another hour or so. First, to get back to Range’s, shower and change again. He would deal with the boat later. It dawned on him that he’d have to part from Becca for a while.

  Why did it bother him so much to be away from her all of a sudden? He didn’t understand this new feeling he had every time he thought of her. She’d never see him in a different light. How could she? They might have been bound by a tragedy, but their worlds were so different. Becca deserved better.

  The idea of a possibility of something with Becca intrigued him and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get it out of his mind.

  This time, nothing stopped them. All he had to do was say something. He needed to tell her how he felt. He could at least give her a chance to tell him no before chalking it up as a lost cause.

  Just enjoy the time you have with her and leave it alone. What good are you to anyone right now?

  *****

  Becca didn’t know what, but something seemed to be bothering Hunter. Most likely it just had to do with being exhausted and figuring out the boat dilemma, but she had a feeling it was more than that. She wasn’t about to pry, so she hoped he’d talk about it. That, or she needed to tell her overactive mind to be quiet.

  She sighed in relief when they stepped back on the main island. She stood beside Hunter as they thanked Shane. Before they’d climbed off the boat, Hunter handed something to Shane. It looked like a card. He’d asked the man to give it to the owner of the house and that he’d send them something. What had he meant by that?

  “I’m thinking of showering, cleaning up and then heading back to the marina to deal with the boat,” Hunter informed her. “You want to head down with me, or just stay in your room to relax?”

  “I’ll come down with you,” she responded quickly. Loose strands of her hair tickled her nose, and she pushed them away. Hunter hadn’t stopped looking her over. His gaze swept over her, focusing somewhere low. Was he looking at her legs to see if her knees were swollen? When it rained, she had the worst pain flare-ups. So far, she’d fared somewhat lucky, but if asked, she wouldn’t deny they did hurt. Becca put a hand on his shoulder and looked him in the eye. “I’m fine, Hunter. I know you’re looking to see how my knees are.” She shot him a smile to let him know she appreciated his concern.

  His eyes narrowed before he let out a laugh. “I think you know me a little too well.” He threw her comment from earlier back at her. “You know I worry about you,” he said gently.

  “And you know I appreciate it.” A
gust of wind blew across the marina, spraying droplets of ocean water upon unsuspecting tourists. “Looks like we’re in for another windy and possibly stormy day. How about we go and clean up, then find out about that boat before another storm rolls in.”

  Hunter turned toward the water for a moment before nodding. “Sounds like a plan. Why don’t we meet at the main entrance in a half hour. Is that enough time to freshen up?”

  “More than enough.” They made their way back to Range’s. Becca couldn’t wait to get out of these clothes and into something cleaner. She had to charge her phone and check for messages, too. As the inn came into her line of view, she couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief.

  “I echo that sentiment.” Hunter chuckled. “What a night.” They entered Range’s and headed for the elevator. As the doors enclosed them in the small space, he turned to her again. Gently touching her face, Hunter inched closer. “Bec, I feel like we should talk about that kiss. That’s the second time we’ve kissed and this year, I don’t want to walk away without talking about it.”

  So that was still bothering him. And second kiss? So he did remember what happened four years ago. Well, shoot! She felt the heat rush to her face. She was so not ready to talk about this yet.

  “It was just a kiss,” she said softly. “We were caught up in the moment.” Just a kiss? Oh, that was the wrong way to describe it. Hunter’s kiss was on another level of amazing. She didn’t know how to put it into words. She could get lost in a kiss like that under an umbrella in the rain. Or standing by the ocean while the sun set as the chilly waves danced around their feet.

  Just like that, the room filled with an unseen energy charge between her and Hunter. What was that all about? She melted inside as his lips parted. What stopped her from kissing him again was the elevator. It jerked to a stop, signaling the arrival on her floor. The doors pulled apart.

  “I’d better go,” she muttered, tearing her gaze away from his face. She whirled and bolted, unsure of what to make of the tension she’d just felt. It wasn’t the bad kind, not at all. It was the I-want-to-do-something-crazy-with-you kind.