Passionate Kisses 2 Boxed Set: Love in Bloom

by Magda Alexander

“What happened? What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “Let’s get inside and I’ll tell you. Is Sienna still sleeping?” Hunter brushed her bangs back and kissed her forehead.

  “Yes. She’s out like a light.”

  “Hopefully she’ll sleep right through me putting her to bed.” Hunter let her go to get Sienna from her seat. Becca grabbed her purse, the diaper bag and the bag with her medications, then closed the door. Hunter had Sienna in his arms already and her tired little head rested on his shoulder. What an image. She loved the little girl already, and she definitely loved her daddy.

  She followed Hunter upstairs as he laid Sienna down on her bed. He covered her with the purple blanket, then kissed her forehead. He walked over to Becca and slid an arm around her waist. “Hopefully she’ll nap a good while,” he whispered, leading her from the room. He closed the door quietly behind him. “Here, just set the diaper bag by the door. We’ll put her medication in our room.”

  Becca’s heart skipped a beat when he said ‘our room’. A smile spread across her face. Hunter looked over at her as they moved away from Sienna’s room.

  “What?” he asked, returning her smile.

  “You said our room.”

  He touched her chin and trailed his finger along her bottom lip. “Well, as long as you’re here with me, it is our room. See, unlike my daughter, I share.”

  Becca gasped as she laughed. “Hunter!” She loved his mischievous smile and how his eyes lit up. He was about to kiss her when someone cleared their throat behind them.

  Hunter straightened, still keeping Becca close. “Shara, I’d like you to meet Becca.”

  Shara didn’t seem the least bit happy about Becca being here. Her red full lips were turned down in a slight pout. The woman was gorgeous. High cheekbones, flawless skin, and blonde hair that flowed halfway past her back. She had to be at least three inches taller than her own five foot six frame.

  “I’ve heard so much about you, Becca,” Shara said politely. Not very convincing, however. Becca knew it was forced. “Welcome.”

  “Thank you. I’m happy to be here.” As she said that, Hunter kissed her temple. Shara’s eyes narrowed. Okay, so Shara didn’t like the idea of Becca and Hunter being together. Did she have her sights on him? It sure seemed that way.

  “So, you were going to tell me what the hell that was all about.” Shara focused her attention on Hunter.

  He sighed. “Yeah, come on. Let’s go downstairs and I’ll tell you.” Once they were settled in the living room, Hunter filled Shara in on the events from the island, including the letters.

  “Well hell. No wonder you came home early. This is not a good thing, Hunter.” Shara looked over at Becca.

  “You think I don’t know that?” Hunter snapped. “Damn it. Sorry. I shouldn’t get so defensive.”

  “Could it be Eva messing with you?”

  Hunter leaned back. “I doubt it. This is something related to the plane crash. I just don’t know who it is though, or why it’s happening after twenty years. Unless Eva looked deeper into the accident, she doesn’t know much. I never told her that many details about it. She knew I lost my parents when I was twelve, and she knew a little bit about Becca, but that was it. When we got engaged is foolishly when I stopped contacting Becca.” He shot her an apologetic, sad look.

  Again, he beat himself up over it. Becca wished he wouldn’t. Silently, she took his hand in hers.

  “Well, it might be time to get the police involved.”

  “Yeah, but here’s the thing. There’s been no threats. What are they going to do? I could get a private investigator to help me look into things about the crash and see how this is related, but there’s not much else I can do. Hell, Range’s didn’t even seem that worried.”

  Shara ran a hand through her hair, then shook her head. “You can’t just let this go on. You have Sienna here.”

  “I’m not just ‘letting this go on’, Shara!” Hunter shot to his feet with anger in his voice. Grunting, he stormed out of the room, leaving Becca and Shara both startled.

  “He’s been on edge for months,” Shara finally muttered.

  “I’d say it’s understandable, from what I hear about his ex-wife.” Becca wanted to go after him, but she decided to let him calm down for a bit first.

  “No, I really think it’s more than that. Hunter has been moody and tired, and very unlike himself. I think it has to do with his plane incident a couple months back.”

  “Plane incident?” She hadn’t heard about this. What was Shara talking about?

  “Oh? He didn’t tell you?”

  Obviously not, but Becca kept the words to herself. She shook her head instead.

  “I figured he would have. I guess you better ask him about it.”

  Becca wasn’t sure, but she thought the woman was smirking. Why? Because she knew something about Hunter that Becca didn’t? Well, wasn’t that mature. Yeah, it didn’t take an idiot to know that Shara wanted Hunter for herself.

  “If you’ll excuse me.” Becca stood. Time to exit, and fast. Shara made her nervous and her snooty attitude didn’t help much.

  “I hope you know what you’re getting into. I can already tell Hunter is in love with you. I figured he always has been. You’ve always had a presence in this house, even though you’ve never been here. Hunter’s been through a world of hurt, so you tread carefully.”

  Becca stopped at the foot of the stairs and whirled around. “I appreciate your concern. I would never in a million years hurt Hunter. I don’t know why everyone is so against us being together, but the only people that have a say in this matter is Hunter and I.” Becca took the stairs two at a time, wondering where Hunter went. She checked the bedroom first and found it empty. Unsure what to do, she figured she’d go to the room he showed her earlier that he’d made for her. She opened the door to the art room and noticed Hunter sitting in the window seat, staring out the window. He turned toward her at the sound of the door opening.

  She hesitated. “Oh! I had no idea you were in here.” She wanted to give him his space.

  “Don’t go, Bec.” Hunter motioned for her to come closer. Becca crossed the room and he made room for her on the seat. She leaned against him and he slid his arms around her from behind. “I’m sorry I stormed out. Shara just pushes things sometimes and I needed to clear my head.”

  “You don’t have to apologize to me. She seems a little overwhelming, and she has feelings for you. I can already tell she’s not happy about me being here.”

  “Yeah well, Shara doesn’t count. I’m happy you’re here, and so is Sienna,” Hunter whispered, kissing her neck. Becca shivered. “And she’s made it clear a long time ago she wants more than a working relationship. I don’t feel that way for her. I never have.”

  “Sounds exactly like my situation with Vince,” Becca replied. She closed her eyes, enjoying the moment in Hunter’s arms. “Hey. Shara mentioned something to me that I want to ask you about. She said something about you being moody and tired for the past few months. When I said it seemed understandable because of Eva, she commented back about a plane incident. What is she referring to?”

  Hunter sighed. “A few months ago, right after the divorce, I was upset. They’d awarded Eva main custody, which surprised me. I took a spur of the moment trip on the plane. I met a woman who needed a quick ride. I don’t normally do that, but she looked desperate. We’d talked for a few hours before taking off, because I had been so shaky and pissed I wasn’t ready to go. Something didn’t feel right that night. Something was way off with me and as I was flying, I started thinking back to the crash, thought of you … I don’t know, it was like I started hallucinating. I almost crashed, but I ended up making a rough landing. It was storming that night. I was fine, my passenger was fine, but I did a little damage to the plane. The nightmares and flashbacks started a couple weeks after that. Shara’s right. I have been badly on edge. I just don’t know what the cause of it is. It doesn’t help all these things that keep
coming up.”

  “Oh Hunter.” Becca turned so she could look at him.

  He took her hands in his and pulled her to her feet. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you after that. I mean, I always think of you, but at that time, all I wanted was to find you and talk to you. But I was a mess, so I thought contacting you out of the blue when I was like that would scare you. I had a near breakdown and was told to take a break. Perfect timing, too. It was around the time for our annual trip, and all I wanted to do was get to you and see you. Every time I woke up from the nightmares, your name was on my lips.”

  She didn’t know what to say. Wordlessly, she pulled Hunter in her arms and held him.

  “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, Bec, but I’m honestly afraid. I don’t get scared very often, but damn it, right now I am. I fear for my sanity, I fear losing my baby girl and now I fear losing you.”

  “I wish I had the right words to say, but I don’t. I get the whole fear thing, you know that.” Becca raised her head to meet his eyes. “Just know that I love you. I’m here and I want to help, I want to get through everything with you. Just like I told you before, you’re not losing your mind.”

  “That means everything to me.” He touched her cheek. “I should probably check in with Shara. She keeps track of my schedules and everything. With Sienna being here unexpectedly, I’ll have to move things around. Good thing is I don’t have any flights scheduled for the next week since I was supposed to be out on the island still, and I gave myself enough time to recuperate after that. But I’m sure there’s a few speaking engagements or appearances I might have to make. A day in my life is never dull.” Hunter laughed, almost bitterly. “I should check in with my neighbors. Maybe if we’re lucky, one of them saw something or someone.”

  “Do what you need to do, Hunter. I’ll occupy myself in this beautiful room you created for me, and I’ll listen out for Sienna.”

  Hunter pulled her back to him again. “You’ll probably get tired of hearing this, but I’m so glad you’re here. I want to plan something special for just you and I, though I’m not sure what yet. Create your next masterpiece, angel. I hope you have everything you need in here.” His lips met hers for another tantalizing, sweet kiss.

  “I think I’ll have plenty to work with. You really went all out.” Becca smiled after the kiss ended. “I can’t imagine not having something.”

  “You just let me know. Whatever you need, for anything. I love you. I’ll make this as quick as possible.” Hunter let her go, giving her one last kiss.

  Heat rushed to her cheeks from all the attention he was giving her. “I love you too. Now go! Don’t fuss so much over me. I’m perfectly content getting lost in a painting for a while.”

  “Don’t forget about me here in the real world,” Hunter teased, now standing in the doorway.

  Becca flicked her wrists, giggling. “Go! I could never forget you, by the way. You’re too much a part of me.” She watched him disappear, heard his footsteps echoing down the stairs. She focused her attention on the room, wondering where to begin. Her mind thought back to Hunter’s request for her version of love. Pulling a blank canvas out, she stared at it until her mind came up with an idea.

  *****

  That evening, Hunter helped Sienna with a puzzle after he’d given her a dose of medicine for her infection. He held his phone to his ear, trying Eva’s number again. Where the hell was she? How could she not call and ask about her daughter?

  “Eva, it’s me again. Where are you? Your sitter Marrilee and I have been trying to reach you. Sienna has an ear infection, but I took her to the doctor today and she’s being treated. What the hell is going on with you? Call me when you get this. Bye.” He sighed. As much as he was pissed, he was actually more worried about her.

  “Daddy, see!” Sienna proudly displayed the finished puzzle. She’d put all the correct numbers in their place and grinned at him.

  “You, my Princess, are one smart cookie.” Hunter tickled her sides, making her squirm and giggle. Soft footsteps came from behind him. He turned in his chair. Becca stood in the doorway, her hair up in a loose ponytail. “Hey angel.” He could get used to the idea of her standing in the house. She fit. He wanted her there all the time.

  “Still no word?” She gestured to his phone, which he’d set on the table. “And did you find anything out from your neighbors?”

  “None. I’m getting more worried than angry now. As for the neighbors, no one saw a thing. Go figure.”

  “You don’t know anyone she keeps in contact with?”

  Hunter shook his head. “I have no idea who she runs with these days. Not sure if I ever did. I could call her parents, but I doubt they know anything. Their relationship is strained. Her mother was pretty upset at her for the way she treated me. I can give them a call to check in though. That’s a good idea. Thanks Becca”

  “Play?” Sienna slid off the chair and ran to Becca, tugging on the bottom of her shorts.

  “I’m ready to play, sweet girl.” Becca picked her up. Sienna squealed in delight.

  Hunter couldn’t help but stare. Becca was a natural. If they stayed together, would they have kids of their own? He wouldn’t mind having a pregnant Becca at his side, carrying a child created out of their love. Sienna would have a sibling. She’d have a family. God, he longed to be part of a family again. He never realized how much he missed it until Becca came back into his life, especially when she interacted so well with his daughter. Eva had never made him feel like part of a family and he should have known she hadn’t been into it from the beginning. She wanted something entirely different than he did. Hunter should have figured that out, since they married more for Sienna’s sake. He didn’t regret Sienna for one second, but he wished things had been different with Eva. While she never gave him love, he’d given her all he had and ended up with a broken heart. He’d tried to make it work, even when deep down he knew it wouldn’t. They say hindsight is always 20/20.

  He pictured himself married to Becca. He could see it working. They were perfect for each other.

  In due time. He wouldn’t rush it. He wasn’t about to make any sudden, bold moves that would mess things up. They needed to take it a day at a time.

  “Hunter?”

  “Yeah?” he asked, startled. Wow. He’d gone off in his own little world.

  “You zoned out on us. Are you okay?”

  He jumped to his feet and moved closer to Becca and his daughter. “I have two amazing ladies in my dining room. Of course I’m okay. What do you say we wear this kiddo out and then spend a quiet evening together before bed?”

  Sienna yawned, covering her mouth with one hand. Then she said. “No sleepy!”

  Becca’s laugh mixed with his own. “I think you are, baby girl. But don’t worry. You don’t have to go to bed yet. You still get some playtime before I give you a bath.”

  “Play!” She pumped her fist in the air, grinning.

  “I have an idea that I think both of you will love,” Hunter said. “Why don’t we go and test out that new swing?”

  Becca’s eyes lit up. “I think it’s perfect.”

  “Yeah, figured you’d say that.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

  Sienna laughed. “Kiss!” She puckered her lips.

  “Now how can I resist that face?” Hunter peppered her face with kisses. Bouts of giggles followed.

  “No more, no more!” Sienna protested.

  “Had to get in what I could,” he said, laughing. “Come on you two. Swing paradise ahead.” He marched outside, swaying left and right, which made Sienna laugh. This was perfect. Making his daughter happy, spending the evening with Becca, and having fun. This was exactly what he wanted.

  Longing filled him. He dreaded summer’s end. He also dreaded having to let Sienna go home with Eva. The laughter and happiness that filled the house made him want it all the time, not just part time.

  He had a lot of work ahead of him.

  Becca set Sienna down out
side and she bolted toward the swing as fast as her tiny legs would carry her.

  “Baby girl, let Daddy test the swing first!” Hunter called, taking Becca’s hand as they followed. Sienna stopped and turned around, waiting for his approval. “Gotta make sure if anyone’s butt hurts if this isn’t put up correctly, it’s mine.”

  Becca laughed.

  “Think that’s funny, hmm?” He raised her hand to his lips, brushing a soft kiss upon it.

  “Well, no. But your wording is,” Becca teased.

  “So I don’t get points for being poetic, but I made you laugh. I’ll take what I can get.” They stopped in front of the swing. “All right. Here goes.” He let go of Becca and inspected the swing before sitting on it. It seemed to hold his weight just fine. That was a good sign. “Who wants to give me a push?”

  “Push! Push Daddy!” Sienna shouted, happy to oblige. She moved behind him and he felt her tiny hands push on his back. He moved a little bit. Just enough to make her feel like she accomplished a good push, but not enough to knock her over when the swing went back.

  “Works good so far. Scoot out of the way, baby girl. I want to really test this out and don’t want you to get hurt, okay?”

  “Kay, Daddy.” Hunter turned to look. Sienna and Becca had moved back.

  “Ready? Here I go!” He kicked his feet and swung back and forth a few times to ensure that it worked. When he was satisfied, he stopped the swing.

  Sienna ran to him and held out her arms. “Wanna sit.”

  “By yourself, or with me?”

  She pointed to him. “You.”

  “Okay, baby girl. Come sit with me and we’ll swing.”

  “Push?” Sienna asked, looking behind him.

  “You bet! Tell me when you’re ready,” Becca said with enthusiasm. She put her hands on Hunter’s back and he melted at her touch. Before pushing, she leaned closer and whispered in his ear. “I love you. No falling on your butt with my new favorite friend in your lap.” Then she kissed his earlobe.

  Hunter tilted his face back to look at her. “Ha ha, very funny, angel.”

  She went to give him a kiss, but Sienna’s hand stopped them. “No kiss. Push!” she squealed.