Passionate Kisses 2 Boxed Set: Love in Bloom

by Magda Alexander

  “I see why you love her so much.” Shara’s voice startled him as soon as he walked inside the house. She sat cross-legged on the chair in the corner.

  Hunter jumped. “You scared the hell out of me! I didn’t expect you to be right here,” he laughed after his pulse went back to normal. “Where’s Becca and Sienna?”

  “Sienna’s napping. Becca went to check on her. I have to admit, I wasn’t thrilled about you bringing her here. I know I’m not always the nicest person, and I know you’ve never felt for me the way I feel about you, but I see why. She’s not one of those fake women I often see flaunt themselves at you.” Shara stood, brushing off her pants. “She’s real. Genuine. I like her. A lot. Hunter, you need to talk to her more though. I realize there’s things she doesn’t know, like how you and Eva met and what happened. Don’t hold back from her. I’d hate to see you two fall apart before you even begin.”

  Hunter sighed and raked a hand through his hair. “I’m trying. You know me.” It wasn’t that he wanted to keep things from Becca. He’d always made it about her. He didn’t want her to have to know some of the things in his life, but if they were going to be together, that had to change. He had to learn to open up.

  “Yes, I do. I know you hide yourself. I know you’re not one to open up and if I wasn’t here to keep track of your life, I’d never know the details that I do either. She’s good for you, Hunter. That’s weird for me to say, but clearly she’s the one.”

  He thought of Becca, always a part of him. “She is the one.” She always has been.

  “Then let her in. You’ve been protecting her, but let her do the same for you. I was wrong about you two. I didn’t think it was a good idea for two people with such a tragic bond to be together, but I think you guys will bring out the best in each other.”

  Hunter gaped at Shara. Never in all the years he’d known her had she talked to him like this.

  She laughed at his expression. “I know, I’m throwing you off. I want to find a love like you have one day. I thought with enough time, I could make that be you. I know now that I’ve been putting my heart out in the wrong place.”

  “Shara-”

  “And that’s enough sentimental from me. Don’t tell anyone. I don’t want my hardass reputation ruined.” She smiled, then stuck out a hand. “Friends?”

  Hunter looked down at her extended hand, then hugged her. “Friends. Thank you, Shara. This means a lot. And if I don’t say it enough, thank you for keeping my crap together. We drive each other crazy sometimes, but you’ve been good to me.”

  She shrugged. “You and I are alike in some ways. I don’t make friends that easy. I don’t open up often. I’ve spent too much wasted time holding myself back. I think it’s time I change things a little.”

  “Hunter! You’re home!” Becca stood at the foot of the stairs, her face lit up.

  Everything else forgotten, Hunter held his hand out to her. When she was close enough, he pulled her into his arms. “I couldn’t wait to come home to you, though I’ve been bragging about you all day.”

  “I think this is my time to go.” Shara grabbed her purse. “Sorry I wasn’t able to push off the meetings.”

  Hunter shrugged, keeping an arm around Becca’s shoulders. “They’re done and over with now, so no worries. Thanks for hanging around today while I was gone.” He would have hated for Becca to be by herself, and it seemed Shara was actually trying.

  “Hey, I know I’m bitchy at times, but just to let you know, I’m glad to see you happy. It hasn’t been easy watching you struggle the last few years.” Shara nodded at Becca. “And it was great to get to know you. Thanks for the nice day. I’ll bow out and see you later.” As she breezed past them and left the house, Hunter and Becca both looked at each other in surprise.

  “Did you two actually have some decent conversation?” Hunter asked, still unsure as to what changed Shara’s mind. She’d always been one to change moods quickly, but this one still threw him off.

  “We did. She might be hard to read, but she cares about you.” Becca caressed his cheek. “It was nice to have some girl talk.”

  “Hmm. Don’t believe a word she says about me,” Hunter grumbled playfully, rubbing his hand up her arm.

  Becca’s eyes widened. “What, you think we had conversations about you?” Her coy tone told him they had.

  He dipped his head lower and kissed her. “How could you not?”

  “You, my love, are full of yourself today,” Becca teased.

  Hunter laughed. He loved teasing her. “I’m glad you had a good day. How’s Sienna? Is her ear still bothering her?”

  “She’s fine! I think her ear hurts, but not as bad. She wasn’t rubbing so much today. We spent some time painting. I have something from her to show you.”

  Becca and Sienna painting. Now that was a sight he’d have loved to see. “Shara stayed the entire time?”

  “She sure did. The three of us had a blast. Sienna is worn out and taking a nice, peaceful nap. How were your meetings?”

  “They went well. I want to take you there, Bec. I want everyone to meet you.” She’d be surprised to know it was more than just a fund he’d involved himself in. He’d not only funded the research, but a lot of the building. He’d wanted to make something useful out of that money. Just as he thought, she blushed. “The fundraiser event is in a week. Please say you’ll be my date? I’ll wine and dine you, take you in a limo and give you the royal treatment.” He was only half teasing. He’d love to do all of that for her, but he knew that wouldn’t sway her answer one way or the other.

  “I’d love to go. I don’t have anything fancy to wear, so I hope it’s more of a casual event.”

  “Angel, you look beautiful, no matter what. It is a little formal, but we’ll take you shopping. You can pick out anything you want.”

  “Nothing overly expensive,” she stated firmly.

  Hunter raised his hands in the air. “I’ll leave it completely up to you. Now, what do you say I give you the surprise I picked out this morning?” He grinned, thinking about it. What would her reaction be?

  “You’re determined to spoil me, aren’t you? I’m not used to this.”

  Her smile almost brought him to his knees. Hunter gave her a peck on the cheek. “I don’t call it spoiling. I’m just bringing a new dream of yours to life.” He grinned, knowing she’d be curious.

  “You’re being all mysterious!”

  Without another word, he led her to sit. “Now, close your eyes and I’ll be right back” Their eyes met for a brief second before her lashes lowered. He planted a kiss on the top of her head. “Thank you. Be right back. Keep them closed the entire time.”

  He heard her sweet laugh as he rushed upstairs to grab the bag. On his way back down, Hunter stopped at the foot of the stairs. Becca sat with her eyes still closed. Her hands were clasped in her lap and she leaned back in the chair. She sang something quietly, almost to the point he couldn’t hear. But he heard enough. It sounded like a sweet song, one he’d never heard. His heart raced. This woman kept stealing his heart, piece by piece. He’d never heard her sing before.

  “Just so you know, I’m back. Whatever it was you were singing, it’s beautiful,” he said softly, finally making his way over to her.

  “It’s something my mom used to sing. It helped me sleep. I sang it to Sienna before she finally gave in, and it’s been in my head all day.”

  The emotion in her voice over the memory touched him deep inside. Something about the way she spoke so fondly of it, and how she’d passed it on to his daughter grabbed him and didn’t want to let go.

  “Hunter?”

  “I’m still here, angel. You just caught me off-guard. I’d love to hear all of it.” He wished he could have been there to see her holding Sienna and singing to her. He set the bag down by the chair and knelt down. He reached for her hands.

  “Maybe I’ll sing you to sleep tonight,” she teased.

  “I might hold you to it.” He kissed he
r lips and ran his hands up and down her arms. “Okay. I’m going to hand you something. Then you can open your eyes.” He lifted her hands and kissed the palm of each before letting them go. Once he pulled the box from the bag, he carefully set it in Becca’s hands. “Careful, it’s not light.”

  “I noticed!” She laughed. “What in the world-?”

  “Open your eyes angel, and you’ll see.” Anticipation shot through him.

  Her eyelids fluttered open, her gaze lingered on his face at first. Then she looked down at the box in her hands and gasped. “Hunter!”

  “You mentioned an interest in photography, so I thought I’d give you something to start out with.” Oh, it was something all right. One of the best cameras he could get. A variety of features and lenses, with a tripod.

  “I don’t even know what to say!” Becca kept looking at the camera, then at him.

  “Do you like it?”

  “I love it! I’m just in awe. You’re always so supportive of my dreams, yet you keep surprising me. I can’t wait to try it out!” Becca set the box on the floor and flew into his arms. “Thank you! You didn’t have to do that.”

  Hunter held her close, running his hand through her thick hair. “I know I didn’t. Please know I’m not trying to do anything but make your dreams a reality. If there’s something you want, I want it for you. I am crazy about you, Becca.”

  Her cheeks were moist with tears when she looked up at him. “I don’t know where I’d be without you. When I lose my way, you’re always the one that brings me back.”

  “Come with me. I want to show you something.” Hunter stood, helping Becca to rise. He put his hands on her shoulders and led her to a spot by the fireplace mantle. He stopped and stood behind her, sliding his arms around her waist. “See that painting right up there?”

  “It’s one of mine,” she said softly.

  “That’s right. This is the first one you gave to me in person. That first summer we met up on the island. I remember when your aunt drove you to meet me. I’m not sure why I never went to get you myself, but it doesn’t matter now. You ran up and hugged me, then moved away so fast because you felt awkward.” He smiled at the memory of seeing her for the first time in years. Practically grown up. “Hell, I still remember your aunt warning me,” he laughed. More than once. She’d been nice enough to bring Becca, but she’d made sure to scare the devil out of him. She might have been the one to help him keep in touch with Becca, but she meant business when it came to her niece. At least there’d been one person back in Vermont to look out for Becca’s well being. He’d found an ally in the woman.

  “She wasn’t completely keen on the idea of my seventeen year old self going away for a week with a twenty-one year old.” Becca turned to Hunter. “But what does that-?”

  “Shh.” He lifted a finger and pressed it to her lips. “I love reliving this memory.” His lips curved up into a smile.

  Becca blinked, a smile playing at her lips.

  Hunter couldn’t help himself. He kissed her again. “Okay, so about this painting. You brought this one to me that day. I fell in love with it. It wasn’t just a painting of a woman standing at the edge of a cliff overlooking the water. I interpreted it as you, ready to conquer the world. Look at it. A rainbow after a storm. After I took this home and hung it up right here, I thought of you every time I saw a rainbow. I said to myself ‘Becca made another amazing accomplishment’.”

  Her eyes brimmed with tears. “You see that just from what I painted?”

  “Yeah, I do.” He pulled her in his arms again. “I know. I’m a little sappy, aren’t I?”

  “Maybe a bit, but I love it. I love you.” She stood on her tip toes to kiss him. “Do you write in your spare time or something? Your way with words … it’s either enough to steal my breath or make me laugh in utter shock.”

  “I told you. It keeps people on their toes, although I’m never this wordy about sappy-like things unless it’s with you.” He shrugged, playing coy. “I think I like this side of me. You’re a good influence. I see that girl in the painting and I think of you, a shy, held back woman ready to take on the world. That’s just what I want to help you do. Whatever it takes. So…” He leaned close and blew a gentle breath on her ear. “What do you say we take that new camera of yours out for a test in a few hours? A sunset, a little fun at a park for Sienna, and then get some dinner. You game?”

  “I love the sound of that. Sure, I’m game.” She emphasized the word, flashing a grin at him. “Want to see what Sienna drew for you?”

  “Absolutely! How long has she been asleep? I don’t want her to stay up all night. It’s not good for her, and I plan to keep you pretty busy all night.” Hunter winked. Just as she blushed, his jeans tightened. The effect she had on him drove him crazy. The good kind of crazy.

  She arched a beautiful brow. “Oh, really? Do I have a say in this?” Her tone was playful.

  He slid his hand suggestively down her back. “Oh, you have a say. You’ll be saying my name, over and over again.”

  A sexy laugh escaped her lips. She shook her head, a smile lingering. “I’ve never known anyone like you.”

  “That’s a good thing. I don’t think the world could handle two of me.” He cupped her face. “And besides, that means there’s no competition.” He slid her a grin.

  “Hunter, no one could compete with you. Come on, I’ll show you what we worked on today.” Becca tugged on his hand. They were about to head upstairs when the doorbell rang.

  “Damn. Who could that be? I swear, we seem to never get enough time.” He released a sigh. He wanted so badly to ignore it, but with Eva not answering his calls and whole thing with the letters, he may as well answer it. He strode to the front door and yanked it open.

  Chapter Twenty One

  Becca felt a little out of place when Hunter introduced her to his former inlaws. Boy, there was a lot she didn’t know, like how Hunter had started out flying with his ex-father-in-law. So, there was the connection to how he’d met Eva. Awkward that he still worked with her father. But after a few minutes of talking with them, it seemed they were still on good terms.

  “Good to see you home, Hunter.” The man clapped him on the back. “I trust you had a good break and are ready to resume flying soon? We’ve been worried about you.” His warm gaze slid over to Becca. They were curious about her, she could tell right away. Hunter had introduced her as his good friend. Was that what they were? They hadn’t become anything official yet even though they acted it. So why did it sting a tad when he’d only said ‘good friend’?

  Probably because these are the ex-inlaws. Get a grip!

  It made her realize she had a whole lot to learn about Hunter. Not that she didn’t trust him, but she knew so little of him, yet so much. How could that be? It made no sense to her.

  Hunter reached for her hand and curled his fingers through hers. “I took a shorter break than planned, but am glad to be home. As for going back to work right away…”

  He didn’t sound that enthused about going back. She thought back to Shara’s thoughts about PTSD. She didn’t know that much about it, but she did know sometimes people suffering through it pulled away from the things they once enjoyed. No doubt Hunter had been through a lot of stress and changes recently. He mentioned the nightmares started after that near miss landing.

  She had no idea what he’d say if she brought it up to him, but the wheels turned in her mind. She needed to say something.

  “We didn’t come over to talk about work, Todd,” Eva’s mother admonished. Her inquisitive blue-gray eyes studied Becca.

  She squirmed, afraid to know what the woman was thinking.

  “Yes, of course.” The man straightened and cleared his throat. “Did you get a text from Eva as well, Hunter?”

  “No, and I’ve been trying to get a hold her for days. She dropped Sienna off at her sitter’s and then just disappeared. The sitter finally called me after months of having concerns over Eva’s behavior. Eva ha
sn’t returned my calls. I get that she blames me and is angry, but this is her daughter, too. Sienna had an ear infection and wasn’t feeling well.” Hunter’s voice turned hard as steel. “Would you like to sit down? I’ll go get Sienna up so you can say hi.”

  “We’d love that.” Eva’s mother nodded. Becca tried to recall her name. “Hunter, even if Eva blames you and is lashing out, just know she’s having a hard time dealing with things. I hate that she’s throwing you in the middle of all of it, but she’s struggling. She sent us a message, letting us know she needed some time away to think. I don’t like the way she handled things with Sienna, but I wanted you to know.”

  Becca noted the kind tone in the woman’s voice. They both seemed very comfortable with Hunter still, even though he was no longer married to their daughter.

  “If she wants to blame me, I’ll take it. Fine. Some days I blame myself.” Hunter stood straight. He let go of Becca’s hand. She could tell he was shaken.

  She had no clue what they were talking about. It wasn’t enough that Hunter had married, had a child and divorced in a span of a few years. There had to be so much more to the story. How much more was she going to learn about his life in the four year absence? She’d never realized until now how much Hunter never opened up. They would talk about life and about their feelings involving the crash, but there was so little that she knew about him. This whole day made for a long, drawn out awkward time.

  He led them to the chairs he and Becca had been sitting in earlier. She carefully picked up the camera to take it upstairs.

  “Want me to take it for you? I’m getting Sienna anyway.” Hunter shot her an apologetic look.

  She wasn’t quite comfortable with the idea of sitting in the room with his ex-wife’s parents, but she wasn’t about to be rude. She handed him the camera with a nod. “Thank you.”

  “I’ll be right back, okay?” His hand lingered over hers until she responded. She bit her lip, unsure what to say to Eva’s parents. They couldn’t just sit there in awkward silence.