"I know. I hurt too. We'll stick together. I promise I'll keep you safe." What a thing to promise. He had no idea if he even could. At this point, whatever he could say to keep the kid calm would work. "We're in shallow water. Ready to walk?"
She shook her head. " I can't! There's something stuck in my leg!"
What? He never even asked her what hurt and why. He never thought of it. Damn it, what would he do now? Carry her? Get whatever it was out of her leg? He was just twelve. He wasn't meant for this stuff!
"I'll carry you, then we'll look and see what's wrong." Hunter held her in his arms. The sight of a large metal piece from the plane sticking out from her leg with a ton of blood seeping out made him turn his head and vomit. He couldn't hold it in. As they reached land, a loud boom came from behind them. Even though they were faced away from the sound, a large, orange glow lit up the air. He knew exactly what that was. Oh God, the plane had to have exploded.
"Mommy!" Becca screamed, bursting into uncontrollable tears. She buried her face in his chest and clung to him, sobbing.
Hunter couldn't take it anymore. He broke down and sobbed with her. His vision blurred. Still holding her in his arms, he fell forward onto the wet soil. "I'm sorry, Becca. I'm so sorry. It's just you and me now. I know you don't know me, but I'm going to protect you." He held her close to him. As he raised his hand, he noticed it was soaked in blood.
*****
Becca woke up to Hunter shouting. She tried to figure out what time it was and why he was yelling. He was thrashing about. She realized he must be having a nightmare. He cried in agony, yelling her name.
She dodged an elbow before she reached for him, holding his hand down. "Hunter! Wake up!" She shook him forcefully. He was drenched in sweat. She removed the blanket and shook him again, this time even harder. Finally, he shot up and out of bed. His breathing was heavy, as if he'd just run a mile. Becca leaned over and turned on the light. That must have startled Hunter, because he yelped.
She flew out of bed and was at his side in seconds. Becca took Hunter's hands in hers. "It was just a nightmare. You're okay," she soothed. Was this why he barely slept? Was he having nightmares? She never noticed this last night, but he'd mentioned being restless.
He practically bear hugged her. "Oh Becca, I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry." Was he crying?
"Sorry for what, Hunter?" His heart was beating like crazy. Whatever the nightmare was, it rattled him big time. "Hey, you're okay. It's all right."
"Until recently, I haven't had one of those in a long, long time," he whispered after a while. His breathing went back to normal.
Becca pulled back. "Had one of what?"
"I had a flashback of the accident. It was still so damn vivid. I carried you to shore. Then the-" His voice cracked.
Becca reached for him again. Hunter trembled as he fell into her arms and clung to her. She knew exactly what he was talking about. The explosion of the plane as they made it to shore. She hadn't had a nightmare about it in a long time either. Maybe Hunter was having it because of his guilt from the boat incident. Not that he had anything to feel guilty for, but he seemed to anyway. Her heart ached for him. "Hunter," she whispered, not even sure what she could say to comfort him.
"You're all I have in the world," he said very quietly.
"That's not true. I mean, you do have me, but I'm not all you have." Where was this coming from? What would make such a strong man feel so defeated? She had no idea how to help him right now. That's all she wanted to do.
He untangled himself from her arms and made his way to the sink. Another burst of light made her wince as he flicked on the switch and turned on the water. He splashed his face, then reached for a cup and filled it with water, downing the entire contents in a few chugs. After he set the glass down, he turned to her again. "Did I hurt you? I know when I have these nightmares, I end up tossing around a lot. Please tell me you didn't get hurt."
"Hunter, I'm fine! You didn't hurt me. I was startled and worried more than anything. It's scary waking up to someone yelling. I just wanted to know you were okay. You want to lay back down? We can talk about it, or I'll just hold you until we fall asleep again."
"I'm afraid to go back to sleep at this point, but I need it. That dream was so vivid. It was like I was back there all over again. I don't know why it's coming back to me like this, but I hate it!" His voice rang out in the otherwise quiet night. "Shit. Sorry. I'm on the agitated side right now and I'm kinda freaking out."
"It's all right. You don't have to explain yourself. I remember the nightmares and they did seem so real. It was like I relived that night over and over when they kept occurring." Becca moved to shut off the bathroom light. She took Hunter's hand and led him back to bed. Once they were settled, she turned off the bedside light and went to reach for him, snuggling close to him as his arm came around her. He brushed a kiss on her cheek before she rested her head on the pillow.
"Thank you for everything," Hunter said quietly.
"I can say the same to you," she replied.
They'd become each other's lifeline. When everything else seemed to fall apart, when everyone looked at them as if they were crazy or fragile, they'd been the ones to bring each others' spirits back up. She held Hunter as they both attempted to get back to sleep. Becca's mind raced a million miles a minute, most of her thoughts revolving around Hunter, the accident, and the past few days.
Chapter Eleven
"Are you ready?"
Becca cracked an eyelid open the next morning to see Hunter's wide awake gaze fixed on her. Had he just been laying there watching her sleep? She mumbled and sat up. "Please tell me you got some rest."
He nodded. "Surprisingly, I did. Just woke up about ten minutes ago and was debating on the best way to wake you. Then I got lost in watching you."
She let out a laugh as her heart fluttered. "Surely I can't be all that interesting while sleeping."
"Oh, but you are. I wish I were artistic like you, so that I could capture your innocent beauty when you sleep on a canvas. A simple picture wouldn't do. You had this sense of peace that I longed for. You looked content, like all was right in the world."
The man had a way with words. They always went straight to her heart.
"So, are you ready for the big adventure? We'll have breakfast and see if we can go parasailing today. I can't wait to be up there next to you, the wind in my face and the amazing view from up high."
"You know it's not the being up high that scares me about flying," Becca said softly.
He took her hand and lifted it to his lips for a kiss. "I know. It's crashing. I'm hoping that this will help you realize you can still land safely. For years I was afraid, too. I wouldn't fly. I hated it! But then I decided I needed to push myself. I worked hard and got my license and bought a plane. The first few times scared the shit out of me, then I got used to it. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with you having a fear. I just want to help if I can. I'd love to take you places. See the world. Your mind would go into overload from some of the amazing sights."
"I want that, I really do!" Becca flew into his arms, needing a warm, comforting hug. "I'm nervous, but I'll do it. Then we'll see if I can gather the courage to get on a plane one day. I see one and I cringe."
Hunter kissed her forehead. "I'll help you. We'll go to my plane when I take you home. You can walk around, sit, and get used to being on it. No rush, no hurry. We'll work it at your pace. I promise. Now, let's get ready and hit the water. What do you say?"
"I'm ready for a day of fun with you." Becca smiled, even though she wasn't quite sure how she felt about being up in the air.
As they finished getting dressed, her phone rang. Who could that be? When she checked the caller ID, Vince's name popped up. She held back a groan before answering. "Good morning," she said warily.
"Rebecca, I'm sorry for the way I acted last night. I'm going to go back home. I really did worry about you and wanted to make sure you're all right, but it's obvious y
ou don't need me here."
Well, that was a shocker. She hadn't expected him to call and apologize. "I accept your apology, Vince. Thank you for respecting my wishes about me staying here. I may as well tell you now, I plan on going home with Hunter for the summer. I'd appreciate before you leave if you'd give me my spare key back, and I'd also like the letter that you took from my apartment."
Silence.
She was about to say something again when Vince's angry voice came back over the line. "Why would you do that, Becca? I could give you the life you deserve. I've tried to win your affection and have failed miserably. What does he have that I don't?"
"The heart wants what it wants. I haven't felt the things that you and my grandparents wish I did. That was the case long before discovering something with Hunter. Don't you go blaming him. He also understands me and listens to me. He encourages my dreams, where sometimes you brush them aside. I'm sorry I can't make my heart love you. You should find love with someone that can give that to you. It isn't me."
"I wish it was you," he said quietly, hurt in his tone. "Why don't you meet me downstairs in ten minutes so I can say goodbye and give you what you asked for."
"Fine. See you then." She hung up as quickly as she could before turning to Hunter.
"Still not happy, huh?" he asked.
"No. He's pretty upset. I just don't get it. I don't think he cares for me the way a man should. He's got the wrong intentions. I don't know what his are, but it isn't love."
"Some people's intentions are never fully clear. He makes me nervous, but if he's going home and leaving you alone, I feel better. I'm glad you asked about the letter, and good for you for getting your key."
"I never wanted to give him a copy, but I'd given one to my aunt. When she died, my grandparents found it and gave it to Vince against my wishes."
Hunter hugged her. "I'm sorry about her passing. When? The last time we spoke she was doing well. I've missed so much, haven't I?"
"It was last year. She was in a car accident."
He swore. "Oh baby, I'm so sorry." He stroked her hair. "I should have been there for you. You two ended up getting close. I know she meant a lot to you. She was the one always willing to help me stay connected with you."
"I need you to do me a favor." She pulled away from his hug. She hated that he kept beating himself up mentally for things he felt he should have done.
His brows arched as he waited a reply.
"Stop kicking yourself over every little thing. I know you're upset with yourself for missing out on the last four years. I was hurt over it, but now that I know the reasons, I understand. Let's just go forward and be positive." She reached out for his hand and twined her fingers through his. "Will you please do that? For me?"
"I can't say that I promise, but I will do my best to be better about it. You're right, I can't make up for the past. I even said that in the beginning, but here I am, kicking myself over every little thing. Thank you." He brushed a gentle kiss on her cheek. The spot still tingled from his lips even after he'd already moved away.
*****
Though he didn't say anything to him, Vince gave Hunter the evil eye as he said goodbye to Becca and handed over her key and the letter. The man did not seem to like the idea of leaving Becca behind with him. Too bad. He needed to get over himself. If she didn't care for him that way, then he should stop pushing her.
"Are you planning to stop by your apartment before you go with Hunter?" Vince asked, his eyes darkening.
Becca turned to Hunter. He nodded. Of course she'd have to pick up some things and probably make some arrangements.
"Just for a few things," she responded.
"When will you be back?"
"I'm not sure. I know I have to be home a few weeks before school starts for students, but we haven't figured out when I'll be back yet."
Vince wanted to say something more, but must have decided against it. He definitely wasn't happy. Hunter almost felt bad for him. Almost.
"Well I guess ... have a good time." He stepped forward and hugged Becca. She hugged him back awkwardly before stepping away from him.
"I will. Have a safe flight home." The unspoken words hung in the air. He really never needed to come here in the first place, but no one wanted to add to that tension anymore.
Without another word, Vince dragged his rolling bag and walked away. He looked back once and then continued out the door.
Becca sighed in relief after he'd disappeared from their view. "That went down a lot easier than I thought. I expect a call from my grandparents any time now."
Hunter took her hand and squeezed it. "You'll never make them happy," he said softly. He wanted to shake some sense into those people.
"Honestly, it's not even about that. I just wish I could make them understand. That's all I ask for now. I wanted to do everything I could to make them happy when I was younger, until I realized they didn't have my best interest at heart. I don't know why they never wanted me to walk or succeed. Maybe they did and I just don't understand their ways of thinking. I suppose it doesn't matter now. I know I'll never earn their approval. Even if I did want to marry Vince, it wouldn't be enough. I can't live that way, trying to earn someone's love and approval. It's not right."
"That's my girl." Hunter pumped a fist in the air.
Becca's sweet laugh followed and she tugged on his hand. "Come on, let's go get that adrenaline rush you keep bragging about."
The sun was shining today, with very few clouds in the sky. Maybe the continuous stormy streak had finally ended and they would see some beautiful clear skies for a while. Hunter and Becca walked down the pier hand in hand, watching the water with interest. Hunter spotted a boat with a couple ready to lift off. "Look. Someone's already got our idea. Just watch." They stopped. Hunter stole a glance at Becca as she kept her gaze fixed on the boat and the couple. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. He couldn't wait to get out on that water and up in the air. He just hoped Becca would be okay. He didn't want to do any of this without her and he sure as hell didn't want to push her. To his surprise, when he looked back at her again, she had a smile on her face.
She faced him, bubbling with excitement. "That looks really fun! They aren't that high up and I bet the view below is fabulous! I think I can do this!"
"Well of course you can. I already knew you could. You just needed the right mindset." Hunter gently tugged on a stray lock of her hair. "Let's go get set up then."
She threw her arms around him. "Thank you for believing," she whispered against his chest. He pressed his lips to the top of her head, loving the way she felt in his arms.
"You make it easy." He took her hand again and they headed over to sign up for a parasailing time slot. They were next. Hunter pulled out his wallet and paid, then led Becca to a bench near the water where the boat would pull up to wait for their turn. "Nervous?" he asked as he perched beside her.
"A little," she admitted. "My stomach is kind of in knots, but I want to do this."
Her smile was contagious. He couldn't help but grin back at her giddiness. Their hands touched as he moved closer to her and he went to hold it again. He couldn't get enough of being close to her.
He'd have to call Shara later, check in on the status with Eva and Sienna, and then let her know Becca was coming home with him. He wanted a few things done, like getting a whole art room set up for her and a swing that replicated the one here. Becca would be surprised. She'd probably tell him he didn't need to do it. He couldn't wait to see the look on her face when he showed her everything.
It would be nice to have an ally on his side while fighting for custody of Sienna. He could sort of understand Shara's point about Eva just going after more, but when it came down to his little girl, he didn't want any more game playing. He was a single man on the go with work. He knew he didn't stand the best chances, so he would have to really rethink things. As a private pilot, his work required travel. He flew many people around the world,
including some famous actors and a few pop singers. He loved it, getting to visit some places as they did what they wanted to do and then taking them home. He'd have to think of a whole new career, wouldn't he? He'd have to focus on Sienna.
There were so many things to decide. He'd thought of them, but hadn't really thought about them. Damn. His heart sank. He hadn't realized all the things that would have to change.
For Sienna, he would do it.
"Hunter?"
Becca's quiet voice pulled him back to reality. He squinted from the sunlight and turned to face her.
"You got really quiet."
"I'm going to have to rethink my work," he blurted, without realizing at first how much sense he didn't make. Becca had no idea the train of thoughts in his head.
Her brows raised in question.
"Sorry, train of thought in my mind and I should have started from the beginning. Bec, if I get custody of Sienna, I can't be traveling all the time. I'm a private pilot. That's what I do. So, what next? I don't know what else I want to do, you know? I'll have to start over and find steady work that doesn't require me to fly around the world. I don't know why I didn't think long and hard about all of this before. Not that I wouldn't do it, but I haven't prepared myself for a lifestyle change. It wouldn't be just me anymore. I'm going to be caring for a little girl and I just realized how much I don't know what I'm doing." Boy that was a mouthful. Granted, he still had to win custody, but in order to even stand a chance, he needed to show that he'd be able to provide not just financially for Sienna, but be a good father as well. He imagined the courts wouldn't look kindly to a man who had his child with nannies all the time while he traveled. They would favor Eva easily, even with her lack of motherly skills. Damn it!
"Oh Hunter." Becca rested her hand on his shoulder. "I wish I knew what I could say to make this easier for you. Just know that I'm here. I'll help you figure things out as best I can. It's going to be a big change, but I know you want to have Sienna home with you, so I know you'll do what's best. You'll still be able to fly sometimes. It just can't be full time."
A Masterpiece Of Our Love (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 1) Page 12
