Dare Me Forever (A Solana Beach Book)

by Paige Edward

  Unfortunately for Hunter, it was not a better hand than mine.

  I turned over my cards. Hunter’s eyes skimmed over them. As his gaze jumped between his hand and mine, his face slowly fell, the smile morphing into an ugly scowl. All at once, the odds had switched to me. He had a three of a kind, but I had a straight.

  The pot was practically mine. The cards could betray me by giving Hunter a full house, but the odds were slim. Taking a sip of my scotch, I watched as the dealer turned over the next set of cards. A Five and an Ace.

  The pot was mine.

  The dealer picked up the two neat stacks of $100 with the five chips on top and pushed them along with the rest of the pot to me. I didn’t stay to stack them up, but put them in a rack and stood to leave. Once was enough. I didn’t want to repeatedly beat my employees.

  Hunter‘s face twisted furiously. It was hardly a dent in his family’s pocket, but you could tell for him it was a pissing match, not just about the money. What a wanker.

  “You just take our money and don’t give us a chance to win it back,” he snarled.

  I looked back at him. He wanted me to stay and play another game but I didn’t want to continue this pseudo fight. He could never win. He was a complete ass, obviously addicted to the game, and I didn’t want to keep beating him since there was no way I would play and pretend to lose. He just wasn’t that good. I could smell the desperation reeking off of him.

  “Fine. Keep your money.” I threw the chips back on the table and walked away from the table.

  “Too afraid to gamble?” Hunter yelled after me. I didn’t honor that with a reply. The bloke needed to take a rest. Anyway, I didn’t gamble. I won.

  CHAPTER 39

  Amy

  The phone rang at 1 am. I was about to go to bed, but checked caller ID and saw that it was Hunter.

  “Hey Amy, sorry to call so late, but I’ve got to see you. Can I pick you up? We can do something spontaneous. Come on.”

  He really sounded like he wanted--no needed--to hang out. And I couldn’t sleep anyway. Maybe some spontaneity was just what I needed.

  Thirty minutes later, he was at the door, looking handsome if a bit harried. I’d thrown on a pair of bright pink skinny jeans, and a thin white top. I couldn’t help but smile with nostalgia. It felt like we were in high school, sneaking around so his parents would be none the wiser.

  Hunter grabbed my hand and hurried me to the car, opening my door, and running around to his side, like we were in some mad hurry. He slammed his hand on the audio control and Eminem pumped into the car. He pulled onto the street and zoomed towards the freeway, north. He was driving a little crazily, not drunkenly, but almost like we were being chased.

  “Are you okay?” I put my hand on his arm.

  He shrugged. “Just wanted some freedom, you know? Everything is so structured. Everything feels so confining.” I understood that, I’d felt like that before too, but it didn’t make me drive like a maniac.

  “Yeah, but slow down a bit. We’re not in a rush, are we?” I didn’t want to sound like a wet blanket, but I didn’t want this car trip to kill me either. I tried to lighten the mood. “Are you taking me to Canada?” I asked jokingly. He smiled but wouldn’t answer, just kept driving.

  “Close your eyes, Ames. I’ll wake you when we get there.” I didn’t want to, but the hum of the tires against pavement was hypnotic—and I was so tired. Hunter spun the dial so the music was low enough to tune out, and as we zoomed along, I couldn’t help but nod off.

  When I opened my eyes, it was almost morning.

  We were parked at a beach I didn’t recognize. I blinked and looked around at the grey sky, which was still dark, but hinting at the impending sunrise. I looked over at Hunter, but didn’t say anything. His profile was handsome, with a strong aquiline nose, and a prominent jaw. It was good to watch him without him noticing.

  Slowly, the sky began to turn, shifting from grey to pink as the sun crept up to the east behind us. The windows were open and the nippy beach air felt salty and invigorating. I hadn’t been at the beach at sunrise in forever. I held my breath as I watched the world around us start to wake up, the seagulls beginning to squawk and the freeway traffic growing louder.

  Hunter turned towards me, eyes were rung with red. He’d clearly been up all night, but he seemed much calmer, much more at ease, than he had when he picked me up. He smiled over at me. “You passed out. I was just about to wake you. Didn’t want you to miss this.” He took a long breath. “And then breakfast?”

  “Where are we?”

  “Malibu. I just had to get out of town, even for a few hours, and I couldn’t think of anyone I’d rather take with me.” I was flattered. And glad I’d come along. He leaned over and rested his hand on my thigh, rubbing it gently.

  “Let’s go grab some breakfast. I’m starving.”

  Okay, not exactly what I expected when his hand had landed on my leg, but I was hungry. We drove to the nearest Pancake House, and I ordered the works.

  I hadn’t had so many pancakes and syrup in ages. I felt almost high from the sugary food. Hunter watched me eat as he shook pepper over his own steak and eggs.

  “I love a woman who has an appetite.”

  “Ha! Are you saying I’m fat?” I laughed. I knew what he meant. All those girls who pick at their food drive me insane.

  “Never.” I guess he didn’t see I’d been joking. His face grew serious again, the smile melting away as he geared up to say something. “So,” he said, almost too casually. “Have you given more thought to giving us a chance?” He looked at me and then his gaze darted around the restaurant, before landing again on my face.

  “What do you think I’m doing now?” I asked, shrugging with my hands still wrapped around a mug of coffee. “I’m here and we should try this.” I was ready to trust him. After all we had done and all we had been through, I think he had proven himself this time around. It had started out weird, but our morning at the Cove, and the other night at the bar and at my house, showed otherwise. I couldn’t be with Ryan and there could still be something here with Hunter. It wasn’t as romantic as I’d pictured it, but maybe all the intensity, all that lust, and excitement, was just a precursor to disappointment. This felt genuine, like a real adult conversation.

  He leaned over the booth, holding my face between his hands as he leaned over and kissed me. It was literally syrupy sweet, and felt like a good sign for our new beginning.

  We finished breakfast and Hunter drove me back to the store. We missed a lot of traffic since it was still so early. Before I got out of the car, Hunter took my hand.

  “Thank you for giving me this chance.”

  I smiled and looked down at my lap. I didn't know what I was thinking. I wanted to take the plunge, but I wasn't sure if I was strong enough. After the debacle with Ryan and Miranda, I wanted to keep my heart with someone safe.

  Hunter put a hand on my cheek, his touch firm but gentle as he guided my gaze towards him. "Amy, you mean the world to me, and I’ve always felt what we had could be everything. I was too young and stupid to realize it before. I know now.” His deep brown eyes were glistening.

  He leaned over and gave me a full kiss on the lips.

  I felt my heart stir. This was such a different Hunter than the one I had known in high school. He was more mature, more commanding. He said he would keep my heart safe, and I believed him.

  "Okay," I said, leaning in to kiss him one more time.

  We broke apart and he looked at me, his eyes warm and genuine. “I won’t let you down, Amy. I promise.”

  CHAPTER 40

  Amy

  I kept busy, throwing myself into work and finishing up with the commissions. I’d decided that in honor of my dad’s memory, I’d have a rack of postcards that I’d design that celebrated all the local places nearby. Del Mar, San Diego, Miramar. I’d made the first one for Solana Beach. It had a vintage look to it—I’d found an old photo online of the beach from the 1940s—a cur
vaceous woman sitting on the sand, in one of those classic bathing suits, with huge sunglasses on top of her head, and a characteristically beautiful face. On top, I’d superimposed, in cursive font, Come to Sunny Solana. Her sexy, come-hitherish look caught my eye and the sunny beach view behind her screamed romance. If I could do a bunch more, it would also make a great California package that could even get attention online. I liked that idea. Plus, being creative kept me busy and positive. Well, sort of positive.

  The bell on the door jingled and in walked a woman with a high blond ponytail and light blue eyes. I recognized her, but I couldn’t put my finger on who she was. I smiled in a generic way, hoping I seemed welcoming to a potential new customer. As she came towards me with a fierce expression on her face, it hit me all at once.

  It was Jennifer, Hunter’s ex-girlfriend. She didn’t look happy to see me.

  “Hi. How can I help you?” I asked as nicely as possible. It wasn’t jealousy that had me on edge. I just remembered how overbearing and rude she had been at his party. I understand wanting to keep your man in check, but he wasn’t even her man, and she just had one of those sour lemon expressions frozen on her face--a perma-look.

  “I didn’t know this was your store. A friend of mine recommended you—you did the invitations for her wedding. Veronica Bell. I absolutely loved them. And I need save the date cards to go out as soon as possible. I just got engaged last week and we’re getting married this summer.” She flashed her large engagement ring my way, a self-satisfied smile playing on her face. I couldn’t bear to compliment the ring, even though I knew I should. She was just too obnoxious.

  “Fantastic, let me get out my portfolio for you to look through to decide what type of look you want.” I went to the back. Why was it that people like her were settling down, and I was still in the market? She was beautiful for sure, in an ice-princess way, but she was just one of those mean girls who never grew up. Totally reminded me of some jerks from high school.

  I came back to the front with three large binders. I could also show her a bunch of designs online, but because the texture of the paper is so important, I prefer to start with invitations the client can actually touch.

  She began flipping through and I took the opportunity to straighten out my journal section. After I had all of the leather-bound books in order, I went back to the front to check on her, and ask her some encouraging questions about the wedding. I didn’t want to be a rude and I still needed all the business I could get. I didn’t need to sink down to her level.

  “Where are you getting married?”

  “In Hunter’s backyard. Won’t that be sweet?” She actually had a genuine smile on her face.

  “How nice of the Morgans to let you use their home,” I said as I leaned over the counter to get an idea of what kind of cardstock she was favoring. Jennifer looked at me strangely, but I pressed on. “Who is the lucky guy?”

  She cocked an eyebrow. “Hunter,” she laughed. “Why else would we get married at their house?”

  It felt like I’d been hit on the back of the head. I almost gasped, but didn’t want to seem shocked. I put a smile on my face, but my thoughts were whizzing. Was I living in some crazy movie? Hadn’t it been only a few hours ago, that Hunter told me I was his world? Without even noticing, I’d squeezed the decorative paper I had in my hand into a small ball. I had to get away from her to calm down. All I could think to do was pretend to sneeze. I gestured to the bathroom and told her I’d be right back.

  I wished I had a paper bag to breath into. What the fuck. So that’s why he was always glued to his phone, pushing forward, and pulling back.

  But what had that morning been about? What was he trying to pull?

  I was pissed. Royally pissed. I wanted to punch him, hard. I looked into the mirror and stared into my own eyes, willing myself to calm down. I could do this. I may have been swept off my feet that morning at the beach, but I was exhausted and the sunrise had been so beautiful. I had hesitated for so long, and the second I put my trust in him, Hunter turned around and threw it all away. It was like prom all over again. I should have known. I didn’t want anything to do with him. And I knew I didn’t want to have anything to do with Jennifer outside of business. The two of them deserved each other.

  I flushed the toilet, and then turned the sink on as if I’d been using the bathroom for its intended purpose, not just introspection.

  When I came out, I mustered everything I had, suppressed all of the feelings that would cloud my judgment, and spent the next hour with Jennifer, picking out the Save the Date cards.

  As she got up to leave, I smiled and said, “Please tell Hunter I say hello and congratulations.” I hoped that scared the shit out of him.

  She thanked me. As she strolled out of the store on high heels, I slumped back in my chair. I’ve never been happier to have a customer leave the store.

  I closed early. I couldn’t believe this shit. And to think, I had opened up to him, told him I’d move forward. What kind of sick game was this? I rushed home, fury and tears binding me. I slammed the door as I came in and stormed to my closet where I was still holding his parent’s present.

  I didn’t know what it was. I didn’t care. All I knew was that I wanted to destroy everything that Hunter had ever touched, as though I could hurt him by proxy. I pulled open the closet and snatched the cardboard box that he had given me.

  I ripped open the package and saw something wrapped in newspapers. I frowned. This didn’t look like a present Hunter would wrap. Even if it were fragile, he would have used wrapping paper, not newspapers. My anger began to melt into curiosity. I slowly unwrapped it, discarding the paper on the floor.

  What I found was a heavy bound book. Opening it, I saw it was lists of services, invoices, and numbers. My eyes grew wide. A ledger that clearly belonged to MORGAN Properties and had no business being on the closet floor of my house. I remembered Ryan’s insistence that he needed funds, that something strange was happening with the books, that he had to partner with Miranda because no one else would invest.

  Why the fuck had Hunter hidden this in my house? It clearly wasn’t an anniversary present. I could have slapped myself. I had been duped the whole time. What else should I have expected from a lying cheater anyway? I had to question everything he’d ever said to me.

  And I had to tell Ryan.

  CHAPTER 41

  Amy

  Jamie convinced me to come meet her the next morning at this little outdoor café near the beach. I’d actually closed the store for the day, as Mondays were my slowest days anyway, and I needed a full day off to recover. She said we’d take a relaxing walk on the sand, go get our nails done, and maybe catch a movie. A total girl’s day.

  I pulled up to the Beach Grass Café, parked, and ran in. I saw Jamie sitting on the patio, and as I was just about to wave at her, I realized she was having an intense conversation with a man sitting across from her. I looked at little closer, and saw that it was Hunter. My stomach plummeted. What the hell was he doing there?

  I decided to sneak up slowly on them and see what they were talking about. I’m not an eavesdropper, but given how shady Hunter had been recently, I knew he would change the subject the second he saw me. If I wanted to know what they were discussing, I’d have to figure it out the sly way.

  All I could tell from this distance was that clearly Jamie was getting upset. Her eyes were open really wide, and she was doing this thing with her mouth where she bites her bottom lip not in a come-closer way, but more in an I-wish-I-could-punch-you way. She always did that when she was pissed.

  I inched forward, but I didn’t need to get any closer to hear what happened next. Jamie exploded. She put her glass down a little too forcefully, causing a loud thump, as she yelled, “Don't be mad when she moves on and ends up with somebody who actually gives a damn about her.”

  Wow. Despite what a terrible situation this was, it was nice to know that Jamie definitely had my back. I didn’t care about Hunter. I
didn’t need him. He was a royal shit, and I’d known it deep down. Every good thing I’d told myself about him was just to keep my mind off Ryan.

  Feeling invigorated by Jamie’s loyalty, I decided it was time to make my entrance. I walked over the table, clearing my throat when I got close enough. They both looked up. Jamie looked pissed, Hunter embarrassed and ashamed. At least he had some conscience, although I didn’t really care. He could have gotten down on his knees and begged me to forgive me, and I would have remained indifferent. Not giving a shit was so liberating.

  Hunter sat rooted to the spot across from Jamie.

  “Get up,” I said sternly. He’d never head me talk like that before. Fuck, I don’t think I’d ever heard myself talk like that to anyone in my life. He looked startled, but quickly obeyed.

  “Amy, I want to explain.” His voice shook. He could explain till he was blue in the face. It wouldn’t change how I saw him—not at all. I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of an audience. “Jennifer and I have been together, but she’s not you—she’ll never be you. We’re engaged, but I’m going to end it. On that drive to Malibu, I realized—”

  “Hunter, not now,” I snapped. “I need you to leave our table and get away from me. I can’t believe I gave us another shot. I should have known that you were still a two timing piece of shit.” I ignored the guilt that rippled across his expression. “Actually I think I did know. I think I knew the whole time—I just didn’t want to believe it. That’s why I was so hesitant to trust you again. And now you’ve proved me right.”

  Jamie’s mouth dropped open in surprise. I pressed on. “Jamie and I are having a quiet girl day, and I think your fiancée is probably waiting for you at home, so get out of here.” This wasn’t just sass—this was anger, unadulterated, unforgiving. It felt good especially since it was so deserved. What an asshole.