His hazel eyes locked onto mine and he took a deep, lung-clearing breath. “Charlotte...I’m a liar.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Hunter must’ve had a brain injury.
Because the Hunter I knew was not a liar. He was the furthest thing from it. But still, the way he was looking at me, so sincere and so full of pain, I couldn’t think of a reply to his sudden confession. The sudden eruption of laughter in the living room caused us both to start and pull apart.
It was Lexi and Beth I could hear talking down the hall. Apparently, the girls had followed me in and were talking to Hunter’s mom. It was nice to hear Bree laughing. She needed a little break from all of this sadness. Hunter jumped from his bed and went to softly close the door. He pressed his back against it, his eyes scanning me as he swallowed hard. I wondered what could’ve been so important to shut off the rest of the world.
“Charlotte.” He sighed and then made a face. “I’ve been lying to you since I got back home.”
My lips twitched with a smile. Here we went again. “Um, doubtful. I don’t think you can lie. That’s why in eighth grade Mrs. Crubel specifically asked you who egged the principle’s car. Everyone knows you’re the most infuriatingly honest guy in the world. You can’t help yourself.”
He winced and then combed a hand through his increasingly messy locks. “No, Charlotte. I’m a liar. I’ve been holding something back from you and just when it mattered most, I let you down.”
Standing from the bed, I crossed the room toward him. He bit his bottom lip and watched me with flashing eyes. I stopped just short of him, trying to work out what he’d said. Once again, I found myself at a loss for what Hunter was thinking. It used to be so clear. Did he mean how he didn’t tell me about the thing about Steven and their fight? I was over that. It didn’t matter anymore.
“Hunter.” I smiled softly at him. “You didn’t lie. Not really. You just didn’t tell me about you and Steven. I get it. You’ve always been like that. You have to work things out in your own head before you spill the details.”
He inhaled deeply. “You’re right about me having to work things out. You know me so well. But no, I’m not talking about Steven.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Okay, then, what? I’m feeling kind of lost here.”
“I can’t...” He grunted softly and bared his teeth. “I mean, it’s hard to explain. You know I’ve never been great at words and stuff.”
If this confession had something to do with bull riding or his wonderful transformation into a cowboy, then I welcomed it with open arms. Hunter didn’t have to be afraid to tell me. It was just me—his best friend in the whole world. One fight didn’t change that. I still cared deeply for him and I knew he cared about me, too.
“Whatever it is, just take your time,” I said with a shrug. The rodeo could wait. Whatever Hunter needed right now was first priority. “I’m here for you. You know that.”
His lips twitched with a grateful smile. Taking a deep breath, he nodded, as if he’d finally talked everything through in his head.
“Things changed for me over this last year,” he began slowly. “Being this little naive kid was no longer an option for me. Everything that happened with Steven forced me on this path of discovering who I was going to be as a man. I felt ready for that, when I moved back. But what I didn’t expect was for things to change between you and me.”
I hadn’t realized until then that Hunter had moved closer to me. He watched me with a steady and feeling gaze that nailed me to the spot on the floor where I stood. I hardly breathed as he hesitated slightly, and then reached for my hand. The friction of his skin against mine sent heat shooting up my arm.
“Charlotte, I started lying to you the day I surprised you at prom,” he said, his eyes darkening. “I should’ve told you then and there about how I felt about you. It should’ve been the first words out of my mouth, but I couldn’t.”
Apparently, my lungs had forgotten how to work, because my chest suddenly ached for air. My mind was swirling with all these thoughts and questions, begging to be thrown Hunter’s way. How did he feel about me? What exactly was he trying to say?
“When I went back to Texas to finish out the school year, I thought I’d be able to chase those feelings away,” Hunter continued. His shoulders tensed as he flared his nostrils and sighed. “I honestly thought it was some kind of mistake. But then I saw you again at the arena and I realized how stupid I was. Those feelings weren’t gone. They’d begun a tidal wave, sweeping everything else out of the way. Even our precious pact.”
Yes, the pact. The rules that had kept us friends for so long.
“Never reveal the secret location of our hideout,” I whispered.
He smiled softly, then reached out tentatively to finger a tendril of hair that had fallen across my cheek. “Always make up after a fight.”
“And never—” I inhaled sharply as he tucked the hair behind my ear and allowed his fingertips to trail slowly down my neck, his touch heating my skin.
“—fall for each other,” he finished in a whisper.
Was he saying that he’d broken the rules, too? My heart wanted to believe it. It wanted to move toward him and wrap my arms around him and never let go. But we’d been down this road just days ago and he’d rejected me. He’d stomped my feelings into the dirt with the heel of his cowboy boots. I wasn’t sure what to believe anymore.
“Char, I wanted to tell you so badly.” His gaze flicked from my eyes, down to my mouth, and then back again—giving my stomach a little jolt. “And honestly, I didn’t think you felt the same. Not until...you kissed me after our dance.”
My cheeks heated as I remembered practically launching myself at Hunter in that storage closet. He chuckled softly and stroked a thumb over my cheek, as if he knew what was going on inside of my head. I reached up to hold his hand and leaned into his touch.
“I did feel the same,” I said with a smile. “I was trying to fight it, too. We have rules for a reason.”
He hummed his agreement deep within his throat. “But some rules are meant to be broken.”
I blinked at him in confusion. If he’d felt like this, why had everything fallen apart.
“But, why...?”
“Why was I such a jerk?” He dipped his head slightly in shame. “Why did I push you away two days ago when you told me everything that I wanted to hear? Because you were right, Charlotte. You know me inside and out. And you called it. I got scared. I was a coward.”
I pressed my lips together and stared up at him. No way. The Hunter I knew was fearless. He tackled monstrous men and rode bulls for kicks. He wasn’t a coward. I’d only said that to hurt him. Nothing inside me believed it was true.
Hunter’s eyes darted across my face. He could probably see the disbelief in my eyes. With a grin that shot warmth straight to my gut, he chuckled softly.
“Look, even now, my best friend is trying to defend me. You’re too good for me, Charlotte.”
I shook my head. “I’m sorry, but I just don’t understand.”
His jaw twitched with a frown. “Char, everything was coming down hard on me. My mom was warning me that I’d better be good to you and be sure about my feelings so I didn’t screw anything up. I was sure...but then I started thinking about that jerk, Steven. Which led to thinking about everything I went through with my dad and...then I freaked. I didn’t want to get hurt. I didn’t want to hurt you. I dismounted before my eight seconds were up. I was a coward. I’m so sorry.”
His confession rolled over me like a cool wind on a hot summer’s day. The strength of it pieced back together my hurting heart and gave me the courage to reach up and cradle his head in my hands. I waited patiently for his hurting gaze to meet mine. And when it did, I shook my head slowly from side to side.
“We are not your parents. You’re not Steven. We make our own moves.”
He nodded, then licked his lips. “I know. But, Char, you could have any guy you wanted. How was I supposed
to ask you to settle for me?”
Bubbly laughter burst from my mouth, earning a confused look from Hunter.
“Are you serious, McNally?” I wiped a tear from my eye. “I’m not sure why you don’t understand this yet, but I have always known you were the best guy in the world. No one would be settling for you. Especially me.”
The left side of his mouth quirked. “Really?”
“Yeah, for sure.” I nodded. “Now, are you going to kiss me? Or am I going to have to complain to your mom that you’re not being good to me?”
His face lit up with a gorgeous and sexy smile that quickly turned naughty as he grabbed me around my waist and pulled me toward him. His left hand splayed on my back and he used his other to guide my chin toward him. Without hesitation or second thought, he captured my mouth with his.
What a difference it was to know exactly what Hunter was thinking during that kiss as his hands slid back up to cradle my face. How fully consuming it was to know for sure that he wanted me. My hands found their way back to his muscular shoulders, squeezing and enjoying their shape. He moved us both backwards, until we sat on his bed, still locked in an embrace. His fingertips sunk into my hair, causing shivers to go down my spine.
I slowed down, intent on thoroughly memorizing every bit this time. The way his breath became heavier as I deepened the kiss. The incredibly soft touch of his lips. The roughness of his scruff and the hungry, deep sighs reverberating in his chest. I inhaled the scent of his cologne. Everything in me that had held back my emotions up until this point was finally letting go. It was overwhelming, in the very best way. I found myself smiling as I rose to my knees on his bed and wrapped my arms around his neck to kiss him some more.
“You’re so beautiful, Charlotte,” Hunter mumbled into my mouth, stroking his hand over my hair. “You’re gorgeous and wonderful and I don’t ever want to stop kissing you.”
I hummed my agreement with his plans and grabbed a fistful of his hair at the back of his head, causing him to growl softly and kiss me even harder.
“Who cares about the contest?” I said, tilting my head the other way. “Who cares about a crown? I just want you. Here. Now.”
It took a couple seconds, but Hunter’s hands froze on my back and he pulled away suddenly. I blinked as if someone had turned on a bright light, trying to get his face in focus again.
“The contest?” He grimaced and then his eyes widened. “The contest! You’re missing the contest.”
“Hunter, it’s fine. I’m probably already disqualified.” I leaned toward him to brush my lips against his, fully intending to get back to kissing him. He sighed and gave in for a full ten seconds before he firmly grabbed my shoulders and pushed me to arm’s length.
“Nope. You’re not missing this because of me. We’ve got to get you back to the fairgrounds.”
I pouted. It felt like I’d waited my whole life to kiss Hunter like this. Everything else could disappear, for all I cared.
His eyes crinkled in a smile as he took in my puppy dog expression. He pulled me just close enough to press his warm lips against my forehead and then hopped off the bed. “Believe me, this isn’t easy for me. I’d spend all night kissing you, if I could. And maybe I will, after this is all done.”
My cheeks warmed as I followed him toward the door. Yes, please. More kissing. More of his delicious mouth and hands all over me. I was pretty sure I’d never get enough of that.
“Okay, fine.” I reached for the doorknob and gave him my most winning Rodeo Queen smile. “But I’m holding you to that tonight.”
He leaned against the wall and grinned in a way that made the fire burning in my gut flare. “Maybe, if you’re lucky, I’ll even take you on a real date first.”
I couldn’t suppress the happy in my face as I walked through the door. So that was the first thing Lexi and Beth saw as I nearly ran head-first into the both of them, standing in the hallway. I managed to right myself, thanks to Hunter’s quick reflexes and steadying hands on my waist. His touch was still giving me shivers. It took me a second to get my head on straight, but when I managed to look at my friends, their victorious and knowing smiles made me blush.
The secret was out.
“Soooo...” Beth gestured with a flick of her hand. “It seems like you’re okay.”
“More than okay,” Lexi added with a grin. “I’d say, he’s practically blushing. Aren’t you, Hunter?”
I couldn’t help looking over at him. And sure enough, the boy’s face was red. He grinned sheepishly and then rubbed a hand over his face.
“We’ve got to get Charlotte back for the crowning,” he said, managing to keep his voice straight, even when his gaze flicked to mine. “I don’t want her to miss out because of me.”
“Yes, let’s go!” Lexi nudged me with her elbow and whispered in my ear, “And better believe you’re giving me all the details later.”
I grinned and followed them down the hall. The police had taken their statements and were already gone. Bree was busy sweeping up the broken glass on the floor. Hunter pulled his mom into a hug and then took my hand, holding it tight.
“We’re going to the rodeo,” he said firmly. “Charlotte’s got a crown to win and I’ve got a bull to ride. You coming?”
Bree’s gaze swept from person to person, before landing on Hunter’s hand holding mine. I could tell from the glimmer in her eye that she knew what had happened between her son and me.
For a second, a blip of doubt went through me. What if she didn’t approve? It would crush me.
But that fear was short-lived. With a bleary-eyed smile, she looked up at me and then pulled me into a hug.
“Of course. Our Char deserves a crown. And we’re going to prove to that awful man that he has no more control over our lives. Let’s go.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Come on, blue steed!”
Hunter urged his truck faster as we rounded the curb to the county fairgrounds. I sat in the middle and Bree in the passenger seat. Lexi and Beth followed in the other car. Seeing Hunter driving with so much focus brought a smile to my lips. He was determined to get me back in time to win a crown. He really was the best.
And when he caught me staring at him, the sideways grin and wink he threw me just about made my heart explode with warmth.
“I’m guessing we’re going to have to come up with some new rules around the house,” Bree said, as she watched us both with a teasing smile. “Bedroom doors stay open. No more sneaking around at night.”
My cheeks reddened even as Hunter laughed. But his mom didn’t have to worry. Hunter had always been the perfect gentleman. And the gentle way he was holding my hand told me that hadn’t changed.
“We’re here.” Hunter parked on a grassy spot near the arena. The parking lot was bursting at the seams and this was the overflow area.
He helped me out his door and we ran toward the arena, leaving his mom to follow. Muffled words came from the announcer’s speakers. The ticket booths had been abandoned, so we had no trouble getting in.
Still, it wasn’t easy getting to the front. It seemed like all of Rock Valley had crowded into the arena and every one of them had suddenly decided they were starving and needing food from the concessions. Hunter led the way through the crowd, holding my hand tight.
I probably should’ve been more concerned about getting back to Ms. Gentry, but I couldn’t think straight with that boy touching me. Why people called it cloud nine was no longer a mystery. My feet were floating. My head light as a fluffy cloud on a bright summer’s day. And every time he glanced over his shoulder at me and fixed me with those gorgeous hazel eyes rimmed in dark lashes, I got another burst of butterflies in my stomach.
“We’re almost there,” he said, chewing uncertainly on his bottom lip. “It might already be started. We’d better hurry.”
We finally broke through the crowds milling around to get a clear shot of the arena. Sure enough, a miniature platform had already been set up in the mi
ddle and six girls stood poised on top of it, with Ms. Gentry nearby. My gaze landed directly on Sarah, who stood with her hip cocked and a brilliant cherry-tinted smile pasted on her face, as if she were ready for her prize. Everything about her—from her crisp white blouse, tight designer jeans, and white cowgirl hat sitting atop her perfect ringlets screamed Rodeo Queen. She probably already had a shelf picked out at home to display her rodeo crown. Confidence oozed off of her.
I clasped the top of the railing tight, my gut twisting at the sight. I was supposed to be down there. That crown had been within my reach. And now, it seemed like Sarah was going to win once again.
“Come on,” Hunter urged, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “We’re almost there. We can get you on that stage.”
“No. Wait.” I stared hard at Ms. Gentry addressing the crowd. “It’s too late. She’s already started. I can’t interrupt her.”
Sure enough, Ms. Gentry was talking about what a wonderful job all the contestants had done. About the poise, intellect, and potential of each and every one of us. Just a couple days ago, I would’ve taken one look at her severe frown and called her a fun-sucker. But after our conversation in the bathroom, I knew better. There was a slight quiver of emotion in her voice. And the way her eyes shone as she looked at the girls was proof that I’d totally misjudged her. Keeping her daughter’s legacy alive had been her passion and she’d done it so well.
Finally, with a clearing of her throat, she turned back to the crowd and gave them a rare smile. “I’m afraid this is my last year as the director of the Rock Valley High Junior Rodeo Queen contest.” I could hear the tears in her confession. She smiled again and looked down at the microphone. “My daughter, Elizabeth, adored her time as the Junior Rodeo Queen. It was in her memory that I kept it going. But from now on, I will have to carry that memory with me.”
The crowd noise lowered to a dull whisper as the weight of Ms. Gentry’s emotions settled over the arena. I blinked back my own tears, wishing I could be on that stage to give Ms. Gentry a hug. She shook her head slightly, as if to brush off the sadness, then lifted her chin.
Dare You to Resist the Bull Rider (Rock Valley High Book 4) Page 17
