Why would I be bothered or jealous when I don’t want him? —Anna
Liar!!! —Layla
So is that a yes or no for the triple date?? —Layla
You’re insufferable, Josh. —Anna
I’ll take that as a yes and be sure to tell Sam that you’re looking forward to seeing him—Layla
A few seconds later, another text came from Layla.
Josh abducted my phone and shut me in the bathroom while he texted all of that ^ I’m so sorry, Anna. —Layla
You give him too much free rein. It’s time to tighten his leash. —Anna
Oh, believe me, I know. Tonight, as punishment, I’m going to tie him to the bedposts like a prisoner. —Layla
No, stop! He’s going to love that! —Gabby
You’re probably right—Layla
We said our good nights in the chat and then I picked up Luna in one arm, her bowl in the other, and strategically shut off the lights with my elbow. When I stepped out into the empty hallway, Hunter’s door was already ajar, anticipating our arrival.
Luna squirmed and I placed her on the ground while I locked our apartment. She instantly walked over to Hunter’s home and I followed suit, pausing briefly at the door when I beheld the most adorable sight.
Hunter and Luna.
Bare-chested and only wearing low-slung sweatpants, he was petting my cat, who happily snuggled into his arms with her eyes closed like it was her safe space.
“Hi, Luna,” he cooed, smiling. “I’ve missed you.”
She tried to climb him, her paws shifting on either side of his neck in a hug. He returned it, his palm coasting down her back in a caress. She meowed and he rested his cheek against her head gently. “Yes, you’ve missed me too, huh?”
Was it possible to feel your heart being mended, one stitch at a time? Hunter had always treated me so sweetly, but seeinghim do the same—relentlessly and effortlessly—whenever he encountered my Luna? It healed a broken part of me.
Franco had constantly ignored her, despite her loving nature.
Yet Hunter always embraced my cat with open arms and doted on her.
“She has missed you,” I said upon entering, placing Luna’s bowl on the floor next to the console table and snicking the front door shut.
Hunter’s blue gaze warmed, seeing me in his jersey. “Well, if it isn’t my two favourite girls. Welcome home.”
I loved the sound ofmy two favourite girlsandhomea little too much.
Keeping his eyes on me, Hunter gently lowered Luna to the ground and she headed straight for her bowl. That was my cue to skip over to him and throw my arms around his neck in a hug. As if I hadn’t seen him in days, not mere minutes. “Hi, pretty boy.”
“Hi, doll.” He kissed my lips. “My jersey looks even better on you than it does on me.”
I doubted anyone could look as good as Hunter in this jersey. But I played along, giving him a little twirl. “Right? I look so cute.”
“That you do.” He chuckled at my cheekiness and reached for my hand, weaving our fingers together. “Come. Let’s have dinner. You must be hungry.”
I was famished.
Later, I’d ask him for a tour of his apartment. I never got a chance to properly see it, considering the last time I was here was under not-so-ideal circumstances. The swift glance I shot at our surroundings concluded that Hunter had impeccable taste.
The kitchen was illuminated with mellow light from the stovetop and votive candles sitting on the island counter, awarding the space a cozy and romantic ambience. The smell of herbs and citrus drew my attention towards a simmer spot,perfuming the air with a scent that was quintessentially autumn. I loved that Hunter took the time to make his space into an actual home with these touches.
