That’s when I see him.
A dark figure appears at the cliff edge, hands in pockets, staring out at the horizon. My breath catches in my throat. Hunter. Even at this distance, I’d know that posture anywhere—tall, commanding, like he owns not just the land beneath his feet but the very air around him.
My muscles tense instantly, heart hammering against my ribs. What is he doing here? How did he know I’d be at the cliff house?
As if sensing my thoughts, Hunter turns, his gaze lifting toward the house. Our eyes meet through the glass, and the wine glass nearly slips from my fingers. There’s no mistaking it. He sees me watching him. Even from this distance, I can feel the weight of his stare, that same intensity that’s been haunting my dreams.
I step back from the window, but it’s too late. A small, knowing smile curves his lips, and he gives a slight nod of acknowledgment. My skin prickles with goosebumps despite the warmth of the room.
He’s here at the same time as me, whether that’s a coincidence or not remains to be seen.
And now he’s caught me watching him.
Less than two minutes go by, and the doorbell rings, making my heart rate spike uncontrollably.
The sound of the doorbell still hangs in the air when Martha’s footsteps echo across the foyer. I stand frozen, wine glass clutched in my hand like a shield. Maybe it isn’t him. Maybe I’m jumping to conclusions.
“I need to see Aurora.” Hunter’s voice, low and commanding. “Now.”
My stomach drops to the floor. Martha’s gentle voice responds, too quiet for me to make out the words, but I can imagine her polite hesitation.
“She’s here.” Hunter’s tone brooks no argument. “Her car is outside.”
I set the wine glass down with trembling fingers, spilling a few drops on the table. There’s nowhere to run. We’re miles from anywhere, perched on this lonely cliff with nothing but ocean below and winding roads above.
“Miss Aurora?” Martha calls out, her voice wavering. “Mr. Reed is here to see you.”
I smooth my hands over my sweater, heart hammering so loudly I’m certain he’ll hear it when he enters. What does he want? Why follow me here? The questions swarm like angry bees in my mind.
“It’s fine, Martha,” I call back, my voice betraying me with a slight crack. “You can head home. I’ll lock up later.”
“Are you sure, Miss?” Concern laces her words.
Before I can respond, Hunter’s voice cuts in. “She’s sure.”
Footsteps approach the living room. I force myself to remain standing, to face him, even as every instinct screams at me to hide.
Martha appears in the doorway, wringing her hands. “Miss Aurora, I can stay if you’d like.”
Behind her, Hunter’s tall frame fills the hallway, gray-blue eyes locked on mine with an intensity that makes my skin flush hot despite the chill in my veins.
“That won’t be necessary,” Hunter says, never breaking his gaze from mine.
Martha hesitates, looking between us uncertainly before nodding. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
The front door closes moments later, the sound echoing with finality through the house. We’re alone. Completely alone.
Hunter steps into the living room, and suddenly the space feels too small, the air too thin.
“Aurora,” he says my name like he owns it.
I cross my arms over my chest. “What are you doing here?”
Hunter strolls farther into the room, his gaze sweeping over the ocean view before returning to me. “Interesting coincidence, finding you here today.”
“This is my father’s house. I have every right to be here.”
“I didn’t say you didn’t.” His lips quirk into that half-smile that makes my pulse race against my will. “But the timing is... inconvenient.”
