And I don’t tell the table that I’ve not only already seen Hunter Storm but I’m now living with him. I figure I’ll wait until he arrives, and we can surprise them together.
“He said he’s coming here?” I ask Declan.
He nods. “He’s on his way.”
He and Simon start chatting about the Fire, and how Declan thinks they have a great chance to win it all this year.
“Of course, not if his brothers have something to say about it out in Montana.” Declan chuckles. “Plus, that Wild guy for the Kings is a fucking stud.”
“Declan Wild, isn’t it?” Simon says.
Declan smirks. “Great name. He’s been a star for years, of course, but this season he’s really on a roll. Along with Hunter’s brothers, the Kings could present a real challenge for the title.”
“We can handle them.” Hunter’s deep voice comes from directly behind me.
His hand lightly touches my shoulder and sends shivers down my spine.
Five heads turn to look at me.
I will my pounding heart to relax, and I put on what I hope looks like a casual smile as Hunter grabs a chair and pushes it in between me and Declan.
His arm is around me before I can speak. “Hey, Princess.”
I turn to face him. His green eyes are focused on me like nobody else is at the table. I forgot how good it felt to be noticed like this. Because nobody’s ever noticed me—the real me—the way Hunter Storm has.
“Hi, Hunt.”
I lean in and kiss his cheek. He’s not expecting that, and honestly, neither was I. I just can’t help myself around him—it’s like his body’s begging for me to touch him.
The scent of his aftershave and the feel of his skin against my lips overwhelm me. I try to pull back quickly, but his hand goes around my neck, and before I know it, he’s kissing me back. Just on the cheek, but butterflies dance in my stomach.
We let go of each other then and turn back to the table like nothing just happened.
Everyone’s staring at us, and Ashley’s eyes are saucer-wide. “What—I mean, you two haven’t seen each other in years, and you haven’t exactly wanted to stay in touch. So how did this—kissing and touching—happen?”
Hunter quirks an eyebrow. “I see your nosiness hasn’t ebbed over the years, Ash.”
I elbow him in the ribs. “Don’t be rude. Hunter and I ran into each other yesterday.”
Savannah gasps. “Was it a planned meeting or spontaneous?”
Charly giggles next to me. “How are you going to field this question?” she murmurs so only I can hear.
Declan furrows his brow at Hunter. “You didn’t say a word in your text. Not even a whisper.”
“I didn’t realize Winter and I were supposed to report everything back to y’all,” Hunter says. “Yes, I had a Winter Allen sighting yesterday when she agreed to pet sit Theo.”
“Ohhh,” Savannah says. “Coincidence or planned?”
“Coincidence,” I say. “I applied for the job, and it turned out to be Hunter. Small world.” I put my hand on his arm. “We’re going to be housemates.”
The laughter that breaks out at our table is so loud people look over.
“You two—” Declan points from Hunter to me. “Are going to live together?”
“Yes.” I keep my hand on Hunter’s arm. “I moved in today.”
More laughter. But then, Savannah smiles at me happily. “I think this is great news.” She holds up her glass of wine. “You two will have so much time to reconnect!”
