“Hunt. It was nothing.”
He brings our joined hands to his lips and kisses my knuckles. “It. Was. Everything. And I’m sorry I didn’t thank you properly before now. I honest to God just wanted to forget that whole night.”
“Of course you did. And I certainly wasn’t waiting for a thank you.”
“Doesn’t mean you didn’t deserve one.”
His eyes fill with emotion.
“You’re going to get through this next step,” I say confidently. “Putting that horrible man behind bars…it’s long past due, but I’m happy for you all.”
“Thanks, Win.”
I lean my head back against the couch. “How was the rest of your roof time?” I ask him.
He shrugs, and I hide a smile. The four Storm brothers are so close-knit, but they like to pretend otherwise. I think it stems from their fear of loss, and my heart aches for all of them.
“Liam’s a know-it-all, Jared tries to fuck with everyone about everything, and Max is still pissed off,” Hunter says as he tugs my feet onto his lap.
“That sounds about right.” I laugh. “But they all also have hearts of gold. Just like you.” I smile at him. “You know that you’re my favorite Storm, though.”
He quirks an eyebrow at me. “Oh yeah?”
“Most definitely.”
I sigh as he starts massaging my feet. “That feels amazing, Hunt.”
“Good.” He keeps going as he says, “I need to get you all limbered up for your big night.”
I flick my gaze to his. “What big night? I’m not leaving this couch.”
“Oh, yes, you are.”
“Where?”
“We’re going to the Odyssey. Declan’s performing, and I told him we’d stop by. Charly and Van are going, too.”
I’ve been pretty much avoiding live music in New Orleans since I’ve come back. It hits a little too close to home.
Hunter’s watching me. “I don’t want to push you, Win.”
I give him a look. “Yes, you do.”
His lip quirks up. “Okay, you’re right. I do.”
I kiss his cheek. “I appreciate your concern. But I’m really okay.”
“Then why did you look terrified when I mentioned going to Dec’s show?”
I put my hand on Hunter’s knee. “Because. I’m still getting over the fact that I’ve bombed my last few auditions. So I guess the idea of taking in a live show is a bit overwhelming. But I’m game. Let’s go.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m sure.” I’m not at all sure, but I figure I can pass the time chatting with Charly and Van.
Hunter tugs at my ponytail, using his grip on my hair to hold me in place so he can give me a perfectly dirty kiss. His teeth tug at my bottom lip until he can slide his tongue inside my mouth. I arch my neck to get as close to him as possible.
He finishes the kiss by murmuring in my ear, “That’s just a taste of what I have in store for later in bed.”
