“So what do you do when you don’t have a game or a practice?” I ask Hunter.
“I like to get out in nature and hike.”
“Really?” I never knew Hunter to hike.
“Yeah. I got into it a few years ago during the off-season. I just needed to get out of the city, and I found my way to a trail.”
“That’s amazing.”
“Not real intense hiking—that’s hard to find around here. I just usually pack a snack and get out of town for the day. It clears my head. I can hear myself out there better than in the city a lot of times.”
“That sounds nice,” I say because it does. Learning who Hunter is now fascinates me, and the best part is how much I still like him. How much we still enjoy hanging out.
“You want to come with me tomorrow?” His eyes brighten. “I know of a great place about two hours out of the city in Mississippi. The weather’s supposed to be sunny with no rain expected.”
Hiking with Hunter. That sounds like something couples would do.
Like he can read my mind, he quickly adds, “Before you go back to New York, I want to make sure you spend some quality time outside of New Orleans. Get your feet down and soak in the southern countryside.”
Yet another activity we’re passing off as a non-date.
And I’m in.
I’m so far in I don’t know how I’m going to back out when it’s time to go.
“I’d need to be back by seven. I’m meeting Peyton for drinks.”
“Sure. We’ll keep good track of the time.”
I guess we’d better keep good track of the time. Time is passing quickly in the Bayou, and before I know it, these non-dates with Hunter will be just a memory.
* * *
After we finish breakfast, Hunter heads to practice. I snuggle on the couch with Theo and my musical book, but when I hit a snag, I put my work away and head for the kitchen.
I’ve been wanting to do something nice for Hunter after all he’s done for me since I’ve moved home.
I eye the clock. Practice ends about ninety minutes from now. I’m full from breakfast and relaxed, and I’ve missed baking. I used to bake with my mama, but once I moved to New York City, I pretty much gave up cooking altogether.
I’m going to change that right now.
Hockey players aren’t big on sweets, especially when they’re in-season, but I know Hunter loves a good dessert every once in a while. And I know exactly which one.
So I take out a mixing bowl, turn on some music, and search Hunter’s kitchen for the ingredients I’ll need to get started.
* * *
I’ve just finished frosting the cupcakes when Hunter walks in the front door.
“What smells so damn good?” he asks as he steps into the kitchen.
I clean my hands on a dishcloth and give him a hug. “I made cupcakes. Healthy cupcakes,” I add quickly. “Well, healthier. I substituted honey for sugar. And I know you have to watch your fat intake when you’re playing, but I thought you deserved a little treat after how hard you’ve been working, and…”
His eyes are misty with emotion. “You remembered,” he says as he curls his hand around the back of my head and kisses me long and hard.
I’m breathless when he finally lets go.
“I did,” I say. “Cupcakes were what your mama used to always make for you boys when you were little. You and I had that in common—it’s probably the one happy thing I can remember doing with my mom.”
