“Hunter,” I protest, tone low, but he ignores me.
“And maybe on that wall, you could display some of your favorite car models or achievements.”
Even if I don’t want to, I can’t help but imagine what he’s painting. The space starts to fill with his vision. I can almost hear the buzz of tools, the soft music playing in the background, the scent of coffee mingling with the smell of cars being brought back to life.
“This could be yours, Sloan. Your shop, your dream. Yours,” Hunter whispers in my ear, stroking my upper arms.
“I can’t afford this,” I say, stepping back to face him, my tone edged with cold reality.
He smiles, undeterred. “This used to be Jones and Sons’ headquarters. We merged the buildings for efficiency, leaving this one empty for years. It’s ours but unused. You’d be doing us, the whole town, really, a favor by bringing it to life. We need a good shop nearby.”
His offer ignites a flicker of hope, but I’m quick to douse it. “Hunter, you can’t just hand me a building like this. It’stoo much. A shop isn’t just a present. And it’syourbirthday. I should be the one giving you something, not the other way around.”
He laughs, his eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and heat. “Oh, you gave me a very nice present last night.” I blush, but he just continues, “And I’m not just giving it to you. Think of it as an investment. You’re gifting me an opportunity. I’ll provide the location and resources to start, holding a… let’s say, forty percent stake in the business. You work with what I provide until you turn a profit. Then, you can buy me out. I’m confident you won’t need more than five years. After that, it’s all yours.”
“Why would you do this? It feels wrong. I could go to a bank. Handle it myself.” I hear the childish defiance in my voice and wince internally.
Hunter’s expression softens as he steps closer, gently lifting my chin with his hand. “You could do it on your own, sure, but you shouldn’t have to. Not anymore.”
His words stir something in me, a mix of gratitude and unease. “You know what people will say if you buy your girlfriend a shop?” I retort, crossing my arms defensively.
The amusement in his eyes flickers, his face lighting up with a grin, his voice a tender murmur. “Girlfriend, huh?” I find myself caught off guard and just bite my lip.
Wow, Sloan, you idiot.
Hunter gently frees my lip from my teeth with his thumb, leaning in for a soft, lingering kiss. As he pulls back, he whispers with a grin,“ I thought we already agreed onfuck them all…” He pauses, giving me another quick peck. “Besides, I’m not buyingmy girlfrienda shop. I’m investing in a brilliant business idea.”
“And North is okay with you just giving methis?” I motion around myself, trying to protest some more.
“Again, it’s not a handout. And you would be surprised what North’s willing to do for you.”
A strange sensation flutters in my chest, like butterflies tumbling in a storm. It’s overwhelming, almost nauseating.
“Why do you look like you’re going to be sick?” Hunter’s concern is evident, his brow furrowed. “This is a good thing, Sloan.”
I break away from his hold, walking over to the window. Staring out, I grapple with the enormity of the offer. Thisisa good thing, a chance of a lifetime. But it feels almosttoo good, teetering on the edge of too good to be true.
My heart and throat tighten, but I force myself to turn and speak. “I’m scared,” I admit, my voice quivering. “Terrified that all of this is just temporary. You promised once you’d always want me, and then…”
Hunter’s expression softens into one of understanding as he approaches me. He knocks on the sturdy brick wall. “Does this look temporary to you?” His voice is gentle yet firm. “This building is older than both of us combined.”
“Hunter,” I murmur, my gaze dropping to my feet.
“I know my promises might not mean much to you right now, and that’s fair,” he tells me earnestly. “But I swear, what happened before will never happen again. We’ll pay a lawyer, draft a contract, and set it up just how you want. We can even include a clause that if I fuck up, you receive one hundred percent of the business, no payback needed. I don’t care about the money or this space. What I care about is you, your dreams, and making you happy.”
“I don’t know if I can ever just behappy. I’m a mess. I have trauma, insecurities…the ghost thing. Every time something good happens, I’m ready to run or find the flaw in it. Do you really want all that? All that struggle?” My voice is barely above a whisper.
Hunter’s smile is tender and full of warmth. He cups my cheek gently. “You can’t have rainbows without a little rain.”
“But I’m not just a little rain, Hunter. I’m a storm, and you’ve had more than enough storms in your life.” Tears well in my eyes, threatening to spill over.
Hunter’s gaze holds mine, unwavering, and his fingers twine in my hair. “I would choose your thunder, storm, and rain over anyone else’s sunshine.”
My lips meethers in a kiss that feels like a promise, a vow to weather whatever storms may come together.
“There’s more,” I whisper against her mouth when I break the kiss, and she lets out a little groan.
“Hunter—”
