“I’d go there and get you another,” Hunter said.
“You mean you’d pay someone to do it,” I joked.
He tipped my head up. “If you want me to personally go get one for you every day, I will.”
“I’d rather you were here with me,” I said.
“I love you, Meg.” He gave me a crooked smile. “I’ll be wherever you want me to be.” His face was so open and honest. My heart squeezed. I did love him. He was trying. The little gestures—like bringing me my favorite sandwich just because he knew it would make me happy—hinted he was trying to show me he loved me in the best way he could. Maybe Hunter wasn’t perfect, but he was the perfect man for me.
“I love you, Hunter,” I told him.
He smiled and kissed me, holding me tight. I felt safe, warm, and cherished.
“Does that mean you’re moving in with me?” His voice rumbled in his chest.
“Mmm, depends on the house.”
“I’ll buy you any house. Your house probably won’t go up for auction for a bit, though.”
“Maybe we should get a different one,” I suggested. “You know, a fresh start.”
He brushed the hair out of my face. “But wasn’t that your parents’ house and your childhood home?”
“Yeah, but.” I shrugged. “Change can be good.”
* * *
I felt lighterthan I had since Barry had collapsed. I was feeling good about the election. I hadn’t seen Hunter’s father at all since the other night. Hunter loved me. I had a sandwich. And I might have a swanky new house with the man of my dreams coming my way.
I should probably start packing up my things.The girl I was renting from was coming back into town in a few days. The station wagon could only transport so much without the back wheels sagging. I packed up my baking supplies first and carted them down to the station wagon that I had parked on a side street nearby, nestling them carefully in the front seat.
There had still been no word from the bank about my request to access my house. If it didn’t go through soon, I may have to break the rules again and rescue the rest of my baking equipment. If Hunter and I were buying a brand-new house, I was going to tell him I wanted a huge kitchen. I was definitely going to up my cooking game.
Meg:On my way with the first load!
Hazel:You better not be bringing a lot of stuff. My building already looks like a hoarder house.
Meg:It’s only a few boxes.
Meg:You won’t even know I’m there.
Hazel:Just don’t park that gross car in front of my building.
Meg:You’re such a snob.
Hazel:That car is a biohazard.
“Meg!” Karen exclaimed as I stepped off the elevator at my floor. “I was just looking for you. I’m so glad I found you.”
I narrowed my eyes, immediately suspicious.
“I just had to tell you in person,” Karen said, grabbing my hand. “It’s just awful.”
“What happened? Is it Hunter?” I started to freak out and mentally calculated when I’d last heard from him. What if something terrible had happened to him? I loved him. I couldn’t lose him. “Is he all right?”
Karen reached out to place a hand on my shoulder and looked at me sympathetically. “I know it’s going to be hard for you to hear,” she said, eyes wide, “but Hunter has been lying to you.”
I jerked away from her. “There’s no way I’m believing a thing you say,” I spat at her. “You’re the one who’s lying. You were a liar when we worked together, and you told everyone Hunter was sending you flowers and not me. You lied to our bosses and had me fired, and you lied to weasel your way back into Hunter’s life. Hunter loves me, and I love him. He does not love you, and he doesn’t want you.”
