For some reason, that makes me want to rage. “That doesn’t work for me. I’ve gone a long time without sex, and I thought I was fine with that.”
Hunter’s lips quirk up. “So, are you saying you’re not fine with that?”
I nod. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. Can you blame me?”
Hunter smirks, his eyes flashing before he leans in slowly. His lips hover over mine, and my breath catches when the tip of his tongue touches my bottom lip as he licks his. “Are you saying you enjoy sex with me, sweetheart?”
Ugh. He’s insufferable. “You know I do.”
He drops another quick kiss to my lips. “I’m gonna clean up and take care of the morning chores, and I’ll be back.”
I frown. “You don’t want me to come with you?”
Shaking his head, his eyes flash with heat. “I want you to stay right here. In my bed, covered in my cum. And when I get back, we’ll shower together.”
I nod, stomach tightening with arousal. How I went so long without this, I’ll never know. But I know one thing for sure—if I’m going to have it with anyone, I’m glad it’s him.
He kisses me again, lingering like he doesn’t want to pull away. To be fair, I don’t want to pull away either. I want to do this all morning. For the rest of my life.
Something about that thought makes me a little panicky, and I’m not sure why, considering how much Hunter means to me and how much I want him.
I disguise my nerves by tangling my fingers in his hair and pulling him closer while I deepen our kiss. The groan that rumbles in his chest has satisfaction sparking along my skin.
Breaking the kiss with a soft moan, he grins against my lips. “I’ll be back, gorgeous.”
I nod, too breathless to do much of anything else.
Hunter disappears into the bathroom to clean up, and when he’s done, he steps into a pair of jeans—no underwear—and a button-up shirt that he leaves open, exposing his toned stomach and chest.
He blows me a kiss, then slips out the bedroom door.
I smile at the ceiling like an absolute fucking idiot. How am I supposed to tell Hunter Lock that I’m pretty sure I’m in love with him?
Walkinginthefrontdoor of Daisy’s feels surreal. There’s a nervous pit in my stomach, but Hunter told me he’d come have lunch here today, so at least I can see him. Today is a good day. Not as good as some of the other days I’ve had, but overall I can’t complain.
Hunter was concerned when I told him I was sitting around fifty percent, and yeah… given that I’m working my first shift today, it’s not ideal. It’s okay, though. I can power through. I’ve done far more with far less.
Luca peeks around the wall that leads to the kitchen, and when he sees me, his entire face lights up. He smiles broadly, waving at me. “Theo! Come on back here.”
I plaster what I hope is a convincing smile on my face. Inhaling a deep breath, I walk across the dining area to where Luca is standing.
“I’m so glad you made it,” he says, and even though I know he doesn’t mean for it to, the words bite.
“Me too. You never know how it’s gonna go with my faulty brain.”
Frowning, Luca shakes his head slowly. “Theo,” he says, then leans closer, lowering his voice. “That’s not what I meant at all.” I know it’s not. Iknowdepression isn’t a flaw, but goddamn, it feels like it. “I’m just happy you’re going to be working with me. I would never make light of your mental health.”
I nod, my nose burning and my throat tightening. “I know. I’m sorry.”
Luca studies me for a second. “No need to be sorry. Would you like to meet Deb and Arlo?”
“I’ve already met Arlo.”
“Right. But officially?”
“Lead the way.”
With another bright smile, Luca hooks his arm through mine, and while I’m marveling at the casual way he initiates physical touch, I follow him to the kitchen. For the first… however long after Damien—years, I think—I couldn’t bear to be touched.
