I’m going to ask Hunter to the gala.
Of course, as luck would have it, it's several days later before I finally see Hunter at the café. We keep missing each other at our houses, his driveway being empty when I’m home, and I can only assume that I’ve been at my exams or work when he’s been home.
There’s nothing unusual about that; we’ve gone days or even a week between seeing each other in the past, and it’s never bothered me.
Okay, fine, maybe that’s because before now, I was in a relationship. And even if my ex didn’t take that seriously, I did. I might have been attracted to Hunter, but I never in a million years considered acting on that attraction. So, if we were two ships passing in the night, that didn’t matter because we were just neighbours.
Only now, I’m single. He’s single. And I want to ask him to the gala. Now, not seeing him is driving me a little crazy because every day that goes by when I don’t get the opportunity to ask him, I end up feeling more and more on edge. And the more on edge I get, the more annoyed I get with myself for letting my ex damage my self-esteem so much.
I have to continually remind myself there’s no real reason not to ask Hunter to go with me to the fundraiser. Except my fear that maybe I’ve imagined his flirting, or maybe Lily’s wrong and he doesn’t look at me with hearts in his eyes. Maybe I’m making something out of nothing, and he has zero interest in me whatsoever.
But I’ve gone after everything else I want in life, without hesitation. So why not this? The worst that could happen is he says no. And as long as I keep reminding myself there’s no emotions involved — yet — I’ll be okay. My heart will stay intact. Sure, that might make it awkward living next to him, but I’m a big girl. I can handle it.
Of course, when I finally see Hunter walk through the door of Camille’s, looking as delicious in his uniform as he always does, the nervous feeling in my stomach turns from cute little butterflies to a full-on tornado. So much for keeping emotions out of it.
I make my way over to him, grateful the café isn’t too busy right now and even more grateful he’s here alone and not with my cousin. Less witnesses if this all goes horribly wrong and he says no.
“Hey, Kitty Kat,” he says, giving me that adorable smile, the one that makes the dimple in his cheek pop. That errant lock of hair has flopped over his forehead again, and I focus my eyes there.
“Hi, Hunter.” Oh God, why is my voice so high-pitched? I clear my throat and try again. “Hi. Um, are you staying for lunch today?”
He nods, still smiling his perfect smile. If anything, it grows wider. “Yep. Why? Are you on a break? Am I finally going to get the pleasure of your company for more than the thirty seconds it takes you to drop off my sandwich?”
He’s teasing, I’m sure of this, but man, oh man, do I want him to be serious about wanting my company.
“No, no break, sorry,” I answer haltingly, and I swear for just a second his smile falters. But only for a flash and then he’s back to his usual happy self. Probably hiding his laughter at my fumbles. Why am I tongue-tied around him?
I take a deep breath, knowing if I don’t ask him now, I never will.
“Hunter, do you want to go to the animal shelter fundraiser gala with me?”
There’s a stunned look on his face for a moment before he starts nodding vigorously. So vigorously, his hair starts flopping all over the place, and I can’t contain my giggle of pure relief.
Maybe, just maybe, Hunter Callaghanisinterested in more than friendship with me. Maybe I’m not alone in this crush after all.
Chapter six
Hunter
I can’t stop staring at a string of numbers.
Just ten fucking numbers.
But those ten numbers? They’re Kat Donnelly’s phone number.
And I have it at last.
Granted, as her neighbor, I had a good enough reason to get her number a long time ago. I just never had the guts to ask for it and she never offered.
Until now.
After she asked me to go to the gala, the damn voice in my head told me she was joking. It had to be a joke.
Except, I know Kat would never be cruel and play with someone’s feelings like that. Not with how kind she is to everyone around her. Hell, her smile might be magic for me, but I also know she helps Hattie Henderson when she forgets her reading glasses and can’t see the specials on the board. I’ve caught her drawing pictures on the back side of receipts and giving them to kids who come to the café. Kat cares about people. She doesn’t judge, or get impatient, or make fun of anyone.
Which means her inviting me to the fundraiser was no joke.
Add in the fact that she’s now single, and I can’t stop wondering if the invitation was just for two friendly neighbours to go to a party together, or more. Which is what has been fueling my chaotic thoughts, causing me to feel the entire spectrum of emotions. Everything from the initial shock when she first asked, to utter panic over the fact that now I need to buy a suit, to questioning if Kat might actually be interested in me, toexcitementthat Kat might be interested in me…
