“That’s a nice back massager you’ve got.” He chuckles. “Might want to find a new hiding spot, though, now that I know where it is.”
“Ugh!” I slam my arms down over the covers and turn toward him. “Can sweet and caring Hunter return now, please? This is embarrassing, and I’m already nervous you’re in here.”
His face drops as he looks at me. “Okay, I’m sorry.” The tiniest of a smile flashes over his face, making me roll my eyes. He knows damn well that was a vibrator, one I’ve been using regularly to relieve the stress and tension.
I lean over to the nightstand and click off the lamp. “Good night, Hunter.”
Sometime in the middle of the night, I hear Hunter shed his clothing. I snicker, knowing I was right. He climbs back in, and minutes later, his arm snakes around my waist. I should push him away, but when he closes the gap between us, and the warmth of his skin hits me, I can’t deny how good it feels to be held again.
I fall back asleep, and when my eyes pop open at the sounds of a deep agonizing groan, I notice sunlight peeking through the curtains. It’s morning.
When I roll over, Hunter’s curled into a ball, hissing through his teeth.
What the hell?
“Are you okay?” I ask, sitting up. Strangely, I feel very rejuvenated. Hunter held me most of the night, and at some point, we shifted, and I rested my head on his chest. I could hear his heart beating and felt protected all night long.
“No.” He groans. “Your knee…” He pants, blinking. “In my junk.”
“I did?” I gasp, bringing a hand to his shoulder. “Oh my God. I’m so sorry.”
“Just…give me a second.” His head falls as he cups his groin.
Sliding out of bed, I walk to his side and watch the agony take over. Shit, I feel awful. I’ve never kicked Brandon in the nuts before, so I don’t know how I managed to kick his.
After five minutes, he finally relaxes and releases a relieved breath. “I thought I was gonna die.”
“Hunter, I’m—”
“Gonna kill me?” He raises his brows, pretending to be amused though I know he’s not.
I deadpan. “I’m sorry! I don’t know how that happened. I guess I twitch in my sleep a little.”
“Well, I was trying to slide out from under your legs, and your knee went straight for my dick.”
My eyes widen, realizing why my aim was so good. We snuggled all night long. Then it dawns on me—morning wood. I cringe to myself, knowing that had to hurt like a bitch.
Hunter stands, and I stare at him, willing my eyes to stay focused on his face and not the fact that he’s down to his boxers. “Well, I better go pack a cup for my junk so you don’t bruise me in Utah.”
“Okay, now you’re just trying to make me feel bad.” I chuckle, following him out the door.
“We have to leave in two hours,” he reminds me. “I’m gonna make breakfast and shower unless you wanna go first?”
I want to comment on the fact that he did last night after his workout, but I don’t. I hope sleeping with me wasn’t torture for him, but that doesn’t mean I’m not contemplating bringing my vibrator in there with me to release all the tension building up.
Ugh. The thought makes me feel guilty as hell.
No, I remind myself. I can’t let it consume me right now. Hunter’s friendship and finding out I was pregnant with Brandon’s baby have been the only things keeping me afloat. I’m certain I would’ve drowned with grief by now if the baby didn’t exist. In a way, our child saved me from falling into a deep depression.
Aside from harming Hunter, sleeping with him felt more natural than I anticipated. Maybe it’s because I was so used to having Brandon next to me that it felt right or that I’ve just been so lonely without him here. Either way, sharing a bed might not be as bad as I thought.
“You have everything?” Hunter asks after we’ve both showered and finished getting ready, pulling a suitcase behind him. “I’m going to make a trip to the truck and put everything in the back. Then we can get going.”
“Yep. Let me grab my bags.”
“Bags?” he asks, his brows arching. “You know we’re only staying for three nights, right?”
“Yes,” I say. “I had to bring shoes and a few different outfits.”
Shaking his head, he chuckles. “Women.”
Once he’s loaded everything, I look around to make sure I don’t forget anything, though, I know a part of me is just stalling. Once we leave this apartment, we’re really doing this. We’re going to Utah as a married couple.
“You ready?” he asks, standing in front of me with a smirk.
I inhale deeply and smile. “Ready as I’ll ever be, I guess.” I shrug, the nerves hitting me hard.