Oh.Oh. Suddenly, a few things are starting to make sense. His reaction to me at the café the day after our date. Heck, maybe even him not going for that promotion Leo was talking about. The worry over telling my family we’re dating. This is the cause of all of it.
“I think you’re good enough,” I say quietly. “More than good enough, in fact. You’re amazing, Hunter Callaghan. You’re hardworking, kind, friendly, good in bed,” I add that last one teasingly, and finally, he cracks a smile. “And sexy as hell. I’m so happy you’re here with me tonight. Who knew a movement started by an actress could lead to this? Claiming my coal was the best —”
I get no warning before Hunter’s upper body lunges across the car, pinning me against the door, interrupting my thought. His lips cover mine in a desperate, plundering kiss. I meet him stroke for stroke, trying to infuse it with all the reassurances and support I possibly can.
I’m in danger of falling in love with this man. No, it might be too late for that. I think Iamfalling in love with him. And tonight, after the party is over, and our relationship is out in the open, I’m going to tell him. Maybe then he’ll understand exactly what I think of him and how I feel about us.
Eventually, our lips part, both of us breathing heavily. My thumb comes up to trace along his lip. “They really meant it when they said transfer proof.”
Hunter raises his eyebrows. “Say what?”
I giggle, happy to have broken the tension. “My lipstick. The brand promises it’s transfer proof, and since you aren’t wearing ‘raspberry charm’ on your mouth, I’m assuming it worked.”
His low laugh fills the car.
“Ready to go in now?”
He nods, climbs out of the car, and walks around to open my door. As soon as I’m out, he pulls me in for a crushing hug. “Thank you for not running in the opposite direction.”
I reach up to touch his cheek. “Anyone who runs away from you would have to be an idiot.”
“Or a criminal,” he quips and we both laugh. Taking my hand in his, we make our way to the door.
As soon as we’re inside, however, any progress we made in the car at taming Hunter’s anxiety is lost. His eyes dart everywhere and his hand starts to squeeze mine uncomfortably tight.
I try to enjoy the tasteful Christmas décor that fills the ballroom, but the tension coming from Hunter is palpable.
“Do you think your family is here yet? I don’t see them. Shit, I really should’ve talked to Leo before tonight.”
“Shoulda, woulda, coulda.” I shrug, trying to make light of both of our nerves. “They’re not going to have a problem with us dating, Hunter. I know I made it seem like they scare off every guy I date, but we’re two consenting adults. Even my neanderthal brothers will be able to get that.”
Hunter won’t meet my gaze; he’s still scanning for my idiot brothers. “That’s not what I’m worried about.”
“Then what is it? You can take them,” I try teasing him, but even that doesn’t seem to get through the haze of worry clouding him.
“You know Sawyer has basically told every single first responder in town to keep their hands off you. He says no one is good enough for you. Pretty sure he didn’t mean I could be the exception to that.”
I’ll deal with Sawyer later. Right now, my own insecurities are bubbling to the surface.
“Hunter, do you not want to be here with me? Is that it?” I blurt out. Hunter’s anxiety is no small issue, but damn it, I’ve got confidence issues of my own. And having the man I’ve been crushing on for so long suddenly be worried about people finding out about us isn’t helping.
“God, no!” he says, his mouth falling open. “Fuck, Kat. No. I’m so sorry. Here you are, the most beautiful woman on earth, and I’m a nervous sack of shit, ruining everything.”
His response eases my own worries, but does nothing to stop my pain at hearing him beat himself up so much.
“Why you ever thought I was worthy of being with you, I will never understand. You’re a goddess, Kat. A fucking goddess.”
He looks at me and the emotions swimming in his eyes make my heart hurt for him. What the hell happened in the past to make this beautiful man think so little of himself?
“Every goddess needs her god,” I murmur, shifting so my body is tucked up against his chest. All I want to do is make him see himself the way I do. As a strong, charismatic, thoughtful, sexy man.
And if words don’t center him, maybe physical touch will.
Sure enough, his body softens against mine and his hands slide around my hips to meet at the base of my spine. I lift my fingers to run through his hair, relishing the exhale of his stress as his forehead drops to meet mine.
I lower my voice to a sultry whisper, meant for his ears only. “We’re in this together, Hunter. You and me. And after the party, we’ll go home and I’ll show you exactly why I think you’re more than enough.”
“Kitty Kat, you’re too fucking good to me. But I promise I’m gonna try to stop letting my own shit get in the way and just be —“