Heaven With You (6 page)

“Hunter.”

“I didn’t mean to scare you.” He spoke in a low, cautious tone that people used on someone they thought might lose it.

“I don’t like to be touched.” I hadn’t meant to say that aloud, wished I could take the words back but Hunter’s gaze snapped to mine and I knew he wasn’t going to let it go.

“At all or just by strange men?”

I began to fiddle with one of my ear-buds that had fallen out. “It doesn’t matter. I didn’t mean to say that.”

I felt him watching me, and I shifted uncomfortably, afraid that he was seeing far more than I intended.

“I’m sorry.”

Shaking my head, I asked, “Why? I’m the one that tackled you.”

“You’re the one that’s upset about it.”

“I’m not upset.” Okay, I sounded kind of upset and maybe even a little crazy.

“Okay.” He spoke calmly. “Since neither one of us is upset, maybe we can take a break and talk.  Unless you’re in a hurry.”

He gestured toward a picnic table, and I got my first real look at Hunter McAllister wearing black athletic shorts, running shoes and one of those expensive quick-dry shirts, also in black. My gaze slid down his hard body, pausing to admire the muscles that rippled beneath his shirt and flattened at his trim waist. He also had the legs of an athlete, carved with muscle and strong.

I glanced up and locked eyes with Hunter, who was watching me check him out.  My face heated and I braced myself for a comment from him, but it never came. He stood silently, his expression stoic, apparently waiting for me to make the next move.

“I’ve got nowhere to be.”

He smiled and my stomach flipped. “Good.” We stood there in the middle of the trail, until he asked, “Do you want to sit down?”

I blinked, having been lost in his eyes. “Okay.” This time I didn’t stare at him like I’d never seen a hot guy before. I turned and sat down at the picnic table by the water, and Hunter took a seat across from me.

Glancing down self-consciously, I saw that my tank had molded to my chest.  Unlike his shirt mine was cheap cotton, and I folded my arms over my body even though Hunter’s eyes never left mine.

“If this is about last night, I’ll just go ahead and apologize. I don’t know why I thought you’d ever want to have sex with me. I’m really sorry.”

His brows lifted, but he said nothing, just stared at me as if he was trying to figure out if I was sane.

“I’ll never do anything like that again. I don’t know what else I can do to make it up to you. If you’ll give me some time, I’ll work out a payment plan.”

He seemed irritated.

“What do you want from me?” I asked, flustered.

“For starters you can stop looking at me like you’re afraid of me. You can also stop offering to pay me back. I’m not trying to collect on a little money that I gave you over ten years ago.”

I let his words sink in. “I’m sorry.”

He gave me a measured look. “What exactly are you apologizing for?”

“For offering to have sex with you,” I responded, though the moment I said it I was sure it was the wrong thing to say.

“See, Isabelle, that’s not the kind of thing a woman needs to apologize to a man for. You don’t know much about men if you think I need an apology for that.”

“Okay,” I said cautiously. “Then you won’t accept my apology?”

“It depends. If you’re sorry for thinking I’m an asshole that would actually want a woman to pay him back with sex, then that apology I’ll take.”

“Fine. I’m sorry for thinking you’d do something like that. For the record, I was shocked when I thought that’s what you wanted. You don’t seem like the type.”

“Thanks,” he smirked. “It’s good to know I don’t seem like a pervert.”

Relaxing, I couldn’t help but smile. “You’re a funny guy, Hunter McAllister.” I caught those mesmerizing eyes and couldn’t look away. “I’m not afraid of you.” I wasn’t sure how much I should tell him. “You have probably figured this out, but I’m not all that comfortable around men.”

“I know,” he said gently. His eyes held mine. “Why is that?”

I smirked. “My therapist hadn’t gotten to that part before I had to drop out.” I saw the question in his eyes. “It cost too much, but it probably has something to with me not having a respectable father figure.”

He didn’t say anything, just continued to watch me with those striking blue eyes that seemed to miss nothing.

“What about you? Have any lingering issues from your childhood?”

Tilting his head, he seemed to consider the question. “I don’t know.”

“It’s not fair that you know my embarrassing baggage, and I know nothing about you.”

“Well, Izzy. I’m forty and still single. Maybe I’ve got some commitment issues. I don’t really give it much thought.”

I had the strange notion that he was humoring me. Instead of overthinking that, I asked what I was dying to know. “Are you still in love with your wife?”

I knew from Ellie that her mom and dad had been madly in love, but Hunter seemed surprised at the question.

“I don’t think that’s it,” he answered. “I loved Anna, but we were kids. It’s been sixteen years since she’s been gone. It seems like another lifetime ago.”

I hadn’t realized I’d been holding my breath until I relaxed and let it go. Why it was so important that Hunter not be in love with anyone else, I didn’t want to contemplate. “Maybe you’re afraid of getting hurt.”

He shrugged. “Isn’t everyone?”

“I’m just trying to help you understand why you’re still single.”

Amusement danced in those translucent blue eyes. “Maybe I haven’t met the right woman.”

Rolling my eyes, I replied, “Is there any such thing?”

“You’re too young to be so cynical.”

“I’m a realist. I don’t think there’s a right person for anyone.  Sometimes you happen to find someone that you care about. If it works out, you’re lucky.  If not, well you just have to try again unless you want to end up alone.”

“So you’ve never been in love, Isabelle?”

I glanced away uncomfortable with his intent, unwavering gaze. “I thought I was, at the time. But looking back, I’d have to say no. Have you loved anyone besides Anna?”

He took a deep breath and I watched his chest rise and fall, as he seemed to ponder my question. “No. There’s been no one after her.”

The way he said that last sentence made me want to cry.  What would it be like to have a man love you so much that he hadn’t been able to move on after sixteen years? It would be heaven.

“If I had one wish, it would be to find someone that would love me like that.” I hadn’t meant to say it out loud, and I could tell from Hunter’s expression that he hadn’t expected it either.

His hand reached out and covered mine. I shivered at the contact. It felt incredible to have his warm skin touching mine.

 “Someone will Isabelle.  I promise you that.”

I shook my head, suddenly uncomfortable. “Forget I said that. I didn’t mean to, and it was silly.”

He squeezed my hand and my toes curled.

“Isabelle, I meant what I said.  You’re beautiful, and fun to be around and you care about other people. Some guy is going to be damned lucky to find you.”

My cheeks were burning with embarrassment. “What do you think is taking him so long?” I asked lightly.

“Could be he’s intimidated. Guys won’t admit it, but women that look like you tend to make them nervous.”

“Do I make you nervous?” I asked mischievously.

His slow, heart-stopping smile was my reward. “I wasn’t talking about me. I’m too old for you.”

My eyes widened and I frowned, wondering if he truly believed that. “You’re not old. I think I do make you nervous.”

“You shouldn’t be flirting with me,” he chided gently.

“I’m not flirting.”

He flashed a knowing look my way.

“Okay, I was,” I admitted. “I feel safe with you.” That wasn’t all of it, but I didn’t think he was ready to hear about how I’d idolized him for the last twelve years. When everything was falling apart in my life, I’d think of him and somehow find a way to move forward.

“You are safe with me.” His expression turned serious. “Most men are good. You’ve just had some bad experiences.”

“It’s that obvious?”

“If you need to talk, I’ll listen.”

“Are you offering to be my friend?”

He nodded. “I’d like to be your friend, Isabelle.”

Something in his eyes warmed my heart and soothed the deep fear that lived hidden inside of me.  Could I be his friend when he made my heart race and my stomach quiver? I didn’t know the answer, but I wasn’t turning down any relationship that he was offering.

Chapter Four

We talked for a long time before we started walking back. Hunter was an interesting person and I liked being around him.

“You like steak?” he asked when we were almost to his house.

My mouth watered at the mention of the succulent meal that I rarely ever got to eat. I mostly survived on peanut butter sandwiches and cereal. “Love it.”

“Want to have dinner with me?”

I stumbled and his hands caught me around the waist, steadying me. The invitation had shocked me, and his hands around my waist made my legs weak. Disappointment filled me. “I’m not dressed to go anywhere.”

“Actually, I was going to grill it. If you’d like to shower, you can use Ellie’s bathroom. She’s got some clothes you can borrow.”

“Oh, okay.” No man had ever cooked me dinner, and I was excited to be able to spend more time with him.

My mood sank when we approached Hunter’s house and a sleek silver Mercedes was parked in his driveway. A stunning blonde woman got out of the car, dressed as if she’d stepped off the cover of a magazine. Was this Hunter’s
friend
? I was prepared to hate her, but I knew how ridiculous that was since I had no claim on him.

I hadn’t been aware that I’d stopped until I felt his hand at the small of my back, urging me on. “I’ll go. It’s better if you don’t have to explain who I am.”

Hunter looked down at me curiously. “Changed your mind about dinner?”

I nodded at the woman in his driveway. “Isn’t that your lady friend?” I whispered even though she was too far away to hear me.

 He suddenly smiled.

My heart fluttered, and I think he somehow knew the affect he had on me.

“That’s Ellie’s Aunt Lacy.”

I looked over at the woman with the haughty expression and cold eyes that flicked distastefully over me.

“Lacy. How are you?”

“We can dispense with the pleasantries Hunter. I don’t like you any more than you do me so there’s no reason to pretend.”

“Ah, Lacy. It’s always a pleasure.”

“I do hope I’m not interrupting anything.” She looked as if she’d sucked on a lemon.

I can’t say why I wanted to rattle this woman, but I found myself disliking her and I opened my mouth before I thought better of it.

“Actually, we were just about to have wild hot sex, and I really can’t wait to get Hunter naked so I hope you’ll make this quick.”

Her jaw dropped.

Hunter’s lips twitched.

“What can I do for you Lacy?” Hunter asked when it looked as if she would comment on my remark.

“It’s your daughter. I’m afraid she still has feelings for Brooke’s fiancé.”

I about lost it. I could not believe the audacity of this horrible woman. Ellie had been dating Davis Buchanon when Lacy’s daughter, Brooke, dazzled him.  Davis and Brooke were now planning a wedding, but no way in hell was Ellie pining for the guy. As far as I’m concerned Brooke did Ellie a favor because Davis was not nearly good enough for Ellie.  I told Lacy this.

“Who is this person?” Lacy demanded of Hunter, not bothering to look at me.

“I’m Ellie’s friend, and you don’t need to worry about her. She’s doing great.”

Lacy’s face turned red with anger. “I don’t know why I bothered coming here. Really, Hunter. Sleeping with your daughter’s friend? That’s low even for you, though I can’t say I’m surprised.”

I opened my mouth to defend him when Hunter placed his hand at my back, stopping me.

“It’s like Isabelle said, Ellie is fine. Is there anything else you need Lacy?”

She spun around and stormed away with a huff.

I lifted my chin and glanced uncertainly at Hunter. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

His eyes were fastened intently on me. “I’m not embarrassed.” He looked like he wanted to say something else, but he didn’t. Finally, he added, “Let’s go inside.”

I tried not to stare in awe like I’d never been inside a nice house before, but Hunter’s home was unquestionably the finest one I had ever seen.

Jack, Hunter and Ellie’s dog, greeted me with a happy wag of his tail and wet kisses to my leg. I petted his head and he nudged my hand with his head, urging me to keep petting.

“Ellie’s room is down the hall on the right.”

I glanced down at the expensive-looking rug lying on the tiled entry and slipped off my shoes. Seeing the dirt on the soles, I frowned and my gaze flew to his. “Sorry.”

“It’s no big deal. You don’t have to take your shoes off. Everything you need should be in the bathroom, if not let me know.”

“Thanks.” I walked carefully to Ellie’s room, wondering what it would feel like to live in a place like this.

Ellie’s bathroom was huge, with tile floors, granite countertops, large framed mirrors and the biggest shower I’d ever seen in my life. It was also enclosed with solid glass. A Jacuzzi tub was beside the shower beneath two frosted glass windows, and several candles surrounded it.

I hated to mess anything up. Quickly, I showered and washed my hair. When I was finished, I cleaned up the best I could, folded the used towels and mopped up the excess water.  Finding a pair of yoga pants and a hot pink t-shirt from Ellie’s room, I put them on.

My hair took forever to blow dry, so I just brushed it and pulled it into a knot at the back of my head. Glancing in the mirror, I saw that I had no make up, and I thought about borrowing some of Ellie’s but I didn’t. I’d never been around a man without makeup, but Hunter was different. He wasn’t interested in me, and I didn’t want to try to impress him. That part was a lie. I wanted to impress Hunter McAllister more than just about anything, but I was also curious. Would he still want to be friends with me when he saw what I looked like without my hair fixed and no makeup?