After We Fall (Take the Fall, #3)(51)
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Why don’t you think about what I said? Maybe mull over my words and see if you like the sound of them because I plan on telling you that every chance I get.”
On the inside, I become a blubbering idiot, but on the outside my body is rigid.
“I have to head into work now. I’m running behind.” He brushes his lips over mine in the sweetest of kisses. “I won’t be back until tomorrow morning. Save a spot for me in that bed.”
“Depends on how bad of a bed hog Jake is,” I tease, trying to change the subject and keep things light.
—
The next day, after work, I get a text from Hunter.
Hunter: Have to pull a double. Sorry. But I will have the weekend off.
I stare at the phone, then sigh thickly. I’m not mad at him, but I know how much a double shift wears him down, mentally and physically. Plus, I’m going to miss him, really miss him. I already miss him.
My heart pinches.
Me: Don’t worry, I have Jake.
Hunter: I know Jake is in good hands. Just wanted you to know.
Me: Text me before you leave work so I’ll know when to expect you, k?
Hunter: Can I come home to you instead of just picking up Jake?
For no reason at all tears prick at the back of my eyes. Or maybe there is every reason I feel like crying. Hunter wants to come home to me…better yet, he’s asking if he can. He’s given me the power to kick him out of my life after he’s told me exactly how he feels.
Me: Yes.
Hunter: That means a lot, angel. See you soon.
“Please don’t be too good to be true,” I whisper.
Chapter 19
Hunter
It’s almost midnight by the time I pull into Rose Haven’s parking lot. Evangeline’s sedan is in her usual spot, too.
My heart kicks against my chest as I jog up the steps. I don’t bother to go to my apartment first. Instead I unlock Evangeline’s door and go right in because she said she would wait up for me. An unexpected double shift forced me to put off telling her, but I’m not waiting any longer. I want her to know about my fighting.
“I’m home, angel,” I call out, locking the door up tight behind me, then move to the living room. “You wouldn’t believe all the paperwork I had to file before I could get out of there. The only thing getting me through was the thought of your sweet…”
My words trail away.
I freeze in place.
Evangeline isn’t alone. She smiles at me, but it’s strained.
“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” an older version of Evangeline says.
Oh, holy shit. Her parents are here and I almost said some things that no man wants to hear about their daughter—even if the one doing the talking is in love with said daughter.
Evangeline’s face heats. “Mom, Dad, this is Hunter Sloan. He…uh…we’re…neighbors. Hunter, these are my parents, Leah and Lawson Ambrose. They drove all the way from Holland Springs to surprise me instead of waiting for Thanksgiving.”
“I’d say you’re more than neighbors if he has a key and calls you angel. Although, I’d have to question how well he knows you,” Leah says with a wink. It’s clear to me where Evangeline gets her sassiness.
Although Lawson nods at me, he doesn’t say a word, but he’s studying me pretty intently.
“He has a key because I watch his dog, Jake.”
What happened to calling Jake our dog, I want to ask, but I won’t embarrass her in front of her parents. If she doesn’t want to claim me or Jake, then I have no choice but to go along with it. Honestly, her parents might not be happy about me, since Evangeline is still technically married.
“Eva, the train’s long since left the station.” Lawson stands, crossing the room to stand in front of me and shake my hand. “Nice to meet the man who’s making her smile.” He’s tall with a lanky build and a vice grip. Her dad doesn’t strike me as the type of guy to “squeeze the hell out of my hand” to prove a point, either.
“Nice to meet you, too, ma’am. I love your daughter and respect her a great deal. Hope to see more of y’all in the future.”
Evangeline’s eyes round and her cheeks flame scarlet. “Hunter, you didn’t have to say that.”
“Yes, he did,” her mother counters, moving to stand beside her husband. “Will you be joining us tomorrow for breakfast?”
So much for my plans to stay here and show Evangeline just how much I missed her. “I’d be honored.”
“Well, good night, then,” Lawson says.
And that’s my cue to leave. “Jake staying here or coming home with me?”
“He’s already in bed.”
I lean in a little and kiss Evangeline on the cheek. “Lucky dog,” I whisper, before raising my voice. “Walk with me to my apartment?”
She nods and follows me out into the hallway. “You don’t have to come to breakfast,” Evangeline says, biting on a nail. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this nervous before, or this type of nervous before.
“I want to.” I smile at her. “Your family is important to you, which means they’re important to me.”