Despite the fact that only half of his face was available for me to look at, he was unbelievably handsome. Even though people would ask me several times about how I felt about Hunter, my answer would never change.
“Yeah, I can see that. You seemed to get along with Bailey well.” I tried to keep my tone steady but failed miserably. Maybe I wasn’t okay with her and him getting along so well.
“Are you jealous?” He asked the most dreadful question.
I glared at Hunter, my voice faltering as I felt the need to defend myself. “Of course not!” I claimed. I looked away at the window, watching the world rush by us.
I heard him laughing, but I did not bother to look at him. Thank goodness it was getting dark. My cheeks were burning red, ashamed of my own silly concerns. I shouldn’t have asked him.
“Don’t worry about it, Kylie. I’m into you, baby. You know that.”
Just when I was about to turn to him to make sure he was serious and not teasing me, he took my hand gently, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles slowly. It left me feeling secured, protected, loved. It was heartfelt and sincere.
There was no need for any other words. For the first time, I felt Hunter express his true feelings. I looked at him, almost expecting him to say something. Anything. All I got in response was a sweet smile on his face as he squeezed my hand tighter.
It was a new found feeling. I couldn’t fully comprehend it, but maybe I didn’t need to. It felt too damn good to overanalyze and possibly destroy.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Hunter
We all passed out pretty quickly after getting back from Bailey’s place, and where I wanted to make love to Kylie that night, I was too tired. Good thing she was too. Surely she wasn’t upset about Bailey. How in the world could any man choose someone besides her? Long blond hair, big boobs, a sweetheart, and gentle spirit? No way. I was all in with her.
The next morning, I got up and got busy getting things together. I took an extra set of clothes and towels from Vince’s dresser and placed them in his backpack. He woke up and watched me pack up his stuff before we left to visit Kylie at the convenience store. Mrs. Tomms was dying to see Vince again. Kylie vowed to her mother that we would come by over the weekend to help around and visit their store.
After double checking Vince’s backpack and his medicine kit, I came out of his room to meet him in the living room. He was sitting on the couch, watching his favorite cartoon.
I gave him a pat on the shoulder. “All right, buddy. Let’s get going.”
“Yes! I can’t wait to see Nana again.” He grabbed his stuff and ran out to the car.
I chuckled and followed him, getting in and making sure he was buckled. “I’m sure she’s excited to see you too.”
“I hope Nana lets me help in the pastry section today. I love putting up the donuts and stuff. So many colors and treats to see.”
I laughed. “You’re definitely Mrs. Tomms’ best employee. She will hire you again in a heartbeat when you’re old enough.” I wasn’t sure why I couldn’t call the older woman Nana like Vince did, but it didn’t matter. It was his special name to use with Kylie’s mom. Not mine.
As soon as we arrived at the store, Vince got out of the car and ran inside. Taking the day off was worth it. Spending my weekend with my son and the people who felt like family was the most important thing in my life right now.
I followed Vince inside.
Mrs. Tomms glanced up. “Hunter. How are you today?”
“Great, Mrs. Tomms. Thanks for letting Vince help you. I swear he thinks he’s going to work for you when he gets old enough.” I glanced around to find Vince standing beside Kylie, checking a customer out at the register. Seeing her in the light blue blouse she had on left my stomach tightening. She was stunning. Way too beautiful for an asshole like me.
I turned my attention back to Mrs. Tomms and checked the pastries for the day. “Everything looks delicious. I guess this is the second set of pastries for the day.”
She smiled at me warmly. “Actually, it’s the third set. The people loved today’s menu.” I looked again through the glass display, picking some pastries to purchase and take home for later. The vast range of choices made it hard for me to choose.
“Why not try the red velvet cake? It’s one of the best ones I make.” She took it out of the glass display, packing it in the box without waiting for my reply.
“Sounds delicious.” I trusted her anyway. When she decided on something, she was certain about it. Also, her suggestions were most of the time the best ones. She was a bright woman, and I had no doubt that she was where Kylie got her strength from.
“Here it is.” She extended the box, which was embellished with a golden ribbon on top.
“Excellent. I can’t wait to try it.” I took it and reached for my wallet. I took out some bills to pay her, but when I went to pay, she rejected me politely.
“Come on. Is that how stingy you think I am? I’m giving it to you for free!” I hesitated about it being a freebie, but she persisted that I keep my money. “Just don’t tell anybody. It’s the first time I’ve ever given something for free since establishing this store, but you sure do feel like family.”