EMMA: I was a foolish young girl.
JDOE: I protested, because I was supposed to be protecting you, not trying to seduce you. You kissed me anyway. It got me in trouble with Graham. And made me fall in love with you. Come to me. Whenever you want.
EMMA: Do you have permission to visit me? My handler didn't say anything about this. I'm not supposed to contact anyone from my past. I'm going to have to think about this.
JDOE: Take as much time as you need. I'm not going anywhere.
I wiped my eyes and walked back to the house, unsure of whether I should go to Hunter and see him again. My handler told me I couldn't go back until I had their approval and that I couldn't be in contact with anyone or I might lose their protection.
I sat in the house and stared at the fireplace, trying to decide what to do.
After several hours of dithering, I got in my SUV and drove up the coast to the address despite my misgivings. I found the house and parked in the driveway, noting that there was a single SUV parked there – a black Mercedes. It had to be Hunter's.
I climbed up the pathway to the house, which was fantastic – maybe a couple of thousand square feet in all with an amazing deck, which was lit up by patio lanterns hanging from the rafters. I knocked at the door and waited.
The door opened to reveal George and I squealed with delight when I saw him.
"George!" I hugged him. He seemed surprised at my show of affection, but I felt real joy at seeing him.
"Miss Celia," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I am so glad to see you."
I stepped back, my hands on his arms, and looked him over. He was the same old pug-faced Russian with a salt-and-pepper brush cut and a pale blue button-down shirt and jeans. His face was weathered, with deep lines in it above his eyes, beside his nose. His piercing blue eyes were just as I remembered. He put a hand to them, like he was overcome with emotion.
"What's the matter?"
He pulled his hand away and smiled. "I am so sorry," he said, extending his hand. "I am very glad that you are okay."
"I'm fine, " I said and took his hand. "It's you who was seriously injured. I was just roughed up a bit. Nothing serious."
Of course, that was a lie, but it was the one I told myself. I wasn’t “just roughed up” and George knew it by the look on his face. I smiled, trying to pretend everything was fine, and followed him. He struggled up the stairs, using a three-pronged cane as he climbed the five stairs to the main floor.
"Where's Hunter?"
"He is in garage trying to fix car. Please to come in. Make yourself comfortable."
I smiled at his accent. It was one of those endearing traits of his. I hadn’t realized how much I missed him.
We entered a huge great room with vaulted ceilings, dark wood beams, and an enormous stone fireplace. Two floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the ocean.
"Sit," he said, waving to the sofa. "I tell Hunter you are here."
I went to the window, glancing around at the cabin, amazed at how fantastic it was, with huge windows overlooking the Pacific. While my place was nice, this was spectacular.
Just then, Hunter entered the living room from the back of the house.
He stopped when our eyes met. "Celia…"
"Hunter," I said, my throat closing, stopping me from saying more.
He came right over, a soft smile on his lips. He pulled me into his arms and kissed me, the kiss soft at first, then growing more passionate. He pulled me closer and finally, I threw my arms around him, kissing him back with abandon.
George cleared his throat and we broke the kiss and turned to him, both of us smiling.
"Sorry," Hunter said. "Got carried away." He turned back to me and touched my cheek, then stroked my hair. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," I said, feeling like I was far too close to tears. I still wanted Hunter. No matter what had happened to me, even if it was his fault, I wanted him.
"I'm so glad you decided to come."