Page 59 of Country Charm

First freaking edition.

Fuck me.

“Hunter Hill. Why did you get me this book?” I watched his shoulders drop when I said I didn’t like it. I was going to follow with “I love it”, but I feared something else may come out of my mouth. I am trying to find the right words to say without putting myself in a situation I can’t handle. Although, it looks like I may already be there.

“I thought you would love this. It seemed like the right kind of gift for you, you don’t seem like a bells-and-whistles kind of girl. I saw the way you fawned over my mother’s first editions. You love to read, and you love Jane Austen, so I thought for sure it was a win-win. I should have just brought you some more flowers.” He drops his elbows to his knees and runs his hands through his dark blonde tresses.

I have to say something.

I don’t know what.

I climb out of my seat, the book cradled to my chest.When I stand in front of him, I crouch down and will his eyes to meet mine. It doesn’t take long for them to do so. When he looks at me, the same thing I’ve thought every moment of every day since I met Hunter crosses my mind.

I am so utterly fucked.

“It’s perfect. Just liking it isn’t enough. Loving this book isn’t the right word. I’ve never spent this kind of money on one book before because I know I could buy close to ten with the same amount. But this book in my arms right now is worth so much more than a hundred books in this little apartment.” I press up onto the balls of my feet and slide my lips against his. When they meet it’s like a lock and key, and it opens my mind to beautiful things. Images I’ve never seen before.

It opens the idea of waking up to someone. It opens the idea of reading in bed with the same person every night. It opens the idea of laughing about nothing, but it feels like everything. It’s beautiful, but it’s terrifying.

Hunter’s lips break away and strong arms scoop me up swiftly. He carries me back to my room and tosses me on the bed. I bounce but the book stays tightly secured to my chest with my arms.

“Hey! We have some precious cargo to consider!” I bark.

“Yes, we do.” His tone is dark and intense. His ocean eyes are stormy and filled with something I can’t place. His muscular chest and abs are exposed and look beautiful. Like a stone sculpture, but still soft. I love it when his hard body is pressed into mine but his silky skin slides with ease. It’s an intoxicating mix.

Hunter climbs into my bed, spreading my legs and kneeling between them. He reaches for the book, but I grasp it tighter.

“You can keep it, Beautiful. I just thought maybe we should set it aside. Lord knows you can make a mess when I have my way with you.” His lips pull to one side, and I can already feel myself growing slick with anticipation. I want to say something, but he interrupts me before a sound leaves my parted lips. “And I plan to have my way with you, Cassidy Walker. Dinner will have to be takeout tonight. You’re not leaving this apartment.” I hum at his promises.

Hunter isn’t the kind of man who says things and doesn’t follow through with them. He doesn’t fill anyone’s head with empty promises. He just speaks his mind and remains a gentleman… most of the time. In this particular situation, he makes promises he’ll keep, and they are anything but gentlemanly.

I gingerly set the book down on my bedside table. The minute I turn back to Hunter he pulls the towel from my hair. My brown damp locks splay out around me. The way he opens the towel on my body is as if he is unwrapping a cherished gift.

I lay before him, naked, vulnerable, and wanting; but not for long.

Dinner is Thai takeout. Hunter is not a fan, but he is pushing through the meal. It makes me laugh. I’m not a huge fan of Thai food myself, but we played takeout menu roulette.

This whole weekend has been perfect, and I know it’s about to come to an end. Hunter is going to have to hop in his truck and head back to his life in his own town. His whole life is in that town. His home, his work, his family. I was so worried about us before he got here, then I wasfine, and now I’m not again. This roller coaster of emotions is so unwelcome.

Seeing Monica at the flea market had me look at myself from another perspective. I wasn’t embarrassed to be seen with Hunter. In fact, I was pretty comfortable having him at my side while we shopped.

Her quick and obvious evaluation of me and my life didn’t spur any thoughts other than my own interpersonal reflection. Am I happy with my job? Should I be traveling more? What is this thing with Hunter? Do I like this thing with him?

I’m not going to make any decisions right now. Or tonight. Hell, I might not make a decision for another month about any of these things. I do know that they are on my mind and that I will eventually have to decide.

After we finish eating and relax a little on my couch, Hunter packs his overnight duffel. Leaning against my doorframe in a pair of comfy shorts and Hunter’s worn tee, I watch his every move. He’s so deliberate in every movement. Even simple actions like shoving a few items in a bag turn me on. His strong arms, his sturdy legs, the wide aspect of his back; each detail is something I’ve come to enjoy.

“You’ll text me when you get home safe?” I’ve said this more times than I can count to the girls. Making sure they got home after hopping into an Uber after one too many drinks to settle the worry in the back of my mind. It’s crazy how a simple, “Made it home,” can bring a sense of peace to you.

“Sure thing, Beautiful. Though I might call instead. I like hearing your voice before I go to sleep. Will that be too much trouble?” Hunter slings his bag over his shoulder and walks up to me. He pushes some of my hair back and kissesmy forehead. I close my eyes and breathe him in. I’ve never let a man treat me so intimately.

“That sounds nice. Just make sure you’re not using your phone on the road. I don’t want a deer to jump out and surprise you on those country roads because I was distracting you,” I joke.

“You already are.” His tone is gentle, his joking still sweet. How can such a genuine man exist? His ability to be kind and gentle, but still firm and decisive—it’s so damn hot.

“Ha ha, just drive safe, okay? No sharp turns. I don’t want any of the goods we picked for you to slide around in that truck and break.” Grabbing his hand, I lead him to the front door.

“I’m not sure I remember where you said each thing should go. Maybe you should just come back with me and put everythin’ where it belongs.” His joke makes me stand a little straighter. I can’t just disappear on a whim and go home with him, can I? What would be the worst thing that could happen?

---