Page 97 of Faking Ties

“I’m ready.”

“Ella?”Hunter whispers, his hand rubbing my leg. “Wake up.”

I jolt awake and find him sitting on the bed next to me.

“Surprise,” he says.

I reach out and touch his face, shocked he’s here. “This is the best surprise ever.”

“I didn’t want you to deal with everything alone.”

“I missed you,” I say, hugging him. “Sorry, I accidently fell asleep and didn’t check my phone. How was your game?”

“Good. We lost, but I’m not sad about it.”

I pull back slightly, so I can see his face. “Really?”

“Yeah, I’m proud of how we played.”

“I’m so proud of you.” I kiss him softly and lean my head on his shoulder, breathing him in.

“And I’m proud of you. Have you seen how viral your response to Jax has been?”

“No…I haven’t been able to go online yet. I’ve been too scared to see it all.”

“Don’t be. It looks like the world’s on your side. Trey even made a shirt with your parting quote on it, and we all wore it after the game to support you.”

I snort. “He did not.”

“Did you not get my messages? He did. Here, let me show you.” Hunter makes a move to release me, and I protest.

“I can see it all later,” I say. “I just want to hug you some more.”

“Have you talked to Stella?”

“Yeah, she’s going to take over her life starting now.”

“And how do you feel about that?” he asks, rubbing my back in soothing circles.

“I’m not sure. Part of me is relieved I don’t have to pretend anymore, but another part of me feels so guilty for messing it all up in the first place and forcing her to return before she’s ready.”

“You did the best you could with the information you had,” he says. “I’m still annoyed she didn’t warn you about this beforehand.”

“I know, me too. But I also get where she was coming from. Now, I need to go through another makeover, and I’m not sure I’m ready to change my hair again.”

“Why? You’ll look gorgeous no matter what.”

“You say that now, but what if you hate it?”

“Do you really think I’m with you because of your hair?” he asks.

“I don’t know. It’s good hair.”

“It is,” he agrees, twirling a piece around his finger. “But no matter what it looks like, it’ll still be sexy spread across my pillow while I fuck you senseless.”

“Well, if that’s my consolation prize, sign me up.”

“Soon.” He laughs and stamps a kiss on my lips. “Are you planning to go to your mom’s?”

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