Page 79 of Meet Me at Sunset Cove

Hunter hefted the Christmas tree box onto the landing and shut the basement door. “Oh don’t worry about me, guys. I’ll get it,” he said sarcastically as he carried the box into the living room.

He froze.

The festive atmosphere from earlier had evaporated, replaced by a tense silence that made Hunter’s skin prickle with unease. His brothers were huddled together, their faces etched with concern.

“What’s going on?” Hunter asked, setting the box down. His eyes darted from one face to another, searching for answers in their grim expressions. Miles met his gaze, a look of pity in his pressed lips.

Waylen’s face was tight, his jaw pulsing angrily. He wouldn’t even look at Hunter.

Evan and Jude exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally, Dad stepped forward, the disappointment clear in the lines of his face. “There’s something you should see.”

He handed Hunter his phone. The screen frozen on a familiar sight. He felt lightheaded as the video began to play, the words hitting like static in his ears.

Hunter’s stomach dropped. “What is it?”

“We were hoping you’d tell us.”

* * *

Okay, new plan. Daisy’s fingers traced the edges of the manila envelope in her lap as she rode in the back seat of the Uber.

Daisy had had a full morning, the early hours of the day spent video editing, prepping social media for the week ahead, and making room in her schedule for the upcoming road trip with Hunter and his family. But even as she’d busied herself checking items off her mental to-do list, her head was still spinning around the conversation she’d had with Robin last night.

And she knew what she wanted to do.

Robin’s words had been churning inside her head all morning.What’s stopping you?

She wanted to stay. To see where things between her and Hunter went, even if it meant slowing down on her career.

So the new plan all started with the envelope.

Her phone buzzed, and Daisy fished it out of her pocket, sliding her thumb over the screen.

Robin

What’s going on?

Daisy

???

Robin

Why are you trending on socials?

Daisy

Am I?

I didn’t post anything.

Lemme check.

She swiped the bottom of the screen, her apps menu opening. She tapped into Insta and frowned.

She was blowing up, her notifications going wild with scathing comments.

@ParkzFam: Poor Hunter, he deserves better than this.

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