Page 58 of Playing A Risk
“Us Efron boys don’t like to keep our sexual experiences locked away in one room. You should know that by now.”
“About you, yes. Jonah, not until tonight.”
“That should do it for the top, but we’ve got double the work now that they skipped out on us.” Hunter works his way down the ladder.
“Let’s make the best of it then.” I skip to his home stereo system and search for a Christmas playlist.
When I hit play,Santa Claus Is Coming to Townfilters out through the speakers. I turn it up and dance back to Hunter, singing along as I do. He takes my hand, twirls me under his arm, then dips me.
“Here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas, my love. I hope you get everything you ask for.” He lifts me straight and spins me again.
My smile takes over as we dance and decorate the tree together. We share our memories of the holidays and discuss where we need more lights and balls to make up our perfect tree, sipping eggnog as we do.
It takes us a couple of hours to finish everything and I’mrelieved when it’s over. I stand with my hands on my hips and scan our masterpiece.
“Well done, Mr. Efron. You’re a man of many talents.”
Hunter’s expression turns solemn as he gives it a once-over. “I’ve never done this. My dad always had people come in and do it for us, so I’m surprised it turned out so well. I think the success of this is all because of you.”
He packs the extra boxes of decorations into an empty crate. Every time there’s a break in our conversation, he slides into a reflective silence.
“Thank you for today.” I step to his side to help clean up. “No. Thank you for the last few days. You’ve gone out of your way to give me time and space. I hope you know how much I appreciate it. You even let Melanie move in with me. You deserve a medal for that alone.”
“It’s my pleasure, so I don’t want to hear anything else about it.” He grabs a torn bag and tosses it into the trash pile. “Well, that should do it.”
He takes me by the hand. I turn to him and gaze into his eyes, hoping he’ll kiss me. It’s probably wrong for me to want this, but he’s been opening up and treating me so well.
He’s making every effort to be the kind of man I can trust. We’re getting closer than ever before. Blending his kind gesture of tree decorating with the holiday ambiance, I long for a glimmer of hope that I’ll be okay.
He cups my cheek and runs his thumb across my cheekbone. “You’re beautiful. You really are the most important person in the world to me. Allowing me to experience a Christmas like this means more to me than you’ll ever know.”
My heart erupts and love rushes into my veins. I part my lips to give him a sign, but he steps away and grabs the trash.
“It’s getting late. We should get some sleep.” He retreats to the kitchen and disappears into the storage area.
I deflate and stare at the empty space. He comes back intoview and stops. His head tilts to the side as he sends me a gentle smile. He draws in a deep breath, then flicks off the lights.
The tree illuminates and multicolored beams of light twinkle in the corner of the room. The sight steals the air from my lungs.
“Hunter, it’s amazing.”
“I’d have to agree.”
He joins me, so I lean into him. He slides his arms around my waist, pulling me in front so I’m resting my back against his chest. I sink into his warm embrace.
We share a minute of silence. If only all of our time together was like this because it’s damn near perfect.
He kisses the top of my head and releases me. “Good night, beauty. I’ll see you in the morning.”
He starts toward his room, and an instant void takes over.
“Hunter.”
“Yes?” He peeks at me over his shoulder.
“Will you please tell me what’s bothering you?”
CHAPTER 15
