Page 114 of 2204 Hunter Lane
“Adam –”
“No, Mar. I am curious, don’t get me wrong. I’d love to meet the reason you chose to stay back. But from everything you told me, he seemed like such an –”
“Asshole?” Hunter’s voice popped out of the blue, startling everyone at the table, including me.
How the hell does he always pull that Batman stunt?
“Sorry I’m late.” He kissed the side of my head, sliding in next to me with a pack of starbursts. “I was pickin’ up some candy for the birthday girl.”
I blushed, fully knowing the intent behind the treat. After the last few months, we learned so much more about each other that I would have never guessed. The funny part was he never actually forced me to eat any more starbursts, and fully answered any question I had willingly.
Hunter was the most closed off person I’d ever met, and for good reason. Facing life with an impenetrable forcefield was as easy as breathing to him, but I took great pride in being the first one to break through. Though, there was still so much to learn, and I was craving some sugar.
“She doesn’t like candy.” Adam retorted, eyeing him suspiciously.
“Surprisingly enough, they just happen to be my new favourite snack." I beamed brightly, shoving the starbursts into my purse.
A slice of silence cut the table as Michelle placed a hold on Adam’s shoulder, offering her hand out to Hunter. “I’m Michelle, Adam’s wife.”
Hunter returned the greeting with a firm hand and his million dollar smile. “Hunter Lane, pleasure to meet ya.”
His gaze turned to my brother’s who had an elbow propped up onto the table, scratching the stubble across his jaw.
“I’ve heard a lot ‘bout you, Adam. Marley’s been dancin’ around all week.”
“Dancing, candy…” He huffed. “All news to me.”
“Adam,” I muttered but he was quick to interrupt.
“What do you do for work, Hunter? Marley told me you work for your father, if I remember?”
“I do. It’s good pay, actually. Between the hardware store growin’ thanks to your sister,” he winked at me, “and sellin’ our crop to the locals, we got a good thing goin’ on over here.”
“I see.” Adam leaned back into his seat. “So you and Marley are happy together?”
Hunter gave my thigh a nice slap, causing me to bubble in laughter.
“Happy as a clam.” He smirked.
My brother gave my blushed features a once over then proceeded to lean over the table and extend a hand out to the blonde Greek god who stole my heart.
“Well welcome to the family, Hunter Lane. I’m Adam.”
???
We gobbled up our pastas like a pack of wild turkeys and settled on a decadent chocolate cake for dessert, free of charge since it was my birthday.
“Does everythin’ taste like ass to you, Michelle? Y’know, since you’re a five star chef.” Hunter joked, forking a sliver of icing into his mouth.
God, why am I attracted to literally everything he does? He could watch paint dry and I’d take pleasure in watching HIM watch paint dry.
Michelle laughed. “I got a wide palette. It’s good to try new things.”
“Even though nothing will ever beat your cooking, babe.” Adam jested, giving Rosy a scoop of bottled banana purée.
I agreed. “You should really try her cupcakes, Hunter. They’re amazing.”
“You guys are stickin’ around for some time though, yah?”
