Page 28 of The Spider Queen
“No refunds,” the bartender hastened to say.
“I didn’t buy it.”
“That’s even worse. You can’t return a gift. It’s bad juju.”
“But I don’t want it,” I stated.
“Then donate it to Goodwill or something. No returns.”
When it was clear he wasn’t going to be swayed, I reached for the tote. My footsteps were heavy with defeat as I took the bag and left. I hastened down the street and then broke into a run. I passed my apartment, aware the lights were on. Anita must’ve woken up—maybe she’d walked past my empty room and wondered where I’d gone. Maybe she was worried since I hadn’t taken my phone.
I continued to run. I ran all the way to Colonial Lake, the tidal pond along Ashley Avenue. The moon was full, its silver glow rippling in the dark waters of the lake. I crept to the edge as I reached into the tote. Pulling out the cube, I stared at the spider inside.
“I’m not crazy,” I whispered right before I flung it into the lake.
There was a splash, and then the night was silent once more.
I pounded on Hunter’s apartment door, not caring if I woke up his roommates. When the apartment remained dark, I went for the doorbell. I pressed it a few times in rapid succession and heard the loud chiming from outside.
Finally, lights came on and then Hunter opened the front door. He’d obviously been asleep since his hair was mussed, his chest was bare, and he was wearing a pair of soft cotton pajama bottoms.
“Poppy?” He wiped a hand across his face. “What’s going on?”
I hugged my arms around my own body. I was cold from the inside out and couldn’t get warm. “Hey,” I said weakly. “I’m sorry to just show up here, but I need—”
Without a word, Hunter tugged me into the solid warmth of his chest and wrapped his arms around me, resting his chin on my head.
I shivered.
“Shit, where’s your coat?” He gently pulled me inside and shut the door.
“Forgot it. Did I wake you up?”
“Yeah, but it’s okay.”
“Your roommates?”
“Jonah is with Anita. And Sean is out.”
Ah, the lights on in my apartment suddenly made sense.
Hunter led me to his bedroom and despite my emotional state, I was curious about where he lived. His room was tidy and clean. One shelf was lined with medical and science textbooks. Soccer trophies and scholastic accolades took up another shelf. A light blue comforter covered his queen-sized bed. I wanted to climb into it and pull the covers up over my head.
Hunter riffled through one of his drawers and pulled out a hoodie. “Here.”
“Thanks.” I took it and quickly put it on. I bit my lip, not wanting to ask for more, but needing to.
“What?”
“Can I have a pair of socks? My toes are frozen.”
Chuckling, he opened the top drawer of his dresser and found a pair of wool socks. My feet warmed immediately once I donned the wool. The adrenaline faded from my body and drowsiness took over.
“Lay down,” he said, pulling back the covers.
I climbed into his bed and scooted over so I was close to the wall. He turned off the light and then got into bed. Pulling me into his arms, he wrapped me in a blanket of security and warmth.
My eyes closed.
