“Mr. Stone, if you do not calm down I will have you arrested for obstruction of justice. I need to question Miss Baker and you are in the way.” Hearing this, I move into action. The last thing I need right now is for Hunter to get arrested. I squeeze in front of Hunter, moving him back a few steps and turn toward the detective. My body relaxes against Hunter’s, begging him to calm down. I need his support to get through this questioning.

  “Miss Baker, can you tell me what happened?” His question is addressed to me but his eyes are still on Hunter.

  “We were walking into the building. I had an interview here. When we were about halfway, I heard a loud bang. Hunter pulled me on the ground beneath him to protect me, then he picked me up and ran into the building.”

  His hands reach out and grabs my wrist. “These bruises, where did they come from?” His thumb is rubbing circles on my wrist where there is a large purple bruise.

  “I didn’t have that before. It must have happened when I fell to the ground.”

  “Hmm and this one too?” His other hand grabs my free wrist. He is now holding both of them, his thumbs still circling my skin, his eyes still on Hunter.

  “You know if something else is going on, you can tell me.” His eyes narrow at Hunter and I realize what he is implying and before I can say anything Hunter moves me behind him.

  It all happens so fast that I can’t stop it. Hunter raises his fist, burying it in the detective’s face. Officers run over, forcing him to the ground and fastening handcuffs around his wrists.

  “Hunter!” I yell for him. I don’t know what else to do. They are leading him toward the police car outside and he doesn’t look back, doesn’t acknowledge that I have called him. I don’t even care that I’m out in the open, that I’m a target. I need to see him. Does he want me to call someone? I just want him to know I’m here for him. I run to the car, yelling his name but his eyes won’t meet mine. His stare is cold and unwavering. Why is he ignoring me? “Hunter!” I plead for him to look my way. As the car drives away, I’m left confused and hurt by his actions.

  What do I do? That’s when I remember him saying his friend Ryan was a cop. Not that I have any of their numbers. I do know where Brian’s house is. I head toward my car and Joe, who is being questioned by police. “Joe, we need to leave.” I move to get into the car when someone grabs my wrist. I turn to see Detective Marks.

  “Miss Baker, I’m not through with you.” His eyes scan my body and I want nothing more than to slap him. He deliberately provoked Hunter.

  I rip my wrist from his hand. “I am most certainly done with you, detective. You will have to ask me any other questions at a later time. If you touch me one more time without my consent, I’ll sue you for everything you’re worth.” I climb into the car and slam the door in his face.

  As I guide Joe to Brian’s house, I pray that someone is home. I also analyze everything that happened, trying to figure out what was up with Hunter. When we pull up to the house, I see a car in the driveway and breathe a sigh of relief.

  Jules answers my knock with a surprised expression. “Hey girl, what’s up? Where’s your not so better half?”

  “In jail…” I trail off.

  “Good Lord. Come in.” I follow her inside, explaining everything that happened, trying not to break down as I relive it. “I came here because I remember Hunter saying one of the boys was a cop. I thought he might be able to help.”

  “Ryan, I’ll call him now and let him know what’s going on.” Jules walks out of the room and returns a few minutes later. “Luckily, Ryan is at the station and not out on call. He is going to try to get him out. Brian is out of town scoping out some new projects, so you know what that means…”

  I laugh. “Margaritas?”

  She frantically nods her head before practically skipping out of the room. I try to let the fear and stress of the day melt away. I can be scared tomorrow. I can worry about my relationship tomorrow. Tonight I just want to have a few drinks and try not to think about Hunter or the fact that someone is out there trying to kill me. Some girl time might be just what I need. It’s been so long since I had a friend, I swear I have forgotten what it feels like.

  Jules helps me forget. We talk, laugh, and she tells me embarrassing stories about Hunter. I really like her. As I look at the time, I dread finding a hotel right now. I was supposed to stay at Hunter’s house but I refuse to go there alone. My house is a good three hours away and after all the tequila, I think that’s a bad idea.

  “Alright chica, I’m getting tired. You ready for bed?” I look at her, confused by her question. “We have a guest room. I assumed you would stay here.”

  “I’d like that.” I can’t help but smile.

  “As long as you don’t try to sneak into my bed. I’m all about you girl, but I don’t get down like that.” She winks at me, before walking upstairs. I follow her as she shows me the guest room. “I’ll grab you a shirt to sleep in if you want one.”

  “That would be great. Thanks so much for everything tonight, Jules.”

  She smiles at me. “No problem babe. While you were in the bathroom earlier, I programmed all of the boys’, mine, and Laceys’s numbers into your phone. You’re part of the family now. Don’t ever hesitate to ask for anything.”

  I walk over to her and give her a hug. I can’t help it. The kindness and caring she has shown me tonight is more than I have felt in a long time

  I lay down, happy that I finally have a family, even if they aren’t blood. They are more than I have had, ever.

  Before I fall asleep, my thoughts go to Hunter.

  Is he okay?

  Was Ryan able to help him?

  Why was he so mad at me?

  Chapter Nineteen

  Hunter

  As the guard unlocks the cell door, I say a silent thank you that I’m getting out of this shithole. Ryan is waiting for me at the desk where you sign out. How the hell did he know I was here?

  “I would say I was surprised when Jules called, but my momma taught me not to tell a lie. You are a stupid fucker for punching that detective.” He laughs as he tosses a clear bag full of my stuff at me.

  “Asshole deserved it. You know he is treating me like I’m the fucking criminal. Not only that, but he had his hands all over Sam right in front of me. He antagonized me and fucking enjoyed doing it.” When I think about him touching her, I get pissed off all over again. Sitting in that damn cell all night while Sam was on her own tore me apart. Ryan told me that she went to Brian’s house and it makes me feel good that she knew she could depend on them, but I wanted her with me. I won’t be okay until I can hold her. Until I can make sure that she’s okay.

  “I think you might be over exaggerating a little bit brother.” Ryan and I walk out towards his car.

  On the drive to Brian’s, I can’t shake the feeling I have that something is up. We pull into the driveway and I turn to Ryan. “Can you check into him for me?”

  “Who? The detective? Are you out of your fucking mind? He outranks me, Hunter. I can’t just go asking around about him and expect no repercussions.” He shakes his head at me and seems pissed that I even asked.

  “Ryan, I don’t ask you for shit. I know something is wrong. I can feel it in my fucking bones. Just have someone check into him for me, see if there is anything fishy. If I need to pay for someone to do it, I will.” I’m pleading with him at this point.

  “Fuck!” His fist slams on the steering wheel before he turns to face me. “You are putting me in a really shitty position, Hunter. I can’t promise anything. I’ll ask around.”

  I nod my head at him, silently thanking him. “I owe you one.”

  “Yeah, you fucking do. Now get the hell out of my car.” I run up Brian’s steps, knocking on the door, anxious to see Sam.

  Brian answers the door. “Well, look at the jailbird. You flew the coop already?”

  “Yeah, real funny.” I push past him and walk inside.

  “She is still asleep upstairs. I’m sure it has to do with the fact that she went through a shit storm yesterday; also that Jules turned the house into Margaritaville. I swear that girl just might be the death of me. I panicked when she called me last night, drove here in less than half the time. With all of this stalker mess, I was scared that they weren’t safe here alone.”

  We walk into the living room, sitting down on his couch. “Bri, I don’t know what to fucking do. I am so goddamn scared that something will happen to her. It consumes my every thought, and everywhere we go, I’m paranoid. I can’t lose her.”

  “I know how you feel. I lived in hell the six years I was separated from Jules. I couldn’t imagine feeling like I might lose her for good. When you love some—“

  “Love? I didn’t go that far, brother. I don’t…I can’t.” I scrub my hands over my face. The mere mention of that word cuts me to the core. Loving someone gives them the power to crush you, to destroy every inch of your being. I know that Sam loves me. She said it the other night, but I can’t. “I’m not made for it. I’m not good at it. I am too selfish, and too self-absorbed to put someone else before myself.”

  “Really? So throwing yourself on top of her when you heard the gunshot. That was you putting yourself first? Helping her out with her she devil mother. That’s you being selfish? Stressing yourself out about how to keep her safe. That sounds self-absorbed to me. You are none of those things, but you are scared. If you spend your life running from shit that might be, you will never have anything happen.” He looks at me dead in the eye. Brian is never one to bullshit you, so I know that he means what he is saying.

  I look up at him. I get what he is saying. I know he’s right. “If I let myself go and stop holding back. If I love her, I won’t be able to handle losing her. I barely survived losing Amy, Bri. I can’t lose someone else I love.” Did I just admit I loved her? Do I? I think back over our time together. About the way I feel whenever she is close to me. The way I feel when I’m away from her.

  “Go get your girl. I’ll take Jules out to lunch.” Brian stands up and starts to walk out of the room before turning around. “You know, I didn’t peg you to be the next one of us to settle down. I thought it would be Ryan.”

  “Yeah, I was probably at the bottom of your list.” I think back to the way I have lived my life, bouncing from one meaningless girl to the next, never once caring about anyone.

  “Nope, Mason would be last on my list. He is more fucked up than you by far.” He shakes his head at me before leaving. After a few minutes, I hear the front door shut.

  Sam is upstairs. I want to go to her. I want to tell her how I feel but I can’t make my legs move.

  The last time she saw me, I was in the back of a cop car, and I ignored her. I couldn’t even look at her. I was ashamed that I let that asshole get to me. I reacted just as he thought I would. Since they were taking me away, Sam was left unprotected and I hated myself for that. I wasn’t mad at her. I was pissed off at myself but I know she probably didn’t know that. I shouldn’t have just dismissed her the way I did but I was fighting to keep what little control of myself I had. If I would have looked at her and saw the panic and fear, I would have lost it. I feel like I failed her yesterday. When Ryan came back to see me, I breathed a sigh of relief. I knew Sam had gotten in touch with one of the guys or Jules. I also knew they wouldn’t just leave her to be an easy target.

  I stand up, willing myself to go upstairs and to see her. When I open the door to the guest room, she is under the covers sleeping. She looks like an angel. I walk over to the bed, trying my best not to wake her. I quietly undress before slipping under the covers next to her. My arms wrap around her, pulling her body against mine. I close my eyes, enjoying the feel of her pressed against me. I still can’t believe that she wants me. That she thinks I’m good enough for her.

  “Hunter?” Her sleepy voice whispers in shock.

  “Hey, cupcake, I’m back.” She turns to face me, a smile gracing her beautiful face. “I’m so sorry for yesterday. For losing my temper, for taking it out on you.”

  “I didn’t know what I did that made you mad. I didn’t know what you wanted me to do.”

  My hand strokes her face. “I know. You didn’t do anything baby. I was pissed at myself for playing into his hands. I couldn’t face you.”

  “What happened? Did the detective charge you?” Her face is full of worry and I can see the love shining through her eyes.

  “No, he isn’t charging me. Apparently, they can hold you for twenty four hours without charging you and the asshole took full advantage of that.” It pisses me off that I had to spend the night in there just for Marks to show some level of superiority.

  She kisses me and I pull her closer to me. “I was so scared. I didn’t have anyone’s phone number. Luckily, I remembered where this house was and I had Joe bring me here. I hope I wasn’t a bother to Brian or Jules.”

  “No, trust me Jules loved having you here.”

  She smiles. “I really liked spending time with her. Your friends have all so readily accepted me. I haven’t had anyone close to me in such a long time. Thank you.”

  “What are you thanking me for?” Her arms move up to wrap around my neck.

  “Thank you for introducing me to your friends. Thank you for all the times you made me laugh when I wanted to cry. Thank you for making me feel like I’m not alone.” I take in what she says, knowing what I want my reply to be but trying to work up the nerve to say it.

  “I love you, Samantha Baker.” I am so full of nerves. My hands are shaking like a little bitch as I open myself up to her after I swore I would never let anyone in again.

  The shock on her face is evident; she never expected those words from me, at least not right now. “I love you, Hunter Stone.”

  She kisses me once again and I try to let go of all the fear and paranoia.

  I just passed the point of no return.

  Now that I have her.

  Now that I love her.

  I will die before anyone takes her from me.

  Chapter Twenty

  Samantha

  It’s been a week since Hunter told me he loved me and I still get chills every time he says it. Detective Marks decided not to press charges against Hunter, thank God.

  My stalker is still around. I received another note yesterday. With each one I am getting more and more nervous. The police have no leads at all, which is even scarier. I thought by now they would have at least found some DNA on the notes or the flowers. I feel like a sitting duck. The only solace I have is Hunter. He makes me feel like everything isn’t falling apart around me.

  He doesn’t trust Detective Marks at all and has been trying to make Ryan look into the case. Sometimes I see a fleeting look of panic pass his face and it scares me even more. Today is my day off and we are spending it together. A part of me wants to mention to him what today is but I don’t know how to bring it up.

  Hey Hunter, today is my birthday!

  So you know how you were born? I was born today!

  You know what my mom was doing this time twenty four years ago?

  I decide to just let it go. I don’t expect him to know because I’ve never mentioned it but either way, we get to spend it together. I’m actually surprised that I have today off. The past few years I have hosted club parties on my birthday. I wonder if she forgot it was today. I shrug my shoulders before slipping on my shoes and walking out to meet Hunter.

  He is standing in his living room, wearing a tight black t-shirt and a pair of jean shorts. I smile as he turns toward me. “Hey, gorgeous.” Hunter walks over to me, wrapping his arms around me and lifting me off the ground so I’m eye level with him.

  “Hey, I’m all ready. Are you going to tell me where we are going yet?” Usually when I had a few days off I would stay in LA at my house, but being here is so much better. I have never lived in a small town and Hunter only lives a few blocks from Jules and Brian, so we spend time there too. The other huge plus is that my mother is in LA and I’m not. Since she found out about Hunter and me, things have been worse than ever, not that they were good before.

  “Nope, sorry cupcake. There is one thing I can tell you about today though…” I raise my eyebrow at him in question. “You’re all mine.” He kisses me before lowering me to the floor and leading me out of the house. We climb into Hunter’s car and I can’t help but be mesmerized by the smile on his face.

  As we drive, we fall into an easy conversation. There isn’t any awkward silence, no need to think of topics to talk about; it just flows. “Here, put this on over your eyes.” He hands me a bandana.

  “Seriously?”

  “Yes, woman, can’t a man have a little bit of mystery?” He laughs at my expression as he referred to me as woman. “Please?”

  I hesitantly comply. What the hell is up with this? After a few more minutes, the car stops and I reach for my blindfold but Hunter’s hands grab mine. “Wait.” Anxiety and excitement course through my veins as I imagine where we are.

  I hear a door open and close, assuming he must have gotten out of the car. The door opens next to me and Hunter takes my hand to guide me out of the car. I lean against the car, my back to it as the anticipation builds inside of me. I can feel him close to me before his voice sounds in my ear. “Today is your day. It’s a day that we will do everything you always wanted to do but never really did.” I hear people screaming in the background and try to figure out what we are doing. “I want to give you everything and experience it all with you too. So today will be a day of firsts.” I feel him put something on my head; I’m guessing it’s a hat.

  He takes the bandana off my eyes and I see that we are standing in front of a theme park. My mouth drops open in shock. “This is where we are going?” He nods and I wrap my arms around his neck. Last week we had been talking and he was telling me different things about his childhood, things that he and his family used to do, places they used to go. His shock was evident when I didn’t have most of the experiences he did. I look at the huge theme park in front of us in awe of the man here with me. “What if someone recognizes me?”

 

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