Page 168 of Always You

How is it that I send my boyfriend away, wanting to be alone, yet my heart is dancing for joy when Hunter is crossing every boundary there is? Showing up unannounced for the third time in forty-eight hours, doing sweet things like fixing my porch light, relentlessly letting me relive old memories I assumed were tucked safely in a vault, never to be opened again.

“Thank you.” I gesture above his head. “For fixing the light.”

“Anytime, babe.” Slowly, but with deliberate steps, that for some fucked-up reason take my breath away, he closes the distance before lowering himself next to me. There’s at least a foot between us, but he’s still close enough to let his scent level in my nose, and like a junkie, I breathe in deeply.

“Where’s the dog?”

My lips frown. “What dog?”

“The dog you picked up from the animal shelter?” I pull my lip between my teeth when he pauses. “I figured for a fifty-grand donation, you at least got yourself that dog you finally wanted.”

I notice him grinning from the corner of my eye, but I keep a straight face for as long as I can. “Couldn’t find one that clicked with me.”

“Hmm, shame.”

“I know.” I swallow back the giggle, then amusement slips through my teeth. “You want it back?” Putting words into action, I pull the black plastic out of my jeans, then hold it out to him.

“Nah, keep it.”I’m sorry, what?“Spend it all, for all I care. It’s all yours once we get married anyway.”

“We’re not getting married,” I huff, even though my stomach flutters, working against me.

He ignores my reply and instead pulls a velvet bag from the front of his jeans. It’s turquoise, with black letters embedded that say Tiffany & Co.Oh, boy.

My eyes grow big, my lips parting in shock. “You’re not fucking proposing, HunterHansen!”

He hoots out a laugh, clearly aiming for that response. “Don’t worry, I’m saving that for when you’re not mad at me.”

“That might take a while,” I mutter, as I watch how he drops a small necklace in my hand. I stare at the silver pendant in awe, my throat closing a little. It’s a small heart, with stitches cut through the middle, the edges rough, reminding me of my own. “Oh my god,” I whisper.

“I bought it with my first paycheck.”

I collide my gaze with his. “But that was years ago.”

He nods, rolling his lips together. “I wanted you to know my heart was yours, beat up and crushed. But I never found the right time to give it to you.”

I drop my gaze back to the metal in my hand, wondering what changed.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he says, as if he can read my mind. “I just want to be part of your life. And if that means I have to be the best friend, I will be the best friend. If you’re happy with Ben, I’m fine with that.”

I pull a face. “No, you’re not.”

“Not one fucking bit.” He adamantly shakes his head, and I laugh. “But you’re in charge.”

My chest rises up as I inhale deeply, then toss him a small smile.

“Thank you. It's beautiful.” I put it on my neck, then fumble with the pendant between my fingers.

I’m not sure how to feel about his explanation, but having a piece of him hang around my neck swells my heart more than it should.

“What has you sleeping in the middle of the day, Charls?” The look on his face is genuine, with a glint of worry in his eyes as he drops his calloused hand on my thigh. “You okay?” The heat of his palm burns through the fabric, sirening me to tell the truth. My cheeks curl, loving how he shows me he cares, before myface falls when I realize Ben did the same thing an hour ago.You know? The man who’s supposed to be my boyfriend?

“Hey.” He squeezes my knee, narrowing his eyes at me. “Talk to me.”

“I’m fine. Really. Just tired.”

He gives me a knowing look, telling me he doesn’t buy my bullshit, then gives me a smile, indicating he’ll let it slide for now, and I give him a thankful look. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Go where?”

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