Page 96 of Always You

“I missed you too,” I confess, my eyes moving back and forth, looking into his deep hazel-brown ones. My lips part, feeling the need to cover his mouth with mine, even though I’m not sure if I’m still allowed to do that. When I notice his gaze moving to my lips, he fists my hair, bringing me closer to his face, that same hunger appearing in his eyes that I’ve been seeing for so long, yet now feels like a distant memory.

“I know we agreed onfriends, but I’m not sure I can let you fly back to North Carolina in a few days without having one more memory of your lips on mine.” His voice sounds husky, and I bite my lip as a longing feeling boils inside of me.

“I think you can have one freebie.”

“Yeah?” A boyish grin appears on his face, and I brush my nose against his, softly nodding as he crushes his lips against mine.

The touch of his lips covering mine feels overwhelming and satisfying at the same time.God, I missed kissing him. His hands rub my hips as we stay connected, and I do my best to not let my tongue dart out, knowing I won’t stop if we cross that threshold again.

“Ahem.” I register Jason demonstratively clearing his throat behind us. “How about we take this to the house and the two of you can suck face there?”

“Hi, Jason,” I quip with a giggle when I break our connection, pressing my forehead into Hunter’s shoulder. He lets go of my legs, softly putting me back on the ground, then brings me back against his chest, pressing a lingering kiss on my forehead.

He feels like home, and all I want to do is cuddle up against him and watch a movie. I look up as he dips his chin, feeling happy as fuck that he’s standing in front of me again.

“Maybe that was a bit too friendly,” he jokes, causing a chuckle to leave my lips.

“Yeah, maybe.”

“Come on, let’s go.” Jason gets my bag while Hunter throws an arm over my shoulder, escorting me back to a black Escalade.

“Thisyour car?” I stop on the pavement, his arm falling from my body as I stare at the enormous car in front of me.

“Pretty sweet, huh?” Jason chimes in, throwing my bag in the backseat as he holds the door open for me. With my mouth agape, I take in the extravagant vehicle, then twist my head toward Hunter.

“It’s not mine,” he explains. “It’s just a car the AFA provided for us to use. I’m not rich, Charls. Ipromise.” His gaze is filled with pain, confusing me a little.

“Yet!” Jason bellows as he climbs behind the wheel, and Hunter gives me a small push to urge me into the car.

I get in, smelling the fresh leather as I look around inside, realizing how different his life must really be right now.

Hunter gets in on the passenger side, then glances over his shoulder. “You good?”

“Yeah.” I nod. “I’m good.”

I think.

I rest my head against the window, taking in the streets of LA as we drive to their house. Palm trees stand tall in the sunlight, just like in the movies, and the number of Chihuahuas prancing down the streets makes it clear we’re no longer in Braeden, North Carolina. But it isn’t until we reach the house they live in that it’s perfectly clear how much of a difference there is.

Jason drives to a brown gate, opening it with a code, before he moves forward to park the car in front of a modern white house. The house has tinted windows that are floor-to-ceiling high, surrounded by perfectly white concrete walls, and you don’t have to be a genius to understand this is a multi-million-dollar home.

I’m gawking, blinking in awe, as Hunter opens the door for me, giving me a measured look while waiting for my reaction.

“Thisis your house?” My eyes are as wide as saucers, and my hand reaches out to pinch Hunter on his arm.

“Ouch! What was that for?” He rubs the area with a slight scowl.

“Just wanted to make sure I’m not dreaming.” I slide out of the car, looking at the big house in front of me with narrowed eyes, while the sun burns on my back.

This is the kind of house you see in those reality shows everyone likes to watch. Spacious, luxurious, and nothing I’d ever see from the inside if Hunter and Jason weren’t my friends.

“Pinch yourself, then!” he bellows, giving me a light push.

“No fun.” I shrug, sauntering to the front door until I wait for him to open it.

He walks in first, followed by Jason carrying my bag, and I saunter behind him, looking up at the high ceiling, before my gaze lands on the glass stairs. The floor is a brown marble, making it look rich as fuck, while the black steel finishes make it anything but stately.

“Who owns this house?” I blurt as I keep walking farther before my sight settles in on the backyard. Particularly, the infinity pool that almost stretches the width of the entire yard.

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