Page 10 of Ruined By the Hunk

Harper and Bridget say their goodbyes and I sit down hard at my kitchen table. Looking back over the messages from Hunter, I bite my lip, a bubble of excitement growing inside me.

Maybe tonight will be a new beginning.

Hunter

I glance at the clock on the wall. Two hours until I pick up Alice and I’m running out of things to do. I’ve cleaned my house from top to bottom, even cleaned behind the fridge. I can’t sitstill. I’ve resorted to pacing my living room, trying to find ways to fill the time. I feel like a teenager waiting for his first date.

I grab a book, settle on the couch, and try to distract myself. Ten minutes later, I realize I’ve been reading the same sentence over and over. I toss the book aside, sighing. I’ve never been this worked up about a date in my life, but then again, I’ve never felt about anyone else what I feel for Alice. It’s impossible to explain, but the second I saw her in her backyard calling for Splat it hit me. I don’t want to blow this.

My phone rings and I grab it off the coffee table. Clara’s name flashes across the screen. I answer with a smile.

“Hey, Clara.” I settle back against the couch.

“Hunter! Finally. So… is there a reason you didn’t tell me about Harper being pregnant the second you found out?” She asks her tone light but with a hint of accusation. “What kind of brother doesn’t spill that kind of news right away?”

“Easy there. I found out maybe five minutes before you did,” I reply, laughing. “Besides, you usually know these things before I do. I’m honestly surprised you hadn’t already figured it out.”

She huffs on the other end, but I can tell she’s smiling. “Fine, fine. I’ll let you off the hook. This time. But while I’ve got you, how’s everything else going? Anything interesting on the horizon?”

There’s a weight in her question like she already suspects. I hesitate, but I know she’ll drag it out of me one way or another. I take a breath. “Actually… yeah. I have a date tonight.”

“With Alice?” She’s trying to keep her voice calm, but I can hear the excitement building. Clara’s known about my interest in Alice from the start, and she’s been not-so-subtly rooting for us to get together.

“Yes, with Alice,” I say, feeling a grin spread across my face. Just saying her name is enough to make my pulse pick up.

Clara practically squeals on the other end. “Finally! How did you get her to agree?”

“It took some patience,” I admit, pacing back and forth across the living room. “She’s guarded. I think something happened in the past, but she agreed to dinner tonight.”

There’s a pause, and I can almost picture Clara leaning in, serious now. “Listen, Hunter. I’m so happy for you, but if she’s that hesitant you need to take things slow. Donotpush her. Let Alice set the pace and open up to you on her own terms.”

“I know,” I say, nodding even though she can’t see me. “I’ve been telling myself the same thing. It’s just… I don’t know how to explain it, Clara. I’ve never felt like this before.”

“Then don’t let your excitement push her away,” Clara says gently. “Remember, she said yes to tonight because she sees something in you. Show her you’re the safe bet. Be yourself and be steady, and let her come around on her own.”

“You’re right. Thank you,” I say, trying to absorb every bit of her advice. Clara is always there for my brothers and me when we need her and she’s never afraid to tell us when we are in over our heads.

“You’re welcome, Hunter,” she says, her voice turning teasing again. “I’m going to want a full report after this date, you hear me?”

I laugh. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Good. And seriously, Hunter —don’t overthink it. You’re a catch, we all know that, and from what I’ve heard, so is Alice. Remember you’re my favorite big brother.”

We both laugh at Clara’s joke. “Love you, little sister.”

“Love you, too.”

When we hang up, I feel more grounded. I keep reminding myself that Clara’s right. Alice is giving me a chance and right now that’s enough.

I look at the clock again. One hour and thirty minutes to go. It’s still too early, but I go to my bedroom to shower and get dressed. I put on a casual but nice, button-up shirt and clean jeans. I exhale, trying to steady myself, knowing that in just a little while, I’ll get to see her smile again.

Chapter 6

Hunter

When Alice opens the door,I forget how to breathe. She’s standing there in a red wrap dress that hugs her curves just right, her blonde hair loose in soft waves over her shoulders. She looks so damn beautiful.

She looks down shyly, but when her gaze meets mine, she’s smiling, and it lights up her whole face. “Hi, Hunter.”

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