Page 12 of Ruined By the Hunk

Alice

To my surprise, I’m having more fun tonight than I’ve had in a long time. Maybe ever. Hunter makes it so easy. He’s funny, charming, and so genuine that my fear and nerves dissolve little by little with each story he shares.

The more I listen to him talk about his family, the more I find myself drawn to him. He tells me about his brothers, and I can see how much he cares for them even when they drive him crazy. He tells me about their sibling group text that’s apparently a never-ending string of jokes and teasing, but something he can’t live without, and the way Hunter describes his sister Clara with such affection, admitting she’s a handful but also his confidante, makes my heart melt. I’d always thought of family as complicated, something to keep a safe distance from, but with him, it sounds like heaven.

“Your family sounds amazing,” I say, stirring the last bit of my strawberry milkshake with my straw. “Not to mention a little overwhelming.”

He laughs this rich, warm sound that makes me want to laugh along with him. “They’re a lot to handle, yeah. But I wouldn’t trade them for anything. They’re my people.”

“I know what you mean,” I say, thinking back to my afternoon with Harper and Bridget. “I spent the afternoon with your sister-in-law, Harper, and our friend Bridget. I haven’t had that much fun in a long time, either. They’re both really great.”

As we finish our food, Hunter looks over at me, a slight hesitation in his expression. “Are you up for a walk?”

I start to overthink but push that voice aside and just answer. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

The words leave my mouth before I can second-guess myself, and when he smiles, a flutter beats in my stomach. We step out of the diner and onto Main Street, where the streetlamps are illuminating the sidewalk in a warm glow. There’s a light breeze, but I don’t feel the chill.

We walk up and down the street, before making our way back to Hunter’s car. When we reach his car, he opens the door for me and I slide into the seat. The drive back home feels relaxed like we both know we’re sharing something that can’t be rushed.

He pulls into my driveway instead of his own, making me laugh. “You could have parked at your house. It’s not too far for me to walk home.”

“I’m a gentleman, Alice. I’m going to take my date to her door.” Hunter says before stepping out of the car and walking around to my side. As he holds his hand out to me to help me out of the car my heartbeat picks up. His hand is so warm and after I’m out of the car I take the risk and don’t let go.

We quickly reach my door, and he turns to me, his eyes soft and warm, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

“Thank you for coming with me tonight, Alice,” he says softly, and I can hear the genuine gratitude in his voice.

“Thank you,” I reply, barely above a whisper. “I had a nice time.”

For a second, he just looks at me, and then he leans in, slow and gentle, giving me plenty of time to pull back. But I don’twant to pull back. I lean forward, meeting him halfway, and his lips touch mine softly, a perfect, lingering kiss that makes my heart flutter and everything else disappear.

When he pulls back, he’s smiling, and I feel myself smiling too, despite the nervous thrill running through me. I don’t know what will come of this, of us, but right now, I don’t care. This is perfect.

“Goodnight, Alice,” he murmurs, his hand resting gently on my arm for a moment before he steps back.

“Goodnight, Hunter,” I whisper, watching as he turns and walks away, my heart still racing long after he’s gone.

Chapter 7

Alice

With just a weekuntil school starts, I’m trying to focus on getting everything ready before the kids arrive. I’m rearranging a row of books, trying to concentrate, but my mind keeps wandering. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Hunter since Monday night. He’s thoughtful, kind, and funny. I’m so looking forward to seeing him again tonight. I’ve never felt this kind of lightness like everything has more color and warmth.

I’m placing a final stack of picture books on a lower shelf when I hear a familiar voice behind me.

“So, are you going to keep me in suspense forever?” Bridget’s voice breaks my train of thought, and I turn to see her standing in the doorway with a huge grin on her face.

“Bridget!” I laugh, rolling my eyes as I stand up. “I’m not hiding from anything.”

“Oh, I think you are,” she says, stepping into the library, eyes alight with curiosity. “Come on, spill. How did the date with Hunter go? And not the surface stuff you sent in the group chat.”

My cheeks start to warm. “It was really nice. Better than nice, actually. It’s been a long time since I enjoyed myself that much.” The words come out softly, almost like I don’t want to say themtoo loudly, just in case admitting it out loud might break the spell.

Bridget’s grin widens as she clasps her hands together in excitement. “That’s exactly what I was hoping for. He seems like such a good guy. So… details? Are you going to see him again?”

I try to keep my face from splitting into a big, silly grin. “We’ve been texting since that night. He’s so funny and sweet. He invited me to dinner at his place tonight.”

Bridget’s eyes nearly pop out of her head. “Oh, dinner at his place,” She nudges me playfully. “That sounds like it’s going somewhere.”

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