Page 15 of Ruined By the Hunk

“I’ll let you get settled,” he says, backing toward the door. “I’ll sleep in the guest room.”

I shake my head, surprising both of us with what comes out of my mouth next. “Wait,” I say, my voice shaky but firm. “Can you… stay? Here? With me?”

His hand freezes on the doorframe, and he turns back, his eyes searching mine. “Are you sure?”

I nod, my cheeks heating. This is a huge step for me— letting someone be this close, letting myself be this vulnerable. But with Hunter, it doesn’t feel scary. It feels safe. “I’m sure.”

He hesitates like he’s giving me one last chance to change my mind, but when I don’t, he smiles softly. “Okay,” he says. “Let me turn everything off. I’ll be right back.”

As he leaves, I slip into the T-shirt, the fabric falling to my thighs, and slide under the covers. My heart is pounding, my nerves buzzing, but there’s also a sense of calm. I chose to stay. To let him in.

Hunter

I flip off the lights and make sure the doors are locked, but my mind is already back in the room with Alice. She’s in my bed. In my shirt. And she wants me to stay with her.

I still can’t quite wrap my head around it. I’ve been careful and had planned to take things as slow as she needed me to. I didn’t want to push her or make her uncomfortable. But tonight, she’s the one who asked. That’s what floors me.

As I finish up, a thought hits me— Splat. Her cat’s probably wondering where she is, and the last thing I want is for her to wake up worried about him. Miles and Harper gave me a spare key when they were showing the house and I’m hoping that the locks are the same. I grab my keys and jog next door to her place.

I feel guilty as I enter her house, but I don’t think she’ll mind since it’s for Splat. Her house feels so distinctly Alice. Cozy, a little cluttered with books and nicknacks, but very charming.

I find Splat sprawled out on the couch looking like he doesn’t have a care in the world.

“Hey, buddy,” I whisper, crouching down to check his food and water. He has both and his litter box is one of those fancy self-cleaning ones so that isn’t an issue.

I scratch behind his ears and tell him, “You’re all good. Don’t worry, I’ll have her back home tomorrow.”

He gives me a lazy blink. I can’t help but chuckle. Cats do have it all figured out.

Back at my place, I change into a pair of pajama pants that were in the dresser in the guest room. A gift from my mother that I’ve never actually worn. When I walk into the bedroom, the sight of her hits me like a punch to the chest. She’s curled up under the covers, her blonde hair spilling across my pillow. She looks so small, so vulnerable.

I slide into bed carefully, keeping my movements slow and deliberate. I don’t want to wake her. The mattress shifts under my weight, and I settle on my side, facing her.

The reality of this moment sinks in. She’s here, trusting me, letting me in. And I feel it deep in my chest. This fierce need to protect her and to make her feel safe.

But I’m also just a man and the way her body is so close and the way her scent lingers in the air, it’s enough to stir something primal in me. I shift slightly, forcing myself to focus on anything else. This is about her.

I lean over, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her lips are soft and slightly parted, and I can’t resist the urge to give them a gentle kiss. She stirs slightly, her eyes fluttering open for just a moment.

“Hunter,” she murmurs sleepily.

“I’m here,” I say quietly. “Go back to sleep.”

She gives me a faint smile, her eyes already closing again.

I shift back, keeping just enough space between us to stay in control.

“Goodnight, Alice,” I whisper, my voice catching slightly.

She doesn’t answer, already drifting off. Her body scoots closer, curling into my side. I wrap my arm around her, holding her close. This is exactly where she is meant to be.

Chapter 9

Hunter

The warmthof Alice’s body against mine is the first thing I notice as I wake up. Her head rests on my chest, her arm draped across me, and I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips.

Then her thigh shifts, just enough to brush against my hard cock. I bite back a groan.

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