Page 21 of Ruined By the Hunk

“But she left this morning without really saying goodbye. She called out that she needed to check on her cat, but she hasn’t answered my calls or texts all day.”

“Okay,” Wilder says slowly. “Did something happen?”

“Yes. No. I mean…”

“I know that part. I mean something that would make her leave. Unless that’s what made her leave. Like you were bad at it or…”

I know he’s giving me a hard time, but it suddenly hits why she probably left. “Damn, we didn’t use protection,” I admit, my stomach twisting as the words leave my mouth.

Wilder whistles low. “Well, damn.”

“I know,” I groan, pacing the kitchen. “I didn’t even realize it until right now. She probably thinks I’m some irresponsible jackass who doesn’t care about her, and I?—”

“Whoa, slow down,” Wilder interrupts. “You’re spiraling.”

“I’m not spiraling,” I snap, even though I am. “I just —” I take a second to gather myself. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t want her to think I don’t care about her. I care about her so much, Wilder.”

“You love her,” he says. It’s not even a question.

“Yes,” I say, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world, even though this is the first time I’m admitting it out loud. “I love her. I’m head over heels in love with her, Wilder. She’s all I think about.”

“Then stop beating yourself up,” he says calmly. “You didn’t handle things perfectly, but nobody does. It’s what you do next that matters. You love her? Then go be there for her. Be honest, be yourself, and stop getting in your own way.

“I hate when you’re right,” I grumble.

“You love it,” he says smugly. “Now go get your woman, little brother.”

I hang up, staring out the window until Bridget and Effie step out of Alice’s house.

It’s time to get my woman. I grab my jacket, take a deep breath, and head for the door. I’m not losing her.

Not without a fight.

Chapter 11

Hunter

I standat the base of Alice’s porch steps, heart pounding like a hammer in my chest. Bridget and Effie just left. This is my chance. No more overthinking. No more waiting. I need to fix this now.

I take the stairs two at a time and knock on her door before I can talk myself out of it. My palms are sweaty. I wipe them on my jeans.

Come on, Alice. Please open the door.

The sound of the lock turning feels like a miracle. The door creaks open, and there she is —my Alice. Her shy smile melts something deep inside me.

“Hunter,” she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Alice,” I breathe.

At the same time, we both blurt out, “I’m sorry.”

We stop, blinking at each other, and then I chuckle. “Can I go first?”

She nods, biting her bottom lip. It’s all I can do not to lean down and kiss her, but I need to say this first.

“I’m sorry,” I start, my voice thick. “I didn’t protect you. I should’ve been more careful and more responsible. It wasn’t fair to you and it wasn’t fair to us. Alice, I’ve been head over heels foryou since the day we met. The thought that I might’ve made you feel unsafe —or that I put you in a position you weren’t okay with— it kills me.”

Her eyes widen, and I take a shaky breath before continuing. “I promise, from now on, I’ll always protect you. Always. You mean too much to me to do anything less.”

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