Page 4 of Ruined By the Hunk

“Alice, honey, I don’t think he wants to be left alone,” Harper giggles. “He was staring at you like you’re his favorite sweet. I’m not saying don’t make him work for it, but you should give him a chance. I’ve known him for a long time, and he is a genuinely good guy.”

“Sure,” I say in agreement even though I mean nothing of the sort.

I just don’t want to explain myself to these women. Sure, we’ve gotten closer since I moved to town, but I don’t want anyone in Star Mountain to know about the accident.

Harper, however, doesn’t seem to get the memo that I’m ready to move on, “You can at least be friends with Hunter. You live next door to each other. I know from experience that catastrophe can strike and it’s good to have a St. James on speed dial.”

“Um, Harper, you married your St. James,” Daphne says.

“I sure did,” she answers bumping me in the shoulder.

Chapter 3

Alice

I madeit through the rest of thebook club unscathed. I enjoy hanging out with the girls but hate being the center of attention. Harper pulled me aside before we left and apologized for pushing too hard. I told her it was no big deal. Then she made me promise to at least try and be friends with Hunter and I promised her I would try.

Pulling into my driveway I glance at the house next door. The lights shine through the big windows. Hunter is home on Saturday night. Everything I learn about him makes him even more perfect. If I found out he was reading the romances his sister recommended right now I might throw myself at his feet.

Damn the consequences.

Shaking my head I grab my bag from the bookstore and head to my front door. I’m about to open it when I notice a note taped over the peephole.

Splat escaped again. I found him in my backyard and took him inside. Come over when you get home. ~Hunter

Great, now I have to face Hunter after talking about him all afternoon with his sister-in-law and the others. I quickly go inside my house, drop off my things, and check my reflectionin the mirror. Rummaging through my purse I find my favorite lipstick and apply a new coat.

I can do this. I’m just going to get my cat. After that quick pep talk, I head out the door and across both of our yards. I knock harder than necessary, my nerves getting the best of me.

As the door opens I lose my breath entirely. Hunter stands in his open doorway holding Splat in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. He’s dressed in grey sweatpants and a white T-shirt looking hot enough to entice. I realize I’m staring at his body and quickly glance up at his face. My cheeks burn with embarrassment.

“Hi, um, I came to get my cat,” the words stumble out of my mouth.

“Do you want to come inside for a glass of wine, Alice?” Hunter asks in a calm, soft voice. He’s probably really good with skittish animals.

“I don’t want to bother you. I’m sure you have plans. I’ll just get Splat and leave you alone.” I hold my hands out for my traitorous cat who just curls closer to Hunter.

“Come on. I was about to order pizza and maybe watch a movie. I would love some company. You wouldn’t be bothering me at all.”

He turns around, walking back into his house. At first, I’m caught up watching him walk away, but then I realize I have to follow him or leave my cat with the neighbor. I take a deep breath and follow Hunter into his kitchen where he hands me a glass of wine. It’s deliciously crisp and just what I would have picked for myself. I finish the glass before I realize what I’m doing.

Hunter refills the glass and pulls out his phone. “What do you like on your pizza?”

“Um, I don’t really eat pizza, so I’m not sure. I guess cheese and pepperoni?” I can’t remember the last time I had pizza. Mymom wouldn’t let me have it and it’s one of her things that stuck. I’ve tried really hard to break most of her rules, but tonight will be a first for pizza.

“What do you mean you don’t eat pizza?” Hunter looks stunned as if the words themselves don’t make sense. “Like ever?”

I laugh. “My mom wouldn’t let me.” I don’t want to get into the reasons my mom had her rules. It’s obvious when you look at me that I’m not a size two and growing up with a mom that counted every calorie wasn’t fun. I don’t mind my curves, but that’s after work to overcome a lot of my mom's bullshit.

“That’s just…” Hunter shakes his head, “I mean, I’m sure there was a reason, but pizza is a staple. Everyone should have pizza. I’m going to order a few different combos so we can figure out what your favorite is.”

“That’s not necessary, Hunter. I’m sure I’ll like whatever you usually get.”

“This is important. Whatever’s left my brothers will come over and eat tomorrow when we watch football. Nothing will go to waste, I promise.”

He doesn’t let me say anything else before he’s rapidly typing on his phone and then smiles as he puts his phone down. “Order placed. It will be here in about twenty minutes. Let’s move to the living room and pick a movie.” He smiles as he walks by me. “Youaregonna stay for a movie, right?”

I don’t know what to say. I just wanted to get my cat, but now I want to stay and spend as much time with Hunter as I can. It’s like being in the sun after spending years in the shadows. When he looks at me, I warm all over.

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