Page 87 of Sunshine with You
My eyes shift to Ashlie at Chase’s profession of love and dedication, and a split second later, she looks at me too. Chase has always been a pro at expressing exactly how he feels. I try to siphon his words from the air, transmitting them into a coded message for the eyes I could stare into forever.
I love you.My only priority is you and your happiness.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
ASHLIE
There’s no denying the passionate devotion in the air as Chase dedicates his entire existence to my best friend. He speaks brazenly, as if he was born to protect her happiness at all costs. I wipe away a sappy tear and glance at Hunter, but the intensity in his eyes feels like he’s silently shouting those same words at me.
Shit.He is.
My heart threatens to beat out of my chest as I’m pinned by his longing, a look I now realize I’ve been seeing for years. More so over the last few months, but in this moment, it’s undeniable.Love.
Hunter’s been the one encouraging me to get back in the pool, to find a job I enjoy. Grad school, the bet, dating Trevor—Hunter’s been concerned with my happiness through it all. Maybe for much longer than I’ve been willing to admit.I know I have issues, but how did I miss this?
Suddenly, the unspoken stakes of our situationship skyrocket, and I’m reeling. There’s not enough air in this doorway to clear the panic infused haze from my mind. It’s one thing for my easily won heart to be in love; it latches on to guys quickly and often. But that four-letter word is consequential coming from him. He’s never attached himself to anyone in that way.Until now. This silly little bet, a facade I’ve been clinging to for dear life, has the potential to shatter our friendship. Failing with a new man is bad enough. But failing with Hunter would be devastating. No. Worse than devastation; I’d be gutted. He’s the most important person in my life. My rock.I can’t lose my best friend.
Chase guides Kayla from the room, heading toward Willa. Dread washes over me when I glance at Trevor.What do I do now? I’m completely aware of Hunter’s eyes on me, but I can’t deal with this—withhim—right now.Love changes everything.
My eyes sweep the speckled floor as I walk toward the table, and I shake my head to fend off my thoughts the entire time.Willa was right.I’m scared.I’m so absorbed in this newfound shame, I’m surprised when I’m stopped by the handsy mustache who’s been trying to get my attention all night.
“Hey, sexy. You leaving already?” Mustache grabs my elbow and pulls me toward him.
Sneering, I rip my arm from his grip. “Don’t touch me, asshole.” I take a step and feel his hand around my hips, fondling the waist beads under my crop top.
He tugs them, pulling me back to him. “These are hot.” The pungent smell of liquor and cigarettes wafts over me. “Come on, baby, just one drink.”
“I said,don’t touch me!” Driving my elbow into his gut, I knock him back a step before whipping around to face him.
“Ooh, you’re a fiery one. Just how I like?—”
“Touch my girl again, and I’ll rip those fingers off your hand and choke you with them.” Hunter puts himself between us, the acrid rasp in his voice rumbling down to my toes. This calculated energy isn’t the Hunter I’ve seen get into fights before. He’s usually quick to hit first and ask questions later. Butthisis controlled and calm. The only reason I hear what he says is because I’m right next to him.
“Hunter, don’t…” I warn, pulling on the back of his shirt.
“You hear her? Mind your business, man.” Handsy Mustache pushes Hunter’s shoulder, knocking him into me. I stumble, failing to catch myself as I land on the ground with a thud. Pain shoots across my ankle.
“Naw, she is my business.”
“Maybe you should tellyour businessto cover herself up instead of giving a peep show to the entire bar.”
“The fuck did you say?” Hunter has him by the collar faster than I can scramble back to my feet.
Hobbling forward, I wince against the pinching. “Hunter,don’t!” I grit out right as he slams the hairy hipster against the table.
Chase reaches them just before Hunter’s fist smashes into the man’s lip, pulling back on Hunter’s arm. “Let him go, Hunt. Come on.” Hunter doesn’t move, the muscle in his jaw fluttering wildly. The air is thick with his rage, his labored breaths coming out in spurts. “Hunter, she’s safe. It’s over. Let’s get some air,” Chase urges.
There’s several tense seconds before Hunter drops the guy. He throws Chase’s hand off his arm and walks out the door.
All eyes are on me, and I want to crawl in a hole. That secret I’ve been adamant on keeping between us just exploded in my face.What the hell did you expect?
Glancing at the table, I catch Willa’s wide eyes as she holds on to Kayla’s drunken body. The rest of the bachelorette party is gone.At least I have that going for me.
A hand on my shoulder makes me jump. “Hey, you alright?” Trevor asks.
“Maybe… I fell on my ankle.”
“Can you walk on it?”
