Page 97 of Reckless Desire

I want to wipe away my tears, but there is no point because they run with abandon. Only now they are tears of joy and relief.

“Then kiss me.”

Epilogue

Sydney

“We’ll be late, Hunter. What is so important right now? Where are we going?” The bare trees of Central Park glisten with frost as the car takes a turn in the opposite direction of the Tribeca club.

“Stop stressing. We have an hour to spare and I want to show you something.” Hunter squeezes my hand.

“But where are we going?” Caro asks, her eyes glued to her phone.

“As I said, it’s a surprise.” Hunter rolls his eyes.

Uneasiness trickles through my veins. Trickles, not yet floods. It’s Valentine’s Day and the past two months have more than proved I can trust the amazing, handsome man beside me. We spent Christmas morning together as a family, and we’ve been just that ever since.

I’ve kept my Brooklyn apartment, but I’m giving them notice by the end of this month. It’s a big step for me to let go of that place, and I catch myself still forging scenarios about why I should have a backup home. However, it represents a different era in my life and, for once, I’m hesitantly looking into the future with hope. And even joy.

“Am I going to like the surprise?” I bite my lip.

“I don’t know, beautiful. You either like it or hate it, but I’m showing it to you today, so if you don’t like it, you’ll have to let me down gently, since it’s my big day and all.” He winks and my stomach tightens.

“That almost confirms I won’t like it.”

Hunter laughs. “No, but the last time I wanted to surprise you… well… we all ended up suffering. This time I’m hoping to just tease you with the opportunity, and then we can discuss everything together.”

“And you’re using today’s opening at Tribeca in hopes I’ll be easy on you?”

“Exactly, beautiful. You can’t be mad at me. I’m opening a new club and about to become a celebrity, so I’m hoping you look kindly on my attempts to improve your life.” He smirks and I’m about to scold him, but he captures my lips.

And, as always, every kiss is a unique experience. This one teases, filling me with warmth. How could I get mad at him? Whatever he’s planning.

“Stop that. Gross,” Caro interrupts us.

“Interesting that you miss half of the conversations and things happening around you during your screen time, but you notice this.” Hunter bumps her shoulder.

Hunter’s mom got Caro a smartphone for Christmas to ensure she could talk to her all the time while in Florida. We’ve been testing the waters in terms of screen time, but it’s been a struggle to say the least.

The car pulls into an underground garage and the driver stops near the elevator bank. Hunter holds the car’s door open for us.

“Ladies.” We get out. “Caro, please put away the phone,” Hunter says, and then smiles at a man who leans against the wall by the elevators.

“Jackson.” Hunter shakes his hand. “This is Sydney and Caro.”

“Nice to meet you. Are you ready?” Jackson calls the elevator.

“No, not at all,” I say, and Jackson frowns and darts his gaze between me and Hunter.

“It’s a surprise,” Hunter tells him, and Jackson—whoever he is—smiles knowingly.What does he know?

We take the elevator to the second floor and step out into a carpeted reception area.

“Jackson is helping me find a new location for my next club,” Hunter says and intertwines his hand through mine, dragging me around the place.

The long corridor is lined with small classrooms and a few offices. There is also a larger classroom. All semi-furnished, natural light streaming through the tall windows. It feels warm and inviting, but I’m at a loss as to what I’m inspecting.

“This seems small for one of your clubs.” I trace a student desk, feeling strangely at home. But then, I’m a teacher.

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