Hunter
thirty-five
IT’S THE FIRST DAY OF WINTER brEAK, and the freedom is almost overwhelming.
I had to cram like crazy for every exam, but they’re finally over and I can relax. I still have hockey practice, but that’s one of my favorite things in the world, so it doesn’t faze me. I also have Stevie with me every day for the next week, and I don’t think I could be happier.
The only complication? Her piece of shit former boss has been elusive as fuck.
Having her with me, safe in my house makes me feel a little bit better about not being able to track him down. I try not to think about it too much.
I also try not to think about all the holiday events I’m obligated to attend in the next two weeks. And then dealing with New Year’s Eve, which has always been my least favorite holiday. Fuck me.
I shake my head and grab my sneakers. Going for a run with Jamie will help get these thoughts out of my brain. Outside, it’s brisk, but it still hasn’t snowed yet, and probably won’t until January. That’s fine by me.
Jamie is waiting for me at the small park across the street from my place. I join him and do some stretches.
“Happy winter break,” he says.
“Yeah, thank fucking god, man.”
He laughs. “You’ve had a rough few weeks.”
“Don’t remind me.”
We continue stretching for another minute. I kind of want to and don’t want to talk about it all. I’m not in the habit of pouring my heart out to my friends, or anyone really. I let out a deep breath. Jamie glances at me.
“You’re okay, though?” he asks.
“Fine.”
“You sure?”
“Let’s go,” I say, taking off. A second later, he’s jogging beside me. The cold wind feels good against my face. I pick up my pace, wanting to feel the burn in every muscle in my body.
“Slow down, turbo,” Jamie says, even though he’s keeping up with me just fine. “We just got started.”
“Shut up and run.”
He laughs. “Someone’s in a mood.”
I don’t respond, but I kind of like him ribbing me. It’s familiar.
We run the next 20 minutes in silence, sticking to our usual route.
Another familiarity that is surprisingly comforting.
I like having my friend next to me, even knowing he’s going to interrogate me when we reach the end of the pier.
I don’t know why but lately I want more people around me than usual.
It’s a big part of why I asked Stevie to spend the week with me.
Not just to protect her, but to have that connection.
The pier comes into view in the distance.
I pump my legs to go even faster and it becomes a race with Jamie.
We’re both laughing as we try to outrun each other.
He uses his arm to push me back. “Cheater!” I yell.
He turns on his jets and takes off like his ass is on fire.
I turn on my own accelerator, but the fucker is fast. He reaches the end of the pier a few seconds before I do. I hate losing.
“Did you think a zombie was chasing you?” I ask, trying to catch my breath.
The asshole just laughs.
“I hate you.”
“Don’t be a sore loser,” he says.
“I’m faster than you on the ice,” I grumble.
He laughs even harder. “Oh no, the great Hunter Cruise can’t handle getting crushed by his left wing.”
I punch him on the arm. “Fuck you.”
“Sorry, Cap, better luck next time.”
I rest my forearms on the railing and look out at the gray water. It’s only 7am. When I left, Stevie was still sleeping. I can’t wait to go back and eat breakfast with her.
“What are your holiday plans?” Jamie asks.
I huff out a breath. “Too many parties and family events.”
“Same.”
“I’ve been seeing way too much of my dad since he got married.”
“Because your stepmom keeps planning stuff for you guys to do?”
“Yep.”
“Bummer.”
“I’d make excuses, but I like her.”
Jamie looks surprised. “Really?”
I shrug. “She’s nice.”
“Hmm.”
I turn my head. “What?”
“I think it’s more than that.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I think you’re worried about her.”
What the fuck. How did he guess that?
“What the hell, bro? Can you read minds or something?”
He grins, shaking his head. “No. But I know you.”
And he knows what my dad did to my mom. I really, really hope history doesn’t repeat itself with my dad and Celeste, but something tells me it will. This time, I’m older and stronger and I can’t let it get to that point.
“Yeah, I worry,” I admit. “I’m hoping for the best though.”
“Sure. And if you need anything, I’m here. You know that, right?”
I nod. “What I really need is to find Stevie’s former boss and beat the absolute shit out of him.”
“We’ll get him. Don’t worry.”
“I don’t get it. He must be out of town or something. Every time I drive by his place, it’s obvious no one’s home.”
“All in due time, bro.”
I nod. I’m getting cold now that the heat from running has dissipated and my sweaty clothes are sticking to my body. “Let’s go back,” I tell Jamie.
We run back at a much slower pace and go our separate ways when we’re about half a mile away from my building. “See ya, buddy,” Jamie says, waving and jogging off toward his place.
“Later.”
The scent of bacon hits me as soon as I step inside my penthouse. I walk into the kitchen even though I should be heading toward the bathroom to shower.
“Hi, baby!” Stevie has the biggest smile on her face as she lunges at me. I hug her back. “What are you doing?” I ask.
“I’m making breakfast, duh.”
“That’s my job.”
“Not today.” She’s wearing my jersey and nothing else. She looks so fucking hot.
“I need to shower,” I tell her.
“Okay.” She goes to stand in front of the stove. “How do you like your eggs?”
“Sunny side up.”
“You got it.”
I leave her to it, but not before I take another look at her in my space, cooking me breakfast like she’s my wife or something.
Fuck. I want this to be my reality every single day.
My shower is quick. I put on clean sweats and pad back to the kitchen.
Stevie has set our plates on the kitchen island, along with two glasses of orange juice.
“I didn’t know how to make your protein smoothie,” she says, her brow adorably furrowed.
I chuckle. “I wouldn’t expect you to know that.” I reach for her and kiss her on her beautiful mouth. She leans into me, her hands resting on my chest. I kiss her forehead. “Let’s eat before it gets cold.”
“Is the bacon crispy enough?” she asks, looking unsure.
I grab one and take a bite. “It’s perfect.”
“I don’t cook enough,” she says, taking a seat. “I can only make a few dishes. But I don’t like preparing all the ingredients, and then cleaning up after.”
“That’s fine. I will cook for you whenever you want.”
She smiles, taking a bite of bacon. “I know. It’s the number one reason I’m with you.”
I give her a look. “Is that right?”
She nods, an impish smile on her face.
“What about all the orgasms I give you?”
“Yeah, those are a close second.”
I growl and steal a piece of bacon off her plate, since I already ate all of mine.
“Hey!”
“Liars don’t deserve bacon.”
She stands and walks over to me, running her fingers through my hair.
I tilt my head back and she kisses me on the lips.
The easy show of affection does something to my insides.
As she looks into my eyes while playing with my hair, my heart beats faster.
She kisses my eyelids, my nose, my temples. It’s almost too much to bear.
Is 21 too soon to get married?