Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Riley
I’m feeling self-conscious talking to Dr. Adams after seeing Hunter leave her office. Did he discuss me?
“So, how are things going at home with your dad?” she interrupts my thoughts.
“It’s going okay. He’s not home much; it seems like he’s always working.” I try to smile, but it doesn’t reach my lips.
“Have you tried talking to him about it, telling him how you feel?” She leans forward, trying to get closer.
“He assured me that he’s working on clearing some of his cases, so he won’t take on as many once he’s caught up.”
I hate talking to strangers about my terrible childhood.
I’ve learned to deal with my problems early on, but Dad insists I see her.
He told me he was seeing her too because of all the guilt he feels about leaving me.
He also said he’d like to start having sessions together when I’m ready so we can work on our relationship.
The hour feels like it’s dragging, and I can’t wait for Paul to take me home. All I can think about is relaxing in the hot tub and ending the night with some Rocky Road ice cream.
After seeing Hunter come out of the office, I didn't bring him up at all. I wanted to talk about him instead of my mom and dad, but I chickened out.
As I leave the building, I notice a familiar Jeep in the parking lot, and a handsome guy is leaning against it with his arms crossed over his chest and his legs crossed at the ankles. I take it all in. He’s so incredibly attractive, and he’s all mine.
“Did you send Paul home?” I ask as I run my hands up his strong arms, hooking them around his neck.
“I did; he was hesitant to leave you, but I told him you’re in good hands.” A wicked smile spreads across his face. He licks his lips and leans in for a kiss that makes my toes curl.
“How about you take me home? We can raid the fridge and end the night in the hot tub.” Suddenly, the craving for ice cream feels less important than spending time with Hunter.
“That sounds like the best idea you’ve had in a long time.” He opens the driver’s side door. “But you’re driving. I’m just going to kick back and relax.” He winks at me and gets comfortable for the ride.
He’s the first to mention Dr. Adams. “So is this the first time you saw the good doctor?”
I can’t keep my eyes off the road. I haven’t fully mastered that yet. “No, this is the second time; the first was when I had been here for a few days.”
“Do you like her? I guess I’m curious to know if she’s helping you,” he takes a deep breath.
“You know, I don’t like talking about myself with strangers. I believe what’s in the past should stay there, and I should focus on my future.” I shrug my shoulders. “Too much damage has already happened for it to be fixed; I don’t see any benefit coming from this.”
“That’s how I felt when I started going. Promise me you’ll give it some time before making your decision. She’s really helped me come to terms with what happened, not that the pain will ever go away, but it does make the load a little lighter.”
How can I deny him anything? He’s my voice of reason. I nod my head to show I’ll try—that’s all I can do.
* * *
Hunter
I can’t even imagine what it was like for her growing up.
She told me that the idea of hugging or kissing someone used to scare her.
I guess that’s what happens when you have no physical contact at a young age.
It’s just too overwhelming for me to think about.
But still, she’s sitting here with me. We’ve only known each other a few weeks, and she trusts me with her heart.
When I look up, I see she’s already pulled into the driveway. Riley touches my arm and says, “Hunter, are you still with me?”
Grabbing her hand, I press her palm against my cheek.
“Did I ever tell you how amazing you are?” She looks bashful, shaking her head and biting her bottom lip.
“Well, let it be known, right here, right now, you are the most amazing person I’ve ever met.
” I get lost in her eyes for a moment before stepping out of the Jeep.
When I reach out my hand, she presses her face against my chest, clutching my shirt with her fists as if she’s afraid to let me go.
Suddenly, I become worried about what might happen next.
Did my therapist tell her it’s too soon for her to be involved in a relationship?
My heart races, and I struggle to breathe.
“What’s wrong, baby?” I rub my hands up and down her arms while I wait for her answer.
She gazes at me with tears in her eyes. “I think you’re pretty amazing too.”
Crushing my mouth to hers, I run my tongue over that bottom lip she loves to bite so much.
When her lips part for me, I suck her tongue into my mouth.
She tastes incredible. I can’t get enough of this girl; she consumes my every waking moment, and she’s also given me some mind-blowing wet dreams. I can’t help but smile as I think of a few.
“What’s so funny?” she asks, poking me in the ribs.
“Nothing, I was just thinking about something. Let’s raid the fridge, then we can have a picnic by the Jacuzzi. Sound good?” Grabbing her elbow, I lead her into the kitchen.
“That sounds like a game plan to me.” She winks at me before heading inside.
We grab some cold pasta salad, cheese, olives, and crusty bread.
I get a few beers while she takes some sweet tea.
Scooting her upstairs so she can change, I hurry to set everything up before heading upstairs to put on my shorts.
When I turn the corner, I see she’s already relaxing in the warm bubbles.
Sliding in beside her, I lean in to kiss her neck just above her collarbone. She gasps as her body trembles against my mouth.
“If you keep that up, I’m going to straddle you right here and now.” She looks at me as if she could eat me up.
I throw my hands up in surrender. “We’d better stick to food; I don’t want your dad seeing us grinding against each other tonight.”
“That’s a really wise decision,” she laughs. I hand her a plate of food.
After we finish eating, we sit in the hot tub until our skin shrivels up like prunes.
When we finally climb out, I cover her with my shirt before sitting in the lounge chair and tucking her between my legs.
We talk until one in the morning. Whispering in her ear, I tell her, “I’m looking forward to Friday, so I won’t have to say goodnight. ”