Chapter 22 #2
Someone’s knocking on my door, causing my heart to leap in my chest. Do I want to see him now, or should I make him wait a few more days?
After a brief hesitation, I jump out of bed to open it.
My heart pounds wildly with anticipation.
What do I say to him? In a split second, all the air in my balloon deflates with a loud pop.
It’s my dad.
“I can see by the look on your face that you weren’t expecting me.” He steps into my room as I sit on the edge of my bed.
“I should have known that he’s too much of a coward to face me now.” My tears burn my eyes again.
My dad laughs, which is very rare. “He would have sat by your door for days if that’s what it took for you to talk to him, but I sent him home.”
“Why would you do that?” I see he’s torn, as he rakes his fingers through his hair.
“So you both had time to calm down and think things through. Hunter’s like a son to me, so that’s why I’m going to share this with you.” He looks tense and nervous.
“If it’s going to jeopardize your friendship, then don’t tell me.” Maybe I really don’t want to know.
He raises his hand to stop me. “When he turned eighteen, his main focus was Brady. He wanted custody of him so he could live here.”
“You met his brother?” Suddenly, I want to know everything.
“Yes, he stayed at the apartment quite a few times; he was an amazing young man. I think that’s why both of you have formed this bond so quickly—Hunter had the same kind of childhood that you did.
He was a loner, much like how you describe yourself growing up.
They had nannies to take care of them when they were younger, but when Hunter was in high school, he insisted on taking care of Brady himself.
” My dad looks up at me. My mouth must be hanging open.
“Why weren’t his parents involved in caring for their own flesh and blood?” I’d never consider letting someone else raise my children.
“They have a successful business to run, so they let their staff be responsible for their children. My point is that his brother was his world, so when he died, Hunter died with him. Until you came along, now he has a reason to live again. I know you two love each other, and as much as I want to fight it because I think you’re too young, I see how happy he is again, how happy you both are.
” He walks over, kissing the top of my head as he gets ready to leave.
“Dad, I need to tell you while you're here that Parker’s out of rehab.”
He closes his eyes and patiently listens to my story before storming out to call Jim and find out what the hell happened.
Suddenly craving fresh air, I step onto the balcony and catch a glimpse of Hunter out of the corner of my eye.
He’s just finished his run, his muscles tense as sweat glistens on his sculpted body.
I quickly retreat into my room; I don’t want him to see me watching him.
He bends over, hands on his knees, trying to draw more air into his lungs.
Suddenly, he rips off his shoes and socks, then dashes into the ocean.
I can’t take my eyes off him as he swims through the breaking waves.
His arms look incredibly powerful. Soon, he’s just a tiny speck on the water.
I scan the surface, but I can’t find him…
my heart stops. Then I see his head pop up closer to shore.
My heart pounds wildly in my chest. For a moment, I think. ..
No, he wouldn’t do that, would he?
* * *
Hunter
As I run down the beach, all I can see is the haunted look on Riley’s face as she rushes out of my apartment.
I’m so angry with myself right now for keeping her in the dark about so many things.
I trust this woman with my heart and soul, so why can’t I tell her about my past or future?
I can’t let this go on much longer. I’m afraid that if I do, she will shut me out and not let me back in.
When I get home from work tomorrow, I’ll explain to her why I don’t consider my parents my family.
Hopefully, she’ll understand. She has to.
I had no idea my parents even knew where I lived.
That was a foolish mistake on my part. After all these years, why would they want to reach out to me now?
That’s been bothering me since I saw my mother; she’s using a memorial service as a distraction.
There must be some other reason why they’re here now.
I’m going to use my contacts to find out more.
As I stumble out of the surf, my eyes immediately lift to her balcony.
I’m not sure if it’s my eyes fooling me or wishful thinking, but I could swear I see her shadow moving behind the curtains.
I don’t know how I’ll get through the next twenty-four hours without talking to her, kissing her, holding her, or making love to her.
I bend down to grab my socks and shoes. My head snaps up when I see her standing on the balcony; our eyes lock for a moment before she retreats into her bedroom.
Did she want to talk to me, but then change her mind?
Or did she just want me to know she was watching?
It takes all my self-control not to run back upstairs and make her listen.
As I walk around the corner of the house, I glance over my shoulder one last time to see her staring at me from the doorway.
It makes me uncomfortable. “Riley, please meet me by the pool in an hour so we can talk.” Then I walk away, not really sure whether she heard me.
After taking a shower, I decide to make a few phone calls. I want to find out why my parents are really here. Grabbing a beer from the fridge, I open it and take a few long drinks before sitting at the island and dialing a number I haven’t used in quite some time.
“Hunter, it must be important if you’re calling me on a Sunday.” I hear the amusement in Mateo’s voice.
“Hey Mateo, I was wondering if you could look into why my parents are here. I had a surprise visit from my mom today, saying it was for a memorial service. I call bullshit on that." I hear a chuckle from the other end.
“That’s funny. They actually hired me to find you, Hunter. I hope there are no hard feelings, but money talks and bullshit walks.” The bastard has the nerve to hang up on me.
I hired Mateo a few years ago when I needed to find someone. But I never thought in a million years that he would sell me out. Asshole.
Heading down to the pool, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. I wipe the sweaty palms on the front of my shorts before sitting in one of the lounge chairs.
I’m a little early, so I lean back and close my eyes.
My muscles ache from all the running and swimming I did today, but I can feel my body starting to relax.
It doesn’t help that I haven’t been getting much sleep the past few nights, but I’m not complaining because she’s so worth it.
Sitting up, I look around as my eyes adjust to the darkness surrounding me. Someone’s screaming my name over and over again.
The voice is so familiar that a prickling sensation runs up and down my spine. Suddenly, dread washes over me; my heart pounds wildly in my chest.
Getting up from the chair, I stumble because my legs feel like lead.
I follow the voice as he chants my name. Hunter, Hunter, Hunter. The crashing waves against the beach can't compare to that deafening wail.
Once I reach the shoreline, I desperately search for the person calling me. He’s lying on the sand about fifty yards away, and even in the darkness of night, there’s no doubt in my mind. It’s Brady.
Instinct takes over, and I run as fast as I can. Dropping to my knees, I can’t contain the desperation that overtakes me. There’s so much blood... no... no... no... no...no! I hold him in my arms, cradling him against my chest as my tears blend with the blood that’s congealing in the sand.
Brady keeps telling me, over and over, how sorry he is, and then there’s only silence.
The guttural scream tearing at my chest finally escapes as I look up to the sky for answers. The sky is dotted with twinkling stars that gaze down at me, my only light in this now dark world. They are the only witnesses to the wrenching pain that rips through me, body and soul.
Jerking awake, I feel sweat dripping down every part of my body. My heart pounds against my ribs. My throat is dry and sore; it’s hard to swallow. I tell myself it’s just a nightmare, but I'm reliving his death all over again.
Looking around, I realize I’m still sitting on the lounge chair by the pool, waiting for Riley. I guess she never showed up, or maybe she didn't hear me when I asked her to meet me here. Yeah, right.
As I stumble around the corner, I see Riley getting into Scott’s car. Her eyes briefly lock on mine before she turns away. Climbing the stairs, I grab my phone to text Connor; I really need a distraction tonight, and it starts with alcohol. Then we’ll see what else comes up—no pun intended.