12. Hunter
Hunter
Ihaven’t seen her for two days and it feels like I’m detoxing from a drug that I need more than I need to breathe.
“Are you sure that she’ll be here?”
Ryan rolls his eyes. “I swear you doubt me more than my wife. Yes, I talked to her cousins and they’re going to make sure that she’s here. Front and center. And then you’re going to pull her onstage and sing. And she’s going to melt into your arms and you’re going to live happily ever after.”
I shoot him a narrow-eyed glare. “I know you’re making fun of me, asshole. But I’m gonna let it slide this time.”
He grins at me, his fingers dancing on his phone, making another deal, I’m sure. “I am terrified.”
“Right.”
I grab my guitar and start working the strings. Ryan studies me. “I don’t think I’ve seen you look so happy playing in a long time.”
I nod my head and close my eyes. “It’s because of her. She’s my muse. My one.”
“I’ll take your word for it. I just can’t believe she doesn’t want to leave this little place.”
“It’s not that small. Besides, all of her family is here. Her cousins. And she took business to work with them. This is a major change.”
“Change is good sometimes.”
“That may be. But it’s still scary if you’ve already got your life mapped out.”
“Okay.” Ryan eyes the screen. “She’s here. You ready? They’ve got the makeshift stage set up and the sound system is ready.”
I nod my head. “I’m ready.”
“I’ll go out there and introduce you. Not that you really need that since you’re such a famous fucker. I can’t believe you’ve managed to hide out this long.” He stalks off and I glare at his back.
Taking a deep breath, I let calm wash over me. The music is always where I’ve felt at home.
But now I have a new home. I just have to convince her to give me a chance.
I hear cheers and hooting and straighten my shoulders, letting my nerves settle, my heart slow.
My eyes close. Then Ryan hollers my name and I stride out on the small stage, nodding my head at the guys in my band, who grin and wink at me.
And then I turn and there she is. Her dark hair gleaming in curls that cascade over her shoulders. Her bright aqua eyes wide and stunned. Her pretty red lips parted.
I grin at her. And then I walk to the microphone.
“Howdy, y’all! Good to see all of you here today!
I wanted to give back somehow for all those guys who’ve spent time on the front lines of this wildfire and the only way I could think of was to introduce my new song here.
Every bit of profits from this song are coming right here to help you guys get what you need to take care of your town.
Storyville has really come to mean a lot to me.
Especially because I met a woman here who showed me that there are good people out there.
She took me out of my head when I wanted to wallow.
And she made me happier than I think I’ve felt for a long time.
I haven’t been able to write for awhile because I just didn’t feel as happy as I used to.
Because I was missing something. When I met her, I realized what it was.
The other piece of my heart. So this song is because of her.
I hope you love it! But first…I think I should invite her up here since it’s all because of her sweetness, her happiness and her love that I found the words that make me happy again. What do you say?”
The crowd goes wild and I look down to see her azure eyes swimming with tears. “Come on up here, sparkles.” I reach my hand down and grasp her hand, tugging her up on the stage. Her cousins smile at me and I nod my head.
Then I focus on the woman that means more to me than life itself. Her gorgeous eyes eye me with fake ire. “I don’t like surprises, Hunter.”
I pull her into me and my hand finds her jaw, cradling her soft skin like a precious jewel.
“Get used to it. I’m gonna spend my life surprising you in the best way I know how, sparkles.”
She rolls her eyes but her pouty lips smile at me. I sit her down on the stool that I had dragged out. The band hits the first chord and I strum my guitar, my eyes locked on hers.
“You found me when I was lost. You saved a ship that was tossed into a storm that wouldn’t die.”
“You made me smile, but I can’t bear the miles between us. I can’t live without my beating heart. I can’t breathe without my lips forming your name. I can’t do anything but lie here and think about the last time I saw you and the look in your eyes.”
“Together we’re meant to be. You’re my fantasy. My future. My forever girl.”
I finish up the song and the crowd goes wild. Ryan cheering the loudest.
I drop to my knees in front of the stool and lay my guitar in front of her dainty feet.
“I love you, Aspen. So damn much. If you can’t bear to leave your cousins I swear I’ll never go on tour again.
I’ll do anything to be with you. You’re mine.
When my heart beats, it beats with yours.
Every second of the day, I see your smile and I miss your sassy mouth.
I can’t bear to leave you. I know it’s not fair.
I’m so much older than you. But I promise you…
if you come with me, you’ll never regret it. ”
She covers her mouth and shivers, her tears tracing silvery trails down her cheeks. “I love you too, Hunter. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that the other night. I’m sorry I didn’t say all the things I didn’t feel like I could. I talked to Fee. I’m going with you.”
I surge to my booted feet and grab her, twirling her around in the air. “I love you so much, sparkles. I’m gonna make you so happy every damn day.”
She throws her head back and her blue eyes glow with love and happiness. “You already do.”
I drop her to her feet and wrap her up in my arms, my lips finding hers. Her fingers tangle in my hair, tugging gently and I barely hear the screams and pounding feet around us.
Because I’m right where I was always meant to be. Home. With my girl. My heartbeat.
My forever. She smiles up at me and I can’t believe that I’ve found my missing piece and made her mine.
Until a tall, dark man stands next to us and claps his hand on my shoulder. “I think we need to go have a talk.”
Monroe drags at me and pulls me away from Aspen as she laughs and her cousins surround her, hugging her.
And my heart settles in my chest. Even if Monroe beats the hell out of me, I’ve got the best woman in the world by my side.
Monroe grins and slaps my shoulder. “Welcome to the club, man.” Another man with wild curls steps up next to him and grins.
“Welcome to the circus, man.”
And I feel like this is where I belong. With these men, this family, the woman I love and the town that will never not be a part of her life.
I’m good with that.
I glance over and my eyes lock on Aspen’s beautiful gaze. She glows like sunlight on the mountains around us.
I swear I feel her heart settle in mine.
I grin at her and she runs at me, throwing her arms around me. Her lips meet mine.
And I finally feel like I’m living again. Loving again. Only because of her.