The Distraction

Untitled Part 18

By the time my body is fully functioning and over the risk of getting sick, it'sa little past noon and I'm headed to town to check-in at the Center.My new schedule doesn't give me hard and fast hours or days that requireme to come in at a specific time, which works great. Maggie forced me intonot having a set schedule. She explained that inevitably I'll be there too muchanyway, so why lock me into something.Which, to be fair, is completely true.My tires crunch into the gravel parking lot outside the fields, a cloud ofdry dust flying up and obscuring the other cars. It's been a dry, hot summerso far. As soon as I step out, the sound of giggles, shouts, and summer funhits my ears, warming my heart. It's the reminder I need that this is why I dothis. That sounds of carefree innocence, kids outside, connecting and being,well, kids.Instead of walking to the fields, I head to the building, pulling open theheavy front doors. The handles are hot from the blazing sun, making myhands burn a bit before entering Maggie's office. And there she sits, same asever, feet propped on the wobbly desk."Hey Mags, how's it going?" She looks fresher lately, more well-rested,which dumps a bit of guilt onto my soul. Knowing that I could have helpedher burden earlier by accepting the position one of the million other times sheoffered."Good, my girl. How are you? Heard you got a little toasty last night?"She laughs her magical, throaty laugh. Spotting her Rise and Grind to-go cup,my eyes roll into my head knowing that Sadie's big mouth has been blabbing."Alright, gossip queen, I don't need to hear it from you. I've got a lotgoing on lately," I say, plopping my butt into the extra chair in her messyoffice. Which I guess is also my office now. "Anything fun on the scheduletoday?" While we create a calendar of themed days for camp, sometimes wehave people come in for events or to speak to the kids. My hands grab thecalendar off the wall, tugging it to bring it close and inspect the date."Actually, we do, but it's a last-minute addition, so it's not on there yet,"Mags says, looking over at the calendar in my hands. "They're starting a newsleep-away camp for next summer and offering lower-income pricing andscholarships. The founder wanted to come by and talk to the kids here, getthem on the waitlist first.""A sleep-away camp? Here? How have I not heard of this? Is it new?" Ilook over the calendar at her."Yup, some rich city slicker. Came down, found a spot, and is investingin our little town. Cool, huh?""Very cool. Do I know the company?" I ask, looking over what else isgoing on this week distractedly. The calendar is covered in Maggie's freneticscrawl that is both artsy and a plain mess."Don't think so, they're brand new.""Interesting. So what's this I hear of you meeting Mr. Hutchins at Riseand Grind?" This has been bugging me since Luna's call."Did Sadie rat on me?""No, your niece," I say, laughing at her annoyed face. "You're not whatI'd call discreet, Mags." Pointedly, my eyes travel down her tie-dye maxidress that would make her stand out at any music festival."Ahh, my Moon Goddess Luna. Nosey and secretive. Always was." Isnort because it's the truth. Lover of the night and the knower of all secrets.She makes the perfect bar owner. "Mr. Hutchins?" she asks a thin greyeyebrow-raising."That's his name, Maggie." My nails interest me now, their chippedpolish reminding me to make an appointment for a mani soon. Maybe I'llbring the girls, make a day of it."Hmm. I suppose. Yes, I was there. We had to talk business and hiscontributions." She confirms my thoughts from earlier, that they must havehad some kind of tax papers to sign. Nodding, my feet hit the floor to stand."Okay, well, I'll go out, see if the counselors need anything. Anythingyou need from me today?" My staff shirt is tugged on over my cami before Ispray my face with a quick blast of sunscreen. There's no shade on the fieldother than a few trees."No ma'am, just remind everyone to be at the bleachers for two. That'swhen the owner will talk to the kids.""ONE-TWO-THREE! EYES ON ME!" It's an overused phrase, but itusually gets the message across. This is proved when most of the kidsimmediately quiet down. "Okay campers, we need you all to be on your bestbehavior!" I shout through the microphone.It was one of the few splurges we made this year when we had a budgetexcess fro the first time in years, thanks to the Beaten Path donation. With allthe kids, it can be hard to catch their attention and megaphones get soannoying. Now we can be heard over the kids shouting for announcements orvisitors. "We have a special guest here to talk about an opportunity for thiswinter and next summer."I still haven't seen this guy, and I'm unsure of opening up the forum tothe kids since I can't imagine an entire, brand new camp being ready anytime soon. But Maggie seems on board and I always trust her opinion.After handing the mic off to Mags and settling into my seat in the bottomrow of the hot metal bleachers that have been out here since I was Rosie'sage, she starts. "Today we have an extra special guest. He reached out to merecently to talk about partnering with the Center to offer a morecomprehensive summer and winter program." Partnering? Didn't she say it'ssomeone opening a new camp? Not a partnership. "While the program is newand won't be open until Winter Break, he's being so generous to offer thewaitlist positions to kids here at the Center! Here to tell you more aboutCamp Sunshine is Hunter Hutchins!"The blood in my veins goes cold like someone injected them with ice orthrew me into an icy lake. My lungs refuse to take in new oxygen, leaving mesuffocating and frozen. The skin on my eyes stretches with the size they'veopened in surprise. What little air that's leaving my chest is coming throughparted lips. My chin dropped as Hunter walks from the door onto the fieldsmiling.That smile. At first glance, Hunter's smile is all white teeth andAmericana good looks. An image consultant's dream. He could be apolitician and run on that smile alone. But look at it longer and you seesincerity, vulnerability. Nerves are dancing at the edges of his eyes as helooks through the bleachers. Searching. Searching... searching for what?His deep chocolate brown eyes land on me, his nerves melting away andhis smile melting into a familiar warmth, more genuine. In that smile, there'shope and joy and pride. Pride. It's absolutely beautiful. God, it breaks myheart and heals it all in one moment.He takes the mic from Mags, kissing her on the cheek and making herblush. Maggie! Blushing! What kind of witchcraft does this man have? Asshe sits next to me, it's impossible not to lean over and growl at her. "Whatthe hell, Mags?!" But my eyes never leave Hunter."Oh, hush, give the man a chance." Her voice is dancing with laughterand happiness. And then Hunter starts to talk."I grew up in Springbrook Hills. Was on the football team - go Dogs," afew of the older kids cheer. "I went to the town street fair every year, jumpedfrom the cliffs at the track into the water. Born and raised here, but what Iloved most about this town was the woods." He's scanning the crowd,making eye contact with the teens, smiling at the littles. "When I was a kid, Iloved to go in the woods, gave me a place to collect my thoughts, handle myemotions." Mags puts an arm around my shoulders, hugging me gentlyknowing that's what the woods bring to me as well. Emotion is swellingalongside confusion, feelings creeping from my chest up to my throat in aslow bubble."Just like all of you, I had my fair share of struggle in school. Friendissues, girl issues, parent issues. Going into nature is how I handled that. Mywhole life I've wanted to find a way to teach people, kids like you, to usenature to do the same. To connect with the world and forget about yourproblems."My dad's the one who taught me that. I'm sure over the years a few ofyou have learned from Maggie as well." Out of the corner of my eye, I see afew kids nod. Kids who I know have gone through tough times, experiencedmore than a kid should. Kids I know Maggie helped save. "Years ago, I had avision to create a space for people to connect with the woods, to learn from it.Learning how to be in nature, make friends with others, sit around a campfireand let your problems go.""I hit a speed bump with that program and let it collect dust. Instead, Ibuilt a company you probably know but isn't important for what we'retalking about. I lost my way, forgot what I wanted to do, and tried to push allof my thoughts and dreams, and disappointments aside to build somethinggreat, something that would make those who know me proud."In some ways, I succeeded, but in others, I didn't. Recently I had tocome home to Springbrook Hills to see to my dad and I met some amazingpeople who reminded me of who I am. They reminded me of what I reallywanted to accomplish and offer to kids like you. So I went back to my roots.Literally." His eyes are on mine now, no longer scanning the crowd. Thosewarm depths holding me captive, holding me still."When I came back, I had planned to create a new store with a fewcampsites at Sunshine Falls Park. We had the plans set up, and we wouldhave started building on Monday. But things changed, and I got some senseknocked into me." The breath is stopped again in my lungs as a tiny, goldenkernel of hope takes over the dark sadness that's blanketed me for a week."So instead of a store to sell things, we're building a camp for kids whowant to learn more and connect with the great outdoors. We're creating aspace for kids to go and have the best summer ever. We'll have everythingfrom hiking to fire building to archery and horseback riding lessons. Craftsand s'mores and fishing. All the things that will make the most memorablesummer for the kids in our community. In this community I grew up in." Myheart is melting, the water from the ice flooding my eyes, knowing what thismeans. Knowing that Hunter overcame whatever was haunting him, isfollowing his dream and using his very first failure to create success. Not justfor him, but for the kids.Knowing that he's using my dream to do it. My idea, my wildestdaydream, Hunter is making happen."The best part is that we'll be offering scholarships and subsidized tuitionfor kids who can't afford a camp like this normally. We want to giveeveryone who is interested the chance to attend, to give your parents a bit of abreak, and allow you to connect with nature and your friends." Tears begin tofall. This was my dream. The dream I told him shyly in the safe cover ofnight, embarrassed that my dreams were too big, too unachievable.Embarrassed to tell this successful businessman my little idea. He's givingthese kids what I would have killed for. He's giving these kids the chance tothrive where they might have failed. A small warm, weathered hand grabsonto mine.Mags. My eyes finally break from Hunter. Looking at her, I see the loveand warmth and pride that is always in there, but that invisible layer of worryand sadness I've always seen has lifted."So I'll be here for a bit to talk to any of you who have questions, but I'llalso be leaving some pamphlets for you to take home, take a look at withyour parents and decide if it's something you'd like to do next summer. We'llalso be having a shorter winter session during winter break."But before you head out, make sure you go over to that big truck andgrab a backpack with some fun Camp Sunshine gear in it." My head whipsover to see Autumn, Steve, and the kids standing on the bed of a truck filledwith bright yellow backpacks, waving at the bleachers. Zoo my ass. The tearsflow in earnest now, unstoppable and free."Alright, you hooligans. You all can get up and go. Grab a bag, go play inthe fields, talk to Mr. Hutchins. We'll have a snack at three!" Maggie saysfrom the mic. I didn't even realize she had left my side, I was so lost inHunter.For the next 20 minutes, my ass stays planted in the bleachers trying toprocess everything. Kids are milling around, reading the pamphlets, chattingwith Hunter. He's in his element, joking with the kids, laughing,encouraging. Talking about this new program that I had no idea existed. Howlong has he been working on this? What happened to the new Beaten Pathlocation?As the kids peter out, off to different activities, Hunter walks my waywith purpose, finally, a small, nervous smile playing on his lips."Hey," he says, sitting next to me."Hi." The panic and shock still haven't worn off. The confusion and thehope are so near to the surface."What do you think?""About what?" I ask, because at this point I have pretty much no ideawhat's going on. Hunter barks out a laugh, warming my soul. God, I'vemissed this man."Everything." Turning to me, he pushes a lock of my long dark hair that'sfallen out of my bun behind my ear."I'm so confused." My voice is soft and quiet. He laughs again, this timea small, gentle chuckle."Can you come with me?""Come where?"His rough, calloused hand grabs mine. "Just come with me. I have somuch to tell you. We have so much to talk about.""Do we?" I seem unable to string together enough words to create a fullsentence."Oh, yes, baby. We really do." For the first time since he ended us, ahopeful smile comes to my lips. That spark of hope turns into a warm emberin my belly, heating me through."Go, get on," Maggie says, coming up behind us on the bleachers. "Youtwo get out of here before it gets too nuts with snack time." Without anotherword, Hunter stands and grabs my hand. He leans over to kiss Maggie'scheek and then leads me down the bleacher and through the field where I spothis truck in the gravel lot. Each step reverberates through my body,confirming this is not a dream my hungover mind brewed up. But just toconfirm..."Is this a hungover dream?" I mumble under my breath, rocks crunchingunder my worn sneakers as we walk hand in hand to his Bronco."No, baby, this is very much real." He waves at Autumn in the nowempty truck bed, who smiles big at me. I try not to flip her off for lying tome. Hunter opens the passenger door, helping me into his truck.Hunter hops in, turning the key in the ignition. "Just trust me, okay,Han?" he asks, looking into my eyes before he backs up, taking off down theroad.It takes a few minutes to figure out where we're headed, but when itclicks, I remember this is the way to Sunshine Falls, where we went on ourfirst date. Where he's... opening a camp. A camp that is everything I've everdreamed of in my wildest imagination. We all have our own crazy, 'If I winthe lottery' dreams, and this has always been mine."Hunter, what is going on?" My voice shakes as the words tumble out. Inall honesty, the stress and fear and hope flooding me are too much,overwhelming my system. If I let the hope take over, let it consume me, letthat small ember burn through me and this all crashes down, it will takeeverything I am with it."Please, trust me, baby. I know I don't deserve it, but give me a fewminutes. That's all I'm asking." He's grabbed my hand again as he looksaway from the road quickly in an attempt to reassure me. His tan hand looksso huge, holding my tiny one on the worn fabric of the bench seat. Breathingin deeply, my eyes divert to the window again, watching suburbs turn intoforest and woods.As we approach, the simple, empty road that was here last time hastransformed into a home for construction vehicles. Men in hard hats wanderaround. Hunter reaches to the floor and grabs a pass that he pops on hisdashboard. The workers wave him through easily.The Bronco navigates through bumps and turns until we reach the samelot we were in a few weeks ago. It looks different now, though - a tent hastables with workers hanging out, looking at papers. Trucks are parked allover. Some work trucks, some construction vehicles. A few trailers areparked seemingly strategically throughout. Hunter parks before walkingaround the truck. He opens my door, leans in, and unbuckles me beforetaking my hand to help me out.There's purpose in his steps as he leads me through the parking lot,waving at a few of the men, tipping his chin at others. He never stops, neversays a word. We walk in silence through the woods, the same path we tooklast time, and I know where we're headed.The hike isn't calming or peaceful this time. Emotions are churning,making me a nervous wreck. Sweat is building on my palms, made evenmore embarrassing since Hunter's hand is still securely tucked in mine.Occasionally my eyes slide to watch him, but his gaze remains fixed straightahead and determined. Unlike me, though, he looks at peace. If I didn't feelso confused, I'd be shocked to see the foreign look on his handsome face.Eventually, we step into the clearing.On the small area of grass void of water or trees is a picnic blanket, asmall basket beside it. Finally, his hand is out of mine as he walks over thebasket sitting on the blue and white blanket. He's reaching in and pullingthings out - glasses, wrapped sandwiches, salads, cookies. Wiping my sweatyhands on the back of my jeans, I stay standing, nearly lightheaded at thevision in front of me."Come sit, baby." Complying, I sit gently on the blanket, on the furthestcorner from him."Hunter, what is going on?" I ask, losing grip on my patience and anysense of bravery or sanity."I fucked up." His eyes are pointed directly at mine, solemn and full ofregret."Hunter, I-""Give me this, okay? Let me tell you everything. Once I'm done, if youwant to, I'll walk you back to the Bronco and drop you off at Autumn's." Ihesitate but nod my agreement."Ten years ago, I trusted a woman and made the biggest mistake of mycareer. For years, I used that mistake as a reason to distance myself fromeveryone. From my father and sister, from my nieces. From friends. Fromwomen. I used it as a justification for not creating relationships, for focusingon nothing but my business."For years, I set out with the intention of building Beaten Path to thepoint where I could afford to transform the Sunshine Falls location intosomething profitable. Something I could bring back to my dad and show himthat his faith in me was worth it."I came home to be with my dad, of course, but more, it was to overseethe project here in Springbrook Hills. We were finally working on building astore here, as you know. It wasn't my original vision. Not even close. Itwasn't going to benefit the community or help people. But it was going to beprofitable, and it was going to grow our bottom line. And then, the day Iarrived back in town, I walk into my sister's house to see a gorgeous womanwith kind eyes and a killer fucking body singing Bohemian Rhapsody withmy family. Everything changed, Hannah. I didn't know it then, but from thatmoment on, my life has been forever changed." My breath hitches, catchingin my chest as that ember burns, catching fire to the broken shards he left inme a week ago. All of it becoming tinder for something bigger, somethingmore. Something beautiful."Since that day, I've been distracted. Distracted from deadlines and work,but also distracted from what I thought was my end goal. Distracted fromfeeling like I have something to prove. Distracted by the loneliness and themisery I've created for myself. I think it was here, that first time I broughtyou here, that I fell in love with you." Hunter reaches over and grabs myhand again, and this time, I don't care if they're sweaty. Tears are filling myeyes again and that fire is shining through me now."You're so beautiful Hannah. Not just your body and your eyes and yourgorgeous hair. But inside. You've been let down so many times by peoplewho were supposed to love and support you and you haven't let that changeyou, you haven't let that tear you apart. You trust everyone, work to givethem your whole soul, not just the pieces that you can give while keepingyourself safe."After I fucked everything up, I realized that's what I was doing. I wasgiving everyone just enough of myself to keep my walls up, protect my heart,keep myself safe. Never have I been able to or even wanted to give someonea chance. But then you came in and showed me that if I did, if I was bravelike you and opened up, I could have it all." He pauses and I watch hisAdam's apple bob with a swallow."When Dad was rushed to the hospital, it was the first eye-opener ofmany over the last few weeks. I had this vision of seeing him after thisproject was underway, but things kept happening, delaying the start. I think itwas a sign, some higher-up power telling me it was all wrong. But at the timeall I knew was the project was having issues, and it was like deja vu. Anotherwoman coming in and distracting me from the plan."It was when I talked to Dad that it all clicked. He helped me see what afucking idiot I was being. How far I'd been pulled from my original vision. Iwanted to help people, you know? Years ago, I wanted to help kids who werelike me, overwhelmed and feeling lost. And somehow it turned into thismonster out of my control."The day I talked to Dad I called everyone, canceled everything. The startdate was moved back while I worked with Tanner and he helped me dreamup a new plan. We needed emergency meetings with the town to get itapproved, but they saw my vision and what it would bring to the community.We were able to break ground today with the modifications."Maggie helped me plan everything, what would be needed. I signed onas a primary owner of the Center. While Camp Sunshine is technically aseparate entity, it will run concurrently with the Center's summer program.Offering subsidized summer childcare and summer camp experience to thekids. We're bringing on licensed guidance counselors, teachers, andtherapists as the counselors to help the kids who really need the help, needthis experience to save them." Tears are flowing as I remember telling himmy vision. My vision that he is bringing to life."How did you manage that in two weeks? Hasn't this been in the worksfor months?" I ask, trying to play out the timeline in my mind."Turns out, when things are meant to be and work, it goes smooth. I'vebarely slept for two weeks trying to fix this, but the town rushed theapprovals when I told them about the community benefits. Had Maggievouch for me. Everything else fell into place.""Hunter, I-" I try to talk, to tell him what this means to me, what hemeans to me, but he doesn't let me."A few more things, okay?" I nod, agreeing because as much as I want totalk, I'm eager to listen. "I know you accepted the position officially, but Idon't think you read your contract all the way through. In there is a bit aboutworking at an off-site summer camp." He's right. I didn't read it at all,trusting Maggie implicitly. Like she probably knew I would. That sneakywoman. A smile peaks through my teary face, knowing this was his plan allalong. That this wasn't some kind of impulsive decision."I need you. I need you to help build this vision, to create a program thatwill help these kids, help them heal, and grow. I need you to be my righthand, my moral compass. Your heart is so huge, and this was your vision,Hannah. I need you to help me make it happen."But even more, I need you to make me whole. God, I fucked up sobadly, Hannah. I should have listened to you about Dad. Should have listenedto you about us. I knew all along I was falling, and it scared the shit out ofme. When I wasn't letting my mind get in the way, I could see it, see a lifetogether. See you mothering our kids, see you growing old with me. See youbaking me oatmeal raisin cookies and driving me insane every day. I see youcollapsing on the couch with me after we get our kids to bed, and then youwaking up next to me, cranky and sleepy. See you growing old with me,keeping me in line. Hannah, I fell in love with you in this spot. I fell for youhard without ever even realizing it. I fell for you and took you down with me,and then I let you fall, forgetting I was supposed to catch you and keep yousafe."I'm sobbing now, the hope burning through my skin. It's no longer plainhope but joy and passion and excitement for this beautiful future he'spainting for us."Hannah Marie Keller, I love you. I love you more than I ever thoughtpossible. You've opened my eyes to things I didn't want to admit weremissing from my life. You fit in my family like a puzzle piece. You make meso damn happy, and you're kind and generous and sweet and sassy. You're abeast in the morning and you make me so fucking hard I can't think of muchelse when you're nearby." He smiles at me with a wink, and I let out a giggle."You're beautiful, which I know you know, but I promise to tell you untilI die. You're a great friend and an amazing nanny. You give to everyone youmeet. I'm not asking you to give me forever - I know I have a lot to prove, Ihave so much to make up for. I know you don't want forever until you cantrust it and I'm here to tell you I'll work for that trust every single day until Ihave it. All I'm asking is for the chance to prove that to you."Since we broke up, I've felt a painful, gaping hole inside of me that Ifeared would never mend. A missing piece that should not have been thereafter only a few weeks. But now I realize it was a hole that had been there myentire life. A hole in my soul caused by my parents neglecting me, by alifetime of men not living up to my expectations. Hunter had filled that, ifonly for a short while. And when he left, knowing what I felt like wholebroke me.Could I give him the chance to break me again? The chance to give me ataste of feeling whole and complete, only for him to decide I was a distractionand not worth it?"What about New York?" I ask, knowing he isn't planning to be hereforever. He has a life out of Springbrook Hills and if I agree, that's justanother hurdle we'll have to jump."Condo's for sale." The words come quickly, with no hesitation."What?""Selling it. Moving home.""You're going to stay at Autumn's?" I ask, kind of confused because Iknow that Steve and Autumn love having him there, but not indefinitely."Bought my dad's house from him. Well, I'm in the process, it's probablygoing to take another month to finalize. Then we're renovating the Motherin-Law cottage out back so he can be close once he's in full remission. I thinkI know someone who can help me with that." He smiles at me and I can'thelp but smile back."But... your work. It's in the city, right? Your office?""I'm fixing my priorities. The office isn't too far for a day or two if theyneed me. Gina will still be there and most of my work is online meetings,anyway. I'll have an office at the new house. But I need to be here. For Dad,for the new camp. But mostly, baby, for you."My shoulders droop in relief, like all the pressure that's been on them haslifted. Smiling at him through a new flood of tears, I ask, "So you're stayinghere?""I'm staying here, baby.""To... be with me?" I ask hesitantly."To be with you, Hannah." He's closer to me now, and I'm unsure howthat happened. But his hand is curling around my neck into my hair and hisforehead is pressing to mine. Hunter's eyes, those warm, brown eyes thatmake me feel safe, are looking right into mine, telling me... telling meeverything. That he's being honest. That he's missed me. That he wants to trythis out. That he's sorry. That..."And you love me?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper of breath over thewater falling behind us."And I love you, Hannah," he whispers back, his lips gently brushingmine as he does. Breath fanning past my lips, tempting me."I love you, Hunter," I whisper, moving my head the tiny millimeterneeded to lock our lips. To seal the deal. To give this man my heart and hopehe takes care of it. The kiss is unlike any we've shared - it's soft and sweetwith no urgency as if confessing everything has taken the restraints from us.But then my lips open gently, letting his tongue inside. And somethingsnaps in me. I've missed this man, missed his lips and his body and what bothcan do to me. My hands creep behind his neck, tangling in his overlong hairand pulling him closer to me as a small moan escapes my mouth. Our tonguesdance and teeth clash, frantic to get closer, like the time apart has put abarrier between us only skin on skin can crumble.His hands trail down my sides as he guides me to the ground, so he'spropped above me and I'm laying on the soft blanket. As we kiss, breathmingling and hands exploring, my heart is floating with happiness and relief.Joy is shining through me, so bright I'm sure Hunter can see it on my skin.My hands trail down, then back up under his shirt, exploring the skin ofhis back, pulling him close to me. Without even trying, he's positionedhimself so his growing length is right against my clit, causing me to mewland push my hips up, needing more friction."Fuck I've missed you," he mutters against my neck, licking and suckingin a way that has me sure I'll need coverup tomorrow."God, me too," I agree, moaning loudly as his hand creeps up my shirtand bra, grazing a nipple."Shhh, we're not alone this time," he says, a chuckle in his voice."Should I get you off in the woods again? Make you come with all the menworking not far from here?" His mouth is next to my ear, his fingers nowpinching my tight bud. The hussy in me is screaming YES! because it feelslike it's been forever since his hands have been on my skin. But the realistichuman in me knows we live in a tiny town and I can't handle that kind ofembarrassment."Hunter, we-" Another moan pulls from my lips as he moves his hand tomy other nipple, tugging gently. This morning's decision to go with a thinbralette was a sound one."Shh, don't worry baby, I'll take care of you." He's kissing me again,making me forget my protests and we kiss and writhe on the blanket,desperate to be closer, to make our reconciliation real and final. A bolt ofpleasure jumps right to my pussy with his voice, dripping in sex and want."Okay," I say, accepting his offer because really, what else can I say as hegrinds himself into me just the right way, so I'm panting and desperate."CRRRK!" A sound screeches from not too far away and we stop,freezing with him on top of me, his hand up my shirt."What was that?" I whisper, terrified that we're going to be murdered inthe woods, right after I finally get the love of my life. It's like a bad horrormovie."CRRRK, Over," a voice and a static sound say, making me realize it'ssomeone with a walkie-talkie not far off from us. Hunter sits up, pulling hishand from my shirt and I do the same, straightening the material."Who is that?" I whisper, humiliated and embarrassed."Probably one of the men," Hunter says, smiling. He thinks this is funny!"This is not funny!" I whisper yell at him, smacking his shoulder. Hepulls me closer, hugging me against him."Oh, it's funny, trust me." I want to argue. I really do. But I'm inHunter's arms after thinking we were done for good, so instead my bodymelts into his."What is it about this place?" I ask, settling in his lap with my armsaround his neck. Looking around, I see the same tall trees as last time, thesame beautiful waterfall, but it feels different no, changed somehow. Lighter,freer.Or maybe that's just us."I think it's just you. I feel the same no matter where we are." He pinchesmy ass, making me squeal, followed by an embarrassingly girly giggle as Islap his chest."You're such a guy.""Would you rather I be a girl?""No, but you don't have to think about sex all the time," I say."Uh, baby, yes, I do. Have you seen you?" he asks, grabbing a handful ofmy ass and making me laugh. My smile turns solemn when I think of howgood this feels. Goofing with him, being with him. "What's wrong?" Hishand pushes my hair from my face, another insignificant gesture I've missed."Just missed this. Missed you," I mutter into his shirt, pushing the tearsback. His sigh can be felt through his chest as he tugs out my hair tie,combing through my hair with his fingers. God, that feels so nice."I fucked up," he says. My face snuggles deeper into his chest. We sit insilence for a bit, and I'm thankful the worker seems to have walked away."Okay, so we've got two options. Spend the afternoon here, eat this lunch Ipacked, or bring it back to my place and eat it there after I fuck you until youcan't move." My core clenches in tandem with my arms around him, makinghim chuckle."Your place?" I ask, looking up at him, unsure where that is."My dad's house. I bought it, remember? It's not ready, still has all theold furniture and decorations, but fuck if I wouldn't want to fuck you in mychildhood bed." He growls this last part, nipping my lip. Okay, why does thatsound so hot?"Your place," I say quickly, which makes him laugh.