me back toward the island that was in the kitchen. He opened the fridge, and I for one, as much as I love food, never thought of a fridge as sexy except with him standing beside, grasping onto the handle of the door. Big, strong, hands. Capable hands. I was sure of it. The things they could do. I was drooling. Oh, jeez. I turned away and jumped when he set something heavily in front of me.
The cutting board was slate. The knife was sleek – sharpened to the keenest edge. Next he retrieved a green pepper, an orange pepper, a couple tomatoes, green olives, and lettuce. He pulled out hamburger next and turned to the stove. I guess I was cutting. I was okay with that.
“What are we having?” I asked peeking up at him through my lashes. His back was turned toward me.
“Tacos,” he answered quietly, a blush stealing across the back of his neck.
My lips quirked upwards. I was curious as to why he had chosen that. Did he know that it was my favorite food?
The next twenty minutes we worked in silence. It wasn’t uncomfortable. It was a relaxed silence. It was that sort of silence you have only with certain people. One that you appreciate because you can learn more about each other through silence than in conversation.
I started to work on the tomatoes. I loved tomatoes, I would eat them raw as a child. And I had a thing about sucking up the seeds.
I bit into a tomato slice. I was enjoying the taste when the juice slipped from the corner of my mouth. I went to wipe it away but Hunter was there. He brushed his thumb underneath my lip. Suddenly, it was there. Bravery. I wasn’t sure where it came from when it overtook me. But I leaned forward and sucked the seeds off his thumb. I didn’t dare look up at him too nervous of what he must look like. Instead, I returned to my work.
I snuck a look at him when he was standing at the stove again. His shoulders were tight. Had I messed this up? Maybe yes?
We finished and made our tacos and ate in silence.
****
The next few days followed the same pattern. I would wake up, I shower, change clothes, and hang out in my room. Since the gathering I hadn’t spent much time with anyone. I was still feeling a little nervous about wandering around. Everyone in the pack who knew I was Hunter’s mate, but that didn’t mean it would help. I called Keith every day since I had arrived, but I had yet to talk to Griffin. I heard him in the background sometimes when I talked to Keith. I always asked Keith not to give him the phone, though. Hunter deserved a chance. I had to keep my word. I wouldn’t talk to Griffin. But feeling so alone, I knew that if I talked to Griffin, I would be tempted to go home.
I went over to my suitcase. I still hadn’t fully unpacked. It was stupid. I knew I would be staying here for at least six months, but I was hesitant. Maybe unpacking would sooth me. Maybe it would calm me.
I opened the second bag. I had left it completely untouched until now. I looked down and couldn’t help the laugh that escaped.
I started blankly at it. No way. I couldn’t help but chuckling, and soon a grin replaced the dark thoughts of moments ago. I pulled out the board game, almost starting to laugh again. I remembered the first time that Griffin and I found the game, and the first time we played it with Liam and Nick. I knew without a doubt that I wanted to play it again.
I devised a plan.
****
I needed to find the twins. I hadn’t ventured much farther than my room and the kitchen of Damian’s house. I would have to, eventually. No time like the present, after all.
I couldn’t stay hidden in this house, or even the room that was given to me. If Hunter wanted to get to know me, and I if I was honestly giving him a shot, then we had to do stuff together. Spend time together. I was determined to try, even if he seemed reluctant to do so. Maybe it dealt with what Molly had said about him not waiting a mate?
I was about to head outside when a voice stopped me.