live a little. They love you,” she nudged my shoulder, “sometimes I think a little too much.”
I smiled. “Well, it’s freezing out here. We better head back in before they send the search team out for us.”
After we opened presents—and after Mason left with Hailey to visit her family—I curled up on the couch, watching A Christmas Story. Hunter joined me though he made sure not to aggravate my brothers and sat in the recliner.
“You didn’t say whether you liked my gift or not,” he said.
I smiled. “I didn’t open it yet.”
“Good.” He smirked. “I thought you didn’t like it or something.”
“Anything you give me I like. You know that bobble head turtle you bought for me when you went to the Bahamas a few years ago?”
“Yeah.”
“I loved that little thing. I even brought it with me to school.”
Looking around to make sure no one was in earshot, he said, “Do you think Mason realized we aren’t going with them this weekend?”
“No, and hopefully Hailey keeps him distracted enough. I’m staying out of his line of sight as much as possible, so we’ll probably be staying at your house a lot this week if you want to see me.”
“You in my bed is something I can’t wait to see.”
Groaning, I reached up, wrapped my hands around his neck and pulled him into a kiss.
Once everyone was gone I rushed to my room to open my present.
I ran up to my room and as soon as the door closed behind me, I ripped the card open.
The front of the card was blank; the inside, filled with his handwriting.
CC~
Open the gift and then finish reading this.
I quickly tore open the box. Inside was a necklace with a locket. I picked the letter back up and finished reading.
Now that you have the necklace in your hands, I can tell you that this is my heart; no one has ever had a piece of it like you. I know I don’t always tell you how I feel, but with this, I hope you now know. A key goes with it as well. I’ll give it to you later, once you’re ready for it.
Love,
Hunter
I picked up my phone and sent him a text.
Me 10:48 pm: Love the necklace, thank you
Hunter 10:51 pm: Glad you like it
Me 10:53 pm: Can’t wait for this weekend so I can give you yours
Hunter 10:56 pm: I told you not to get me anything. having you alone is enough
Me 10:59 pm: Goodnight Hunter xoxo
Hunter 11:01 pm: xoxo
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Hunter and I spent a lot of time together over the week, mostly at his house. Mason and Cooper were distracted by the upcoming Pocono trip, and they still hadn’t mentioned Hunter and I going with them.
Friday morning I was up early. I couldn’t sleep. I was too excited for my surprise from Hunter. My mom cornered me while waiting for him to arrive.
“So, since your brothers are heading to the Poconos this weekend, what are your plans? I thought you would be going with them.”
“Oh well, Hunter and I decided to give the couples their space.” I said, as if it were the right thing to do.
“I think you’re up to something.” She walked over to the couch, picked up the pillow and then put it down again. “I know you and Hunter have been spending a lot of time together. Are you guys seeing each other?”
I never lied to my mom and I wasn’t going to start now.
“No, we aren’t seeing each other. But we are seeing where things could go. It’s hard to have a relationship with the boys always involving themselves in what I do.”
She patted the couch for me to sit. “Your brothers love you; they feel like they have to protect you from everything and anything. This may be your dad’s and my fault for always telling them they had to look out for you all the time. I wouldn’t change that for anything, baby girl. I know you don’t understand now, but, when you have a girl of your own, you will understand.”
“I understand, but I feel like I can’t even breathe around them. I know they don’t like me and Hunter being together, but I want to see where it goes, even if it breaks my heart in the end.”
“I know you do, baby girl; just try seeing it from their point of view. You’d be dating their best friend, the same person they talk to about all the girls they have been with and