Chapter 10

I didn’t expect Hunter to show up early the next day, but there he was. The sound of his car pulling into the driveway startled me, and I peeked out the window to confirm it was really him. Ash had been right—he does seem to care about me in a way that feels… different. Special. And yet, I wasn’t ready to examine what that meant or why it made my stomach flutter.

Dragging the small box of clothes Ash had graciously loaned me, I descended the stairs slowly, the old wooden steps creaking beneath my weight. The box wasn’t heavy, but the reality of leaving Ash’s house felt burdensome. When I reached the bottom, Hunter was already there, waiting. His tall frame filled the space, his hands shoved casually into the pockets of his jeans. He stepped forward and took the box from my hands without a word.

“Is this all you’ve got?” he asked, his tone curious but not judgmental.

“Yep. Don’t got much,” I replied with a sigh, my voice carrying a note of resignation.

Hunter nodded thoughtfully. “Then we’ll have to go shopping.”

Before I could protest, he turned and walked toward the door, his strides long and purposeful. It was as though he didn’t need my agreement. The idea of him taking me shopping felt ridiculous. Who just decides to do that for someone they barely know?

“This is all an act,” I muttered to myself. “Not some romance prodigy.”

I carried my purse into the kitchen, where Ash was perched on a barstool, sipping coffee. Actual coffee. I froze, blinking at her. “Black coffee? Seriously? What’s going on with you?”

Ash raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’ve never seen you drink anything that isn’t wine, vodka, or some mix of the two.”

She smirked, swirling the coffee in her mug. “Even I need a caffeine fix every now and then.”

I set my purse on the counter and poured myself a cup, stealing another glance at her. “So… you’re really okay with this?” I asked, motioning toward the window where Hunter was loading my meager belongings into the trunk of his car.

“With what?”

“With me leaving. With him.” I took a cautious sip of coffee, the bitterness surprising me. Ash’s expression softened slightly, but she didn’t lose her playful edge.

“Oh, you mean eloping?” she teased, leaning her elbows on the counter.

“Call it that again, and I’ll shove this cup down your throat.”

Ash gagged dramatically, laughing. “Relax. I’m just messing with you. Honestly, though, have you seen the car he came with?”

I turned my head toward the window, spotting the sleek black Camaro parked outside. It looked out of place in the neighborhood, a gleaming piece of modern luxury amidst modest homes. “I’m starting to think I don’t know anything about him,” I admitted.

Ash chuckled. “I didn’t even know he owned a car, let alone something that flashy. Did you know he’s loaded?”

“Loaded? He doesn’t even look the type.” I shook my head, my curiosity growing with every passing minute.

We both stood by the window, watching as Hunter closed the trunk and leaned against the car for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. His jawline caught the sunlight just right, and I found myself staring a little too long.

“He offered to take me shopping,” I said, breaking the silence.

Ash’s laugh was instant and loud. “No kidding? He’s totally whipped.”

I rolled my eyes. “He’s not. He’s just… a nice guy. Likes helping people. That’s all.”

Ash’s smirk widened. “A guy doesn’t buy a million-dollar mansion, stock it with groceries, and offer shopping trips out of the goodness of his heart. Face it—he’s into you.”

“Stop,” I muttered, giving her a light shove.

Hunter’s footsteps on the porch caught my attention, and I quickly drained my coffee, dumping the rest in the sink. The front door creaked open, and he stepped inside, brushing his hands together. “All set,” he announced, his voice bright.

I turned to Ash and pulled her into a tight hug. “We’ll FaceTime every day,” I promised, trying to mask the lump in my throat.

“Don’t forget to visit,” she added, her voice unusually soft.

“I won’t. Take care of yourself, okay? And ease up on the drinking. You’ve got me worried.”

Ash smiled faintly, her hand drifting to her stomach. “You don’t have to worry about that anymore,” she murmured, almost too quietly. I frowned, wondering what she meant, but Hunter’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Ready?” he asked, holding the door open.

I nodded, grabbing my purse and following him out. As he opened the passenger door for me, I caught one last glimpse of Ash standing in the doorway. She waved, her smile warm but tired. Something about the way her hand lingered on her stomach stuck with me, but before I could dwell on it, Hunter slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine.

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The drive to the mansion was quiet, save for the low hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of trees in the wind. When we arrived, I was stunned. The mansion loomed ahead, its grand facade straight out of a fairytale. The intricate stonework and towering windows were breathtaking, the kind of detail you only see in storybooks or dreams.

Hunter parked and came around to open my door. “Welcome home,” he said, his tone soft but filled with pride.

I stepped out, my eyes drinking in the sight of the sprawling estate. It was more than I could have imagined. The garden alone looked like it belonged in a royal palace, with perfectly trimmed hedges and flowers in full bloom.

“How can you afford all this?” I asked, unable to keep the question to myself any longer.

He grinned, his smile mysterious. “Let’s just say I have advantages.”

“Advantages, huh?” I followed him up the stone pathway, glancing toward the neighboring mansion. The Rivera estate loomed in the distance, its garden a bittersweet reminder of my past. The roses I had planted years ago still thrived, their vibrant colors visible even from here.

Hunter pushed open the front door, revealing an interior that was just as stunning as the exterior. The floors gleamed, the furniture looked untouched, and the air smelled faintly of lavender.

“I had someone come in to clean,” he explained, leading me up the spiral staircase.

He opened a door, revealing a bedroom that took my breath away. The bed was massive, draped in crisp white linens, and a balcony overlooked the gardens below. “This is your room,” he said, placing my box in the wardrobe.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered, running my fingers over the bedspread. “Thank you.”

He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed. “The balcony has a great view of the Rivera garden. Thought you’d like it.”

I smiled, throwing my arms around him impulsively. “I love it. Thank you.”

Hunter chuckled, pulling back gently. “Glad you’re happy. My room’s right across the hall if you need anything.”

As he left, I stepped out onto the balcony. The view was spectacular—the roses, the hills, and the distant shimmer of water under the setting sun. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a sliver of peace.

“Hungry?” Hunter called from the doorway.

My stomach growled loudly, and we both laughed. “I’ll change and meet you downstairs,” I replied, heading toward the bathroom.

The space was luxurious, with a freestanding tub and a rainfall shower that begged to be used. As the hot water cascaded over me, I let myself relax, wondering what the next chapter of my life would hold.