Tethered (A BirthRight Novel) (12 page)

As I tell Vinny a story about meeting Al Pacino in a coffee shop, someone touches my arm and whispers, “Now it’s time for
me
to be jealous.”

I jump, startled to hear that familiar, silky voice. “Hunter? What are you doing here?”

Wow! Could he look any more amazing in his black button-up, un-tucked and casual, rolled-up sleeves, khaki shorts and flip-flops? He could have just walked off the cover of an Abercrombie catalog. If I fanned myself, would I look like a complete ass-hat?

“I warned you I was planning to stalk you tonight, didn’t I?” He winks.

Holy shit! He’s kidding, right? “Um...Well, yeah. I guess you did. But I figured you were joking though.”

He shakes his head. “Nope. My
only
plan was to see you.”

Seriously? “So let me get this straight. You
followed
me here? How on earth did you pull that one off?” I shake my head about twenty times. “I thought it was just playful banter.”

His eyebrows crinkle, uncertainty written across his face. “You seem upset. Maybe I should leave.”

Dhelia walks up beside us. “Surprise!”

Huh? “You mean…
Hunter’s
the surprise you were talking about?”

“He sure is! When we saw him at the hospital, Dru had just gotten the details about the party, so I told Hunter he should come if he didn’t have any other plans. He didn’t. So here he is.” Dhelia holds up her hands towards him, like one of those QVC models does when they’re introducing you to a new state-of-the-art vacuum.

I glance at Hunter’s less than enthusiastic face. “Looks like I’ve insulted you, yet again. I just can’t seem to help myself.”

“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.” His hands go straight to their safe haven.

“No, I’m definitely worried about it. I jumped to conclusions and assumed the worst. I’m sorry, Hunter.”

“It’s okay, Chloe. Honest. I can’t say I blame you. I
did
say I was going to ‘stalk’ you after all.” We both laugh at his making light of the situation,
and
at our ridiculous joke I sort of took literally for a moment.

“So then you aren’t mad?” I hesitate, looking up at the humorous expression on his gorgeous face. I don’t think I’ve ever been so relieved to see someone smirk.

“Of course I’m not mad. But it sure is easy to rattle you. Though, I
do
rather enjoy it.” He winks, nudging my arm.

Thank god! “Oh, good. I don’t know if I have any more apologies left in me after today.” I turn to Dhelia, smile, then look back at Hunter.

“Seems like I must have missed something?” He glances back and forth between my sister and me for acknowledgement.

“You can say
that
again! But it doesn’t need rehashed. We’re past it, right, Sis?” Dhelia’s bottom lip sags, waiting for my response.

“Absolutely. It’s behind us,” I say, and truly mean it.

Dhelia smiles, reaching out to grab Hunter’s arm. “Since my sister is now in
very
capable hands, I’ll be getting back to the boyfriend I haven’t seen in over a week.” She gives us a mischievous grin before walking away. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Once she’s out of earshot, I ask Hunter, “So
she
invited you? It wasn’t Dru?”

“Actually, Dru gave her the death-stare when she extended the invitation. I don’t think I’m on his list of favorite people.” We both look Dru’s way, but he’s in his own little world kissing Peyton. Again.

“Nah, he’s just over-protective of his sisters. I’m sure you understand.” What guy
wouldn’t
?

“As a matter a fact, I can. I’d kill anyone who hurt my little sister.” His face twists at the thought of it.

Protective brother? Yeah, he just scored a few more points there.

“So, you
do
get it then. Just be patient. I’m sure he’ll loosen up once he gets to know you. Dru’s the most amazing guy I know. You’ll like him, once he stops being a complete douche.”

Hunter laughs. “Yeah, I’m sure you’re right.”

I watch my brother and sister carry on. They’ve always had so much fun together. Funny how it makes me happy—and sad—at the same time.

“Would you like to go join them? After all, you did come here with your family. Not me.”

Does he
always
say the right thing? “True. But your company isn’t so terrible.”

“Is that so?” He tilts his head to the side, eyeing me as if he doubts my words.

“Come on.” I smile. "Let’s see what sort of fun we’re missing out on.”

We join the happy foursome halfway through a joke Dru’s telling, but I’m not paying attention to what he’s saying. Instead, I can’t take my eyes off my brother and sister. They both look so incandescently happy. Vibrant smiles and glowing faces. Watching them together, more than ever, I feel good about my decision to move back home.

This is where I need to be. Finally. In fact, I can’t believe I was able to stay away from them for so long. I love these two more than words can say.

Even though Dhelia has issues with her attitude, deep down she has a huge heart. She’d do
anything
for someone she loves. She’s a fighter. Something I’ve never been.

Living a secret life has always been hard for the three of us. Building friendships were next to impossible. Always fighting the urge to open up to someone about my family—my gifts—and about what it’s like to be part of something ‘magical’. Why have I never understood before now? Magic isn’t just about the power we possess—it’s also what makes us so special.

I don’t know what the future holds for our family once Ash and Aidan get here—when the truth comes out. In fact, I don’t know what the future holds for
any
of us. Down to my core, I have a horrible feeling about it. I wish more than anything we could carry with us this feeling of contentment we share right now. It could give me the strength to face anything.

If only I could help Gram create a spell to erase the terrible things from the past—fix the pain we have in the present—and prevent any tragedies from befalling us in the future. Could such a spell even exist?

I know my thoughts are from some fantasyland, but at the end of the day, I’m still a nineteen-year-old girl with hope. Somehow, I still dream, even if I know it will never come to fruition. I guess you could say I’m a realist, who often has unrealistic expectations.

I know. I’m a walking contradiction.

We’ve been at the picnic table for a little while now, but I’m not sure how long I’ve been sitting here in silence—just thinking about my family’s secrets. Had it not been for Hunter’s leg brushing up against me, it’s hard to say how long I would have sat here without uttering a word.

“Is everything okay, Chloe? I hope my being here hasn’t ruined your evening?” His sulking, milk chocolate eyes paint the picture of disappointment.

I look down, then back to his superlative face and the despondent look now resting there. “I’m okay. It’s just been a long week, and an even longer day. I guess I’m just reflecting. But if you behave yourself, maybe I’ll share it with you one day.”

A smile peaks its head around the corners of his mouth. “Promise?”

I contemplate my answer, but only for a second. “Yes, I promise. But
only
if you behave yourself.” He might have taken me off guard when he showed up, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t tickle me to have him here.

I’m not stupid. Well, not completely anyway. What warm-blooded girl on earth wouldn’t
want
someone so gorgeous to come to a party, just to see her?

Hunter nudges my thigh with his knee again, staring into my eyes with such intensity, I’m almost certain he can read my thoughts. The simplest of touch from Hunter seems to elicit the same reaction. But the way he’s holding my gaze right now makes me feel powerless—as if he’s in control of my every move—and I’m too weak to break it.

Feeling over-powered doesn’t frighten me the way you’d think it would. Instead, I feel nothing but alive. Flames swallow my entire body—while my heart pounds with a cadence so loud, I’m sure the entire table can hear it.

I want to look away, but my will is no longer my own. I’m merely a puppet. But before I know what’s happening, he releases me, turning towards our group who are getting up from their seats.

“Come on, you two. We’re going for a walk on the beach.” Dru’s authoritative tone doesn’t sound like it’s an option, so I can only assume he has no plan of leaving us alone anytime soon.

Probably a good thing.

Hunter stands, holding out his hand for me to follow.

Now less than six inches from his towering body, the scent of his skin in the damp, night air overwhelms me. Fresh, clean cologne mixed with his natural scent—which is both earthy and sweet at the same time. I inhale, savoring the heady bouquet.

I look up to see if he’s watching me. And of course, he is.

“Is something wrong, Miss Chloe?” He snickers.

“No. Not at all. Come on, let’s go.” I need to distract myself from his delicious aroma before I do—or say—something ridiculously stupid.

We turn towards the rest of our group, but need to pick up the pace a bit to catch up. As we make it to the water, Dru and Peyton decide they’d like to walk in the same direction I’d gone earlier. Thank goodness Hunter has no clue I was already there throwing a pity-party for one!

As we begin strolling up the beach, the formation falls inline. Dru and Peyton at the front, Hunter and me in the middle, and Dhelia and Caleb in the back. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think they were babysitting me like bookends. How sweet. Ha. Thanks, guys.

The sound of the waves would normally relax me, but instead I feel somewhat awkward with Hunter by my side. We’re less than a foot apart, but every few steps one of us stumbles in the sand, bumping into the other like clumsy children.

My brother and Peyton walk hand-in-hand in front of us like the perfect little couple. I turn around to see Dhelia in exactly the same picture with Caleb. I’m not about to hold Hunter’s hand or anything, but I feel so out of place walking like this.

Dhelia giggles from behind us, but I can’t make out what Caleb’s saying to her. “Chloe,” is a hint of a whisper from my sister, but I manage to hear it and turn my head.

Her eyes flash the brightest shade of electric blue—like someone flipped a switch and turned on a neon sign. The sight no sooner takes me by surprise then she shouts, “Look out!” Followed by more giggling.

Before I know what’s happening, I’m tripping over a giant piece of driftwood that was
not
there a second ago. I lose my balance and plummet forward, but Hunter’s cat-like reflexes catch me before I land flat of my face.

“Whoa, watch yourself,” he says.

“I’m such a klutz. Sorry.”

The instant I realize he’s still holding me in his arms, the giggling Dhelia and Caleb walk around us without stopping. Why does she think it’s so funny? If he hadn’t caught me, I could have hurt myself—or had my dress over my head and been humiliated for the rest of my life. I guess she’s still up to the same childish, magical tricks. Nice!

I shake my head at my sister before looking in Hunter’s direction. “Thanks for saving me from possible injury…or irreversible embarrassment.”

His face lights up. “No need to thank me, little lady. Saving damsels is all in a day’s work.” His eyes sparkle in the moonlight, as if encrusted with specs of glitter.

My god I want to kiss you so badly. Ugh. “True. But this
is
your day off. So thank you.”

“Good point,” he says. “In that case, you’re quite welcome. I’m glad I could be of service. Please, let me know if you ever need my assistance again. I’ll gladly catch you
anytime
you might happen to fall.”

He tugs me closer, the heat from his arms making me impervious to the growing chill in the air.

“I’m okay now.” My voice cracks a little. “You can let me go.”

“But what if you fall again? You were all over the place you know, so it was only a matter of time.”

“Oh really? Well, I’m sure I can manage just fine. But thank you so much for the unselfish generosity.”

He maintains his hold. “How about a compromise instead?”

Oh, this should be good. “Dare I ask?”

His cheek grazes mine, the feel of his clean shave makes me tingle. But then he stands, his arms falling from around me as he moves to stand at my side.

What on earth is he up to?

Hunter lifts his right arm in the air, elbow out, then gestures for me to join him.

Okay, now
that’s
cute. And totally doable.

I meet his eyes and can’t help but smile. “That’s fair. Compromise accepted.”

I happily hook my left arm through his as we start walking again.  And oddly enough, I no longer feel awkward. Perhaps Dhelia’s strategically placed driftwood was a blessing in disguise after all.

Man, why couldn’t I have been born with the gift of freezing time? I think I’d do just about anything to stay in this moment forever.

Does it get any better than this?

I’d be lying if I said I’m not attracted to Hunter. Obviously. And I’d be lying even more if I said I don’t enjoy his company. But would I be lying to myself if I thought there might be a chance for something to happen between us? I mean, come on. He’s the freakin’ urban-Adonis. Not to mention the obvious: he’s too old for me—and my plate is way too full right now to be distracted from my family.

Or maybe I should look at this another way. Perhaps the more time I spend with him, the affect he has on me will wear off. With his friend in the same hospital as Pap, our paths are bound to cross for the time being. It’s unavoidable. I just need to accept this for what it is and enjoy the time I spend with him. Beyond that just isn’t an option. Don’t be an idiot, Chloe.

Besides, I could be torturing myself unnecessarily anyway. Just because this is what
I’m
thinking, doesn’t mean he is. Sure, he’s attracted to me. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see that. But he also made it clear that because of his job, he’s not looking for a relationship either. Maybe this is merely the start of a beautiful friendship, and nothing more.

If he were any other guy, I might think he was just trying to get in my pants. But he’s never says anything dirty. He doesn’t put his hands all over me.  And he just doesn’t give off that vibe.

Okay, you’ve gotta stop over-analyzing this before your head explodes!

We continue walking up the Westhampton Beach for the better part of an hour. By the time we make it back to our table at the party, it feels like the temperature’s dropped about twenty-degrees. I shiver, wishing I’d have had the forethought to bring a sweater.

We watch as the spastic partygoers dance and sing along with the indie cover-band. No doubt most are drunk off their rockers. Either way, the energy in the air is invigorating. I’m having so much fun I don’t want the night to end.

“Okay, girls. We sooooooo need to dance.” Peyton bounces in her seat, watching the jam-packed dance floor in the middle of the beach.

I’m not normally one for dancing, but in the spirit of the night, I’ll go with it. Why not. “I’m in. Dhelia, what about you?”

She scans the dance area for a millisecond. “Let’s do it!”

I wonder if Hunter’s one of the few guys who knows how to dance, or if he just sits on the sidelines watching like most guys do. With
his
looks, I’m sure he dances like a total white-boy though. The pathetic image in my head makes me giggle.

I clear my throat. “So, will you be joining us, Mr. Fireman?”

He scrunches up his face, shaking his head in disgust. “I doubt it. I don’t dance much.”

I nod a few times. “Yeah, that’s what I figured you’d say”. Then I giggle under my breath again.

We get up from the table to work our way through the crowd, but before I leave, I lean down, whispering in Hunter’s ear, “Even though it might be difficult,
please,
try not to miss me
too
much.”

But I don’t wait for a response. Instead, I shoot him a flirty smile, pulling away as I spin around. But before I’m able to move two feet, he grabs my arm, yanking me down into his lap. With my face only inches from his, he parts his lips and leans in. Every ounce of my body tingles with anticipation of the kiss I’ve imagined a thousand times.

He’s so close I can feel his warm, minty breath on my face.

His nose grazes the tip of mine, but then he stops.

My heart freezes.

“Stay out of trouble over there,” he says.

But before I know what’s happening, he has me off his warm lap and back on my feet. I stand there for a few seconds eyeing him, wondering what in the hell just happened.

Was he just teasing me? Um, okay.

Well, if that’s how he wants to be—
two
can most
definitely
play this game.

I look him straight in the eyes. “Well maybe I’d
like
some trouble.” Then I paint on a mischievous smile and saunter away.

I feel his eyes searing a hole through the back of my head.

Vindication is oh so sweet. Yes!

I smile to myself. Hunter Payne might be older and more experienced—but he has no clue who he’s dealing with.

Ha. And neither do I apparently. Since when did I grow a set of balls?

When I make it to Dhelia and Peyton, they’re already lost in the thumping music. I’m not sure who the band is, but they’re better than I would have expected. Always a nice surprise. 

As we dance to Lady Gaga’s
Born This Way
, I feel the heat from someone dancing just a tad too close. But who cares. I’m so into the music I don’t even turn around to see who it is. Instead, I decide given the pleased look on my sister’s face, he must be either attractive, or someone she knows.

Perhaps I can give Hunter a little show. That just might be fun. He likes games, so we’ll just see how he likes
this
one.

I lean back into the rhythmic stranger, trying to get our timing in sync. Then I throw a few booty-bounces into the mix for good measure. Perfect chance to test my twerking skills.

Not bad!

As my new dance partner puts his hands on my hips to pull me closer, I find myself curious as to whether or not Hunter’s watching. I scan the crowd. But to my disappointment, he’s nowhere in sight.

Instead of making
him
jealous, I only succeed in bringing out my own little green-eyed-monster.  Where the hell did he go?

Nice job, Chloe. Brilliant. You probably pissed him off and sent him straight into another girl’s arms. Fabulous.

As if someone flips a switch inside me, I become uncomfortable at the close proximity with this mystery man dancing nearly on top of me.

Dhelia’s brows draw together as she watches me.

I stop dead in my tracks, flinging the stranger’s hands away from my body. Instantly regretting my terse reaction, I turn to apologize for toying with him, only to feel like the biggest ass on the planet.

Hunter?

Oh, thank god! He
didn’t
take off with someone else.

His gaze turns cloudy. “Are you okay? Did I do something wrong…
again
?”

How do I answer that? There’s no way I can tell him the truth. I need to come up with something fast. Shit! “Uh, no. My tummy’s not feeling so well.” Yeah, that’ll work. He’ll never know I didn’t realize I was dancing with him.

“Would you like to sit down for a bit to catch your breath?”

“No, I’m fine. I just need some water.” I hold my hand over my alleged queasy stomach.

He pulls a bottle of Poland Spring from his back pocket. “Here you go.”

I’m such a fraud. “Thanks.” I take a big drink, realizing just how thirsty I actually am.

Then it hits me. I watch him, suspicion forcing my eyes to squint.  “I thought you didn’t dance?”

“No, I said I don’t dance
much
. You guys looked like you were having so much fun, so I decided to live a little. Besides, with the sweaty Guido’s skulking around, I knew you’d eventually get into that trouble you
claim
to be looking for.”

So he
did
hear my comment before I left the table. “Well, I’m impressed. You kept up quite nicely. And for the record, I don’t need a baby sitter.”