Dire(12)

“I’ve got to go.” I walked into the bathroom and closed the door. When would this stop being awkward? Would I ever get used to sharing a room and a bed with a man I barely knew? As much as I planned to keep to my word, I wasn’t ready to accept I was actually going to be with Hunter forever. It wasn’t possible. Eventually I’d have to return to my real life, I just didn’t know how.

I washed my hands and walked back out. Hunter was sitting on the edge of the bed. “Feel better?”

I hesitated with my hand on the light. “Yes.”

“Go on, get in. I’ll take care of the light.”

I slipped back into bed, waiting for him to return. He didn’t. Instead he started getting dressed. “Where are you going?”

“To check on Gage and to give the others a rest.” He stepped into his boots.

“Oh. Ok.”

“I’m going to do everything I can.” He leaned over and kissed me on the forehead. “Should I start the fire again for you, or are you okay if you stay under the covers?”

“I’m fine. I’ll probably go downstairs soon anyway.”

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?”

“That’s ok? You’re not going to try to stop me?”

“Do me a favor and stay in the house.”

“Still worried I’ll get too cold?”

“I’m more worried about the witches.” His words sent a shiver through me. I’d avoid those girls at all costs. “Want me to keep the light on then?”

“Yes please.” Even if I stayed in bed, I’d want it on. The darkness made everything seem even more foreign.

“I’ll start a pot of coffee on my way out.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I don’t have to, but I want to.” He leaned over me again to whisper in my ear. “I like doing things for you, so get used to it.”

His words sent shivers through me. I knew he wasn’t only talking about making coffee.

“I’ll be back in an hour or so.”

I nodded. “Be careful.”

“Are you worried about me or him?” He watched me carefully.

“Both of you.”

“I’ll take that. It’s better than the answer I was expecting.”

“I’m not heartless you know. I understand you made a sacrifice. I just wish you’d tell me more than vague details.”

“And I will explain more later, but it doesn’t matter now. I did it, and it’s completely worth it to have you.” He brushed his lips against mine.

Before I could even process it, he’d disappeared through the doorway.

I lay in bed another half-hour. There was nothing for me to do downstairs, but I knew I’d feel better if I wasn’t in bed. I got up and pulled on some warmer clothes. The house was constantly drafty, and I was hoping I’d be able to get outside later in the morning. I was afraid to push Hunter too hard. At least he was giving me free reign of the house without a babysitter. I didn’t think anyone was watching me. I hurried downstairs to find out.

“Hello?” I called out. No one answered. It seemed that Hunter had been true to his word.

He’d also been true to his word about the coffee. I poured myself a cup. I opened the fridge to see if there happened to be milk. There was, but there was also creamer. I had a feeling it had been purchased for me. I indulged. I was going to need caffeine to make it through the day. I’d gotten a few hours of sleep, but I would need a lot more to catch up. Hopefully I’d be able to sleep more once I saw for myself that Gage was okay.

I walked over to the large front window and peered out. The sun was starting to rise, creating a glare as it reflected off the snow. I blinked a few times as I watched a few blurry figures appear. They were naked. One male, one female. Gage and Marni.

Great. I swallowed hard. I knew it didn’t mean anything. They’d probably just shifted, but it was still hard to watch. I had no right to feel that way. I needed to be happy he was alive. I tried to look away, but I couldn’t. He came closer before he turned toward the shed. I hoped he couldn’t see me. I still didn’t know how angry he was.

“You know it’s not polite to stare.” Chet startled me. I whirled around. I’d been so busy thinking about Gage that I hadn’t even heard the door open.

“Oh. Yeah I know.”

“There’s nothing there.” He nodded toward the window. “At least I don’t think there is.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m with Hunter now.” I said the words even though I didn’t feel or believe them.

“That doesn’t mean you want to think about Gage with someone else.”