Never Been Kissed(43)
My back is flush to his chest, ass hitting his upper thighs, and Christ, he’s hot! And then, and then! His face nuzzles my neck, kissing that place where shoulder meets throat. I might just die. I may also have made an embarrassing sound – like a moan and a whimper rolled in one. I think I missed my calling as a porn-star sound-maker.
“You keep making those sounds and I’m going to get in trouble,” Hunter says, his voice vibrating in his chest. I can pretend that he wants me, that I’m not drowning in the way he holds me, this craving I’ve always wanted but never got to have. I want it to be like this, always. And it scares the shit out of me.
“I didn’t do anything! You’re the one instigating all the fraking time. C’mon, poor Edouard’s probably all tuckered out; Matty knows how to party.” I move forward, but Hunter’s still at my back. I let him walk us up the stairs like that. He has to catch me a couple of times when I become too distracted by his touch and trip up the stairs, twice. I like the way his laughter sounds and I sure as frak don’t like it when it dies down the closer we get to the front door.
Hunt knocks and we wait.
He doesn’t let go of me, instead wrapping his arms tighter around my ribs, making me come full-contact with every inch of him. I’m going to combust. I bite my lip so I won’t whimper or moan or do anything embarrassing in front of the MacLaine’s butler/pseudo-babysitter.
Edouard opens the door, the wide thing swinging open, light hitting our little patch of porch and Matty half-asleep, wobbling on his feet.
“Why didn’t you just let me come in and get him?” Hunter says, anger making his voice vibrate. He bites off the words like he’s trying to keep himself in control. Hunt steps out from behind me and I lose the heat at my back. I shiver.
Moving forward with him, I watch Edouard’s haggard face, and the way his eyes won’t meet mine, but stay locked on Hunter as he picks up his son.
“What’s he at?” I ask the man. The little guy’s a mass of limbs, legs and arms sprawled as Hunt settles him on a shoulder, head flopping forward between Hunt’s neck and collar bone.
Edouard licks his lips, and straightens his suit jacket. Who the hell is wearing a suit jacket at eleven o’clock at night? Poor guy.
“His levels have come down to a ten. His supper consisted of a hamburger and fries. Dessert was a small bowl of fruit. I checked his sugar an hour ago. I also administered the prescribed dose of insulin right after he ate.”
Hunter isn’t listening, his big hand’s on Matty’s back, rubbing in circles. There’s something more going on here. I can see it in the way Hunter’s movements are stilted, like someone else is holding his strings.
“Thank you, Edouard. You’ve been a great help. I’m Sera, by the way.” I offer my hand for him to shake, smile when he gives me a brisk one. Nothing worse than when people take only your fingers and give them a wiggle.
“Thanks, Eddie. She’s gone to bed, I guess?” Edouard nods at Hunter.
“She’s also been speaking with Alysha, sir. I overheard the phone call while I prepared Matty’s supper.”
Hunter’s shoulders slump, head bowed down. “Alright, Eddie. Have a good night.”
“Come see me once in a while, Hunter. This old house misses you.” Edouard’s face has changed. Gone is the polite mask with which he used to speak to me. Now, looking at Hunt, there’s a friendly concern, features that tell of a history between the two of them. “I miss you. I’ve packed all her things, you needn’t see them, if you do not want. It’s been three years, Hunter.”
“That’s enough, Eddie. I’ve got to go home. G’night.”
Hunter turns and goes down the stairs. I’m rooted to the spot, staring at him walk away from me, walk away from the butler who clearly cares about him.
“Please, Sera. Please watch out for him.”
Edouard looks like he might start bawling.
“I’ll do what I can. Have a good night. Thanks again for all your help.”
“I know if she were here, she would be delighted to see him with you.”
I should be telling him I’m not Hunter’s girlfriend, and it’s not my place to take care of him. I just nod at the cryptic message and go down the stairs. Questions for later, not now. It doesn’t matter, anyway. I can fight Hunter off, I can make myself immune. I can keep my distance.
Liar, liar, pants on fire!
In the car, Hunter’s quiet again. I put my head back on my seat and close my eyes.
“Sera... Wake up for me.” Hunter’s voice has my eyes flashing open. I’m in a car, not my bed, and we’re in the parking lot of our building. I have to get out of the car. Riiiight.