Chapter Five
Lucy
Is it wrong to use your child as a buffer to keep yourself from mounting your best friend’s brother? Yeah, I’m going to hell. I didn’t actually have to go pick up Bailey from school, I thought it would be an easy brush off. Hot single guys don’t want to hang out with a mom and her kid. Damn Hunter actually likes my kid. Bailey is easy to like, so that comes as no shock. But now I have to keep up the lie and bring her into her mother’s insanity. I could just tell Hunter I decided to leave Bailey at home with Lucky, but being alone with him and a bed just a few feet away, I wouldn’t stand a chance at keeping my legs closed. Any time we share the same air it takes all my willpower to keep from lifting my skirt over my head and sitting on his sexy face.
Hunter greets us outside of what will soon be his gallery. He’s all smiles and sparkling eyes. That smile takes the nervous purse of my lips and turns it into a smile of its own. He stops in front of us just as the wind blows across the parking lot, flooding me with the scent of his cologne. My mouth waters.
“You guys made it.” The deep tone in his voice feels like a warm hug.
“Hi Hunter,” Bailey says, matching his smile.
“Hey Bailey, how’s my favorite girl doing?” Hunter scoops Bailey up in his strong arms and spins her around. Her head falls back with squeals. And with that my ovaries are gone. I can’t with this man.
“Come on ladies, let me give you the grand tour.” Hunter sets Bailey back on her feet then holds the door open for us. His hand finds its way to my lower back as he ushers me through the door. The heat of his touch pulsates through my body, and all I can think is how thankful I am Bailey is here, because with just that simple gesture, I’m ready to pounce on him like a ham sandwich.
Hunter stays close to my side while he shows us the lay of the land. His entire face beams as he tells me his plans for the gallery. The space is bright with all the light coming in from the wall of windows. It’s has a very modern, industrial vibe with the exposed beams, heating ducts, and copper pipes along the ceiling. Hunter shows off his strength to Bailey, pretending to strain while pushing one of the movable walls. Bailey giggles as she watches him, then proceeds to show him up by pushing one of the other walls across the room. Hunter pulls his baseball cap over his eyes and hangs his head in defeat. I could watch the two of them goof around all day.
“Way to go Bailey,” I cheer. I stride up next to Hunter and give him a consoling pat on the back. Through his shirt I can feel the hard muscles along his shoulders. Lord help me, he is a wall of muscle. “Don’t feel too bad, she’s been juicing.” I giggle under my breath. My hand lingers on his shoulder and I don’t know if I ever want to move it. By the way he lays his hand on top of mine, keeping it right where it is as he leads us up to the loft apartment, he doesn’t want my hand going anywhere either.
It’s hard not to fantasize about us coming home from a family outing to our home. Hunter’s arms around me while Bailey bounds up the stairs. It’s a perfect image, but sadly, it will stay just a fantasy.
The loft mixes the industrial vibe from downstairs with a homie feel for a perfect blend of Hunter. There is baseball playing on the TV and boxes stacked throughout the main living spaces. There is a little breeze coming through the open sliding doors that lead out to a spacious balcony. Though it still needs a bit more work, this place feels very homey. It might have to do with Hunter more than anything. Just being near him makes me feel at home.
“This place is amazing, Hunter.” I smile up at him. He lets out a quiet sigh, like he was holding his breath waiting for my approval.
“Hunter, are all these cameras yours?” Bailey asks, peeking into one of the boxes.
“Bailey, what have I told you about snooping in other people’s things?” I scold.
“Not to do it when they are around,” she replies. She is so my child.
“Bailey,” I snap. I glance over at Hunter and he’s chuckling at our interaction. “I’m sorry,” I mouth.
“It’s fine. She’s just being curious.” He is too sweet.
Hunter walks over to the box and pulls out one of the cameras, then kneels down to Bailey’s level. “I started collecting cameras when I was a little older than you.”
Feeling a little curious myself, I join them and listen to Hunter tell Bailey the story of every camera in the box. He takes the time to show her how each one works. Bailey hangs on his every word, and I know the wheels are turning in her head, taking note of everything he says. Bailey has a memory like a steal trap. You tell her one thing and she never forgets it, hence her snooping comment. Hunter is so good with her. He doesn’t talk down to her and encourages her curiosity. They have had a special bond since they met at Brooke and Brian’s wedding. Bailey followed him around the whole night. Most people would have been annoyed to have a strange kid following them around, but not Hunter. He hung out with her, made up silly games for them to play. She danced on his feet and fell asleep with her head on his shoulder. It was so sweet.
He reaches into the box and pulls out the last camera. Black and silver peek out from the bubble wrap as he peels it away. With a push of a button the view finder pops up, taking Bailey by surprise and making her giggle. “This one is a Rolleiflex from the nineteen thirties. It also happens to be my favorite, because it was the first camera I ever got. My mom gave me this camera. She knew how much I loved to take pictures, and she said a photographer needs a proper camera.” A little sadness flashes across Hunter’s face as he looks down at the camera in his hand.
Listening to the story brings tears to my eyes. Brooke told me how close Hunter was to their mom and how her death hit him really hard. Explains why he closed himself off for so long and kept women at a distance, never letting them in. Over the past couple years, when he has come to town to visit, I’ve noticed a change in him. He seems more open and willing to let people in.
“Here, why don’t you test it out.” He hands the camera to Bailey and shows her how to use it. “You can take a picture of me and your mom.” Hunter takes hold of my wrist and pulls me down on his knee. His arm wraps around me and holds me close to his chest. Before I can take my eyes off him, I hear the click of the shutter. The image of me and Hunter together is forever caught on film.