Tethered (A BirthRight Novel) (21 page)

Pap and I now share the same knowing smile and I turn to Hunter. “You see, my pap has always told me not to waste my time on a guy who doesn’t know at least one famous poet. Let’s just say, you’ve
far
exceeded his expectations.”

As Pap nods in agreement, Hunter says, “Well poetry’s always been a love of mine, but not many people seem to enjoy it these days, like they used to.”

Just as the words roll off Hunter’s tongue, Pap waves his hands in the air. “Don’t even get me started on today’s youth. My tumor will surely come back if I give it too much thought.” He shakes his head, disgust dripping from his frown.

Gram chimes in, “Okay, on
that
note...let’s get out of here before he goes off on one of his tirades. I’ve seen enough of this place to last a lifetime, so there’s no sense being here any longer than we have to.”

Within minutes, we’re out the door closing in on our cars.

As we walk through the parking lot, Hunter lays his hand on Pap’s shoulder. “So, does that mean you also heard the part where Chloe just
assumed
a big, tough fireman couldn’t
possibly
know anything about literature? She thought I was dumb-as-a-box-of-rocks.” He turns to me and chuckles.

Pap replies with a smile, “Oh, yes, I
did
hear that. She has an awful bad habit of assuming the worst in people. She didn’t get that from me
,
I’ll tell ya.” He puffs his chest out. “But you sure did put her in her place though. Good for you, my boy. She needs that every now and then.”

“Well, it was my pleasure.” Then he and Pap laugh as Hunter grabs me and gives me a noogie like a little boy on the playground would do.

Oh, this is just wonderful. “Now I have
two
of you to gang up on me. Great.”

“I’ll help, too.” Dhelia raises her hand.

For the first time since I got back to Long Island, there’s no tension, no worrying, and no talk about possible outcomes. Even if this feeling only lasts for the day, it’s the most amazing feeling in the world.

And I wouldn’t trade it for
anything
.

I take my time unpacking from our well-deserved weekend. The family spent the better part of three days together in the Hamptons, boating, skiing, sunning, or just relaxing for Gram and Pap. Even though we came back a day early to avoid traffic, it was still the best family getaway since I was a kid.

And what made it even more wonderful was the fact that Hunter, Peyton, and Caleb were with us. It was perfect.

True, I was looking forward to spending some quality alone time with Hunter, but in light of last week’s events, it only made sense to have family time.

Today is officially
date night
, where I’ll get my alone time with Hunter. It will technically be the first time, so I have no complaints. At least, I didn’t have any until a little while ago.

I hadn’t had a vision for close to a week. Not that I mind—my head needed a break.

But this morning I woke up after another disturbing vision about the masked strangers. Only this time, it played out much longer than the last.

Even now, I remember it with such clarity: the sounds of orchestra music mixed with the humming of voices; the smell of exotic flowers and potent perfumes; and the feeling of dread when I notice the jet-black eyes watching me.

The man who holds me in his arms, I have no doubt means a great deal to me in the future. Right now, his blonde hair and emerald eyes aren’t familiar. But in the vision, I‘m so happy to be near him. When we dance, I realize how much I miss him. I just can’t figure out
why
we were apart to begin with.

What bothers me the most is
not
that I haven’t met this guy yet—it’s that it obviously means Hunter
isn’t
part of my future. My heart sinks at the realization.

In my mind, I’ve told myself this is a passing infatuation that will end. My heart, on the other hand, is thinking something altogether different. Especially after this long weekend together. I’ve gotten so attached—so quickly. My stomach flutters at the mere mention of Hunter’s name.

But since I know for sure I’m involved with someone else in the near future, perhaps I should just end this now to avoid either one of us getting hurt. It sounds like the right thing to do, doesn’t it?

I hang my clothes in the closet, admitting to myself I should be concentrating on the other aspects of my vision—but I can’t. The only thing I want to think about is my urban-Adonis.

I wish I could turn back time to follow my gut and stay away from Hunter.

Perhaps I should get advice from someone who happens to be a bit more knowledgeable in the romance department.

I finish putting my dirty laundry in the hamper then head downstairs to find Gram and Pap.

Just as I suspected, they’re on the front porch enjoying a relaxing swing together. I flop down on one of the puffy chairs across from them, breathing a heavy sigh.

“What is it, dear? What’s troubling you this morning?” Gram asks.

Pap just sits there. Eyebrows inch their way up, as if waiting for me to drop a bomb.

I rub my sweaty palms against my jeans. “I had that vision again. The recurring one that shows me something new each time.”

“Oh. Okay, so what have you learned?” Gram asks, giving me her undivided attention.

“Nothing really.” I shake my head. “It’s not the actual
vision
that has me upset...it’s the feelings I have for this mystery guy I’m dancing with.”

“I don’t understand, dear. Why does it upset you so much? What am I missing?”

“Because I’m dating
Hunter
, Gram. The more time I spend with him, the more I feel for him. But if I know sometime in the near future I’ll be in love with someone else, then why am I wasting my time with Hunter, when it will only hurt me later? Or hurt him?” I pull my feet up on the chair, hugging my knees.

“Okay,
now
I get it.” Gram crosses her legs. “I’m not sure what to tell you, dear. You have no way of knowing what will happen with Hunter. Or why this other boy ends up in your life. I don’t think you should end something wonderful...something that makes you so happy...over something you just don’t know much about. He’s a good man, Chloe...and he’s here
now
. Worry about what happens down the road, when it’s actually time for you to worry about it. Allow yourself to enjoy someone who cares for you, who is
already
in your life. You deserve it.”

“No, you’re right. I suppose I’m just being my own worst enemy again.” I turn to Pap, sitting in silence, oddly enough. “What do
you
think, Pap?”

He lays the newspaper on his lap, sliding his reading glasses down so he can see over the top. “You’d be a damned fool to let some other man get in the way of what you have with Hunter. Men like him aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, you know. They’re a rare breed. He’s everything I could have ever hoped for you to find. Don’t be
stupid
, young lady. You hold on to him with everything you’ve got.” He stands up, storming off into the house without another word.

Gram and I look at each other, brows rise in unison. “Well, I guess we know how
he
feels.” Gram shakes her head.

“I know he’s right though, Gram. I just thought I could save us both some future pain.”

“Chloe, dear, do you honestly think ending things now wouldn’t hurt? Seriously? Even though it’s only been a few weeks, you two have connected in ways it takes most people years. You might not realize it right now, but it would crush you both. Just let things happen the way they’re meant to, and take it one day at a time. That’s all you can do. If everyone walked away from things simply because there’s a chance we might get hurt, we’d all live alone, in a bubble. You’re
young
. Live your life and enjoy it.” She pats the spot on the swing just vacated by Pap.

I move over, leaning my head on her shoulder. “You really think it would be difficult for us
both
if it doesn’t work out?”

Gram cocks her head to side. “My goodness, Chloe. How can you not see what’s right in front of you? We’ve
all
seen it since day one. That’s why we always laugh when you start rambling on about embarrassing yourself and what not.”

“Really? I guess it’s harder to see what’s going on when you’re looking from the other side.”

“That’s true, dear. But regardless, you should listen to your old grandparents. We know what we’re talking about.” She gently rubs the back of my hand.

“Okay, you’re right. You’re
both
right. You see, this is why I
knew
I should talk to you.”

“Well, I’m glad you’ve come to your senses
before you do something you’d regret.” Gram laughs.

We swing in silence for a few minutes, watching hummingbirds in the feeder off the overhang. So at peace. So content. Then it hits me how quiet the house is. Not a peep
anywhere
.

“So where is everyone?” I ask, realizing there aren’t any cars in the driveway, either.

“Well, Caleb and Dhelia went to a picnic with his family. Dru took Peyton shopping. And I believe Morgan and the boys went to the store for grilling supplies.” She glances at her watch. “They should be back anytime.”

“No wonder it’s so quiet then.” Relief floods my senses.

But I am in desperate need of some alone time, so this is the perfect afternoon.

“So what time is Hunter picking you up for your first official date?” She asks, a whimsical smile gracing her cheeks.

“Um...I’m not a hundred percent sure, actually. He had some errands to run, and then he was stopping by the hospital to see Trevor. I would imagine after six, at least.”

Our first date. I don’t know if I can wait that long.

“Did he give you any clue where he’s taking you, dear?”

“Not even a
little
bit. He said it’s a surprise, so I didn’t push.” And it’s
killing
me not knowing. Anticipation bubbles up inside.

“I’m sure wherever it is you’ll have a fantastic time. I expect a
full
report tomorrow.”

“
Absolutely
, Gram. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I lean forward, admiring the cheerful, sunny day. “You know, I think I’ll take a book to the back yard and read. Give me a shout if you need help with anything.”

“Will do, dear,” she says, disappearing into the house.

I follow behind her, heading to find my copy of
Pride and Prejudice.
I’ve been dying to finish reading it since we left off last week at the hospital.

With book in hand, I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and proceed out the back door. A lone hammock calls my name, hanging from a Weeping Willow just off the garden.

As I read the pages, reliving the epic tale of the forbidden love between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett, I find myself drifting to thoughts of Hunter. It makes me realize—he might be going through a lot of the same pain I’ve been going through since we first met—the same torment that often makes it difficult to breathe.

Regardless of the way a guy acts, you never
truly
know what’s going on in his heart—
or
in his head. Hunter and I don’t talk about what we’re feeling—we just enjoy our time together. Sometimes it feels like we’ve always known each other. But we haven’t. It’s hard to remember that.

For the first time, all I want is to know what Hunter’s feeling.

If he sees this going anywhere.

I didn’t think I cared before. But after hearing what Gram and Pap had to say—and reading this book—I finally see how much of an idiot I’ve been.

I need to know if we’re on the same page, or if I’m kidding myself.

Tonight, when we’re alone, I’ll find out if I have a genuine place in Hunter’s heart.

*  *  *

Okay, it’s almost
six o’clock.

My palms sweat as I wait on the porch.

Time spent with Hunter and my family gets easier by the day. But time spent one-on-one, however, is foreign.

I promised myself I’d stop thinking about the guy in my visions. Maybe I’ll get lucky and the future will change somehow. If things I see are meant to be warnings—or for me to prevent certain outcomes—then perhaps this too is something I can change. Maybe that’s the whole point.

Yeah,
that’
s it. I like where my mind is going.

Ever punctual, Hunter pulls in with a sparkling SUV and a smile capable of melting the arctic.

As I watch him walk up the sidewalk towards me, I wonder how I became lucky enough to have someone so incredible interested in me. How can I deserve this after the things I’ve done in my life?

“Hello, beautiful. Did you get all dolled up for
me
?” His smile widens.

After seeing the pleased look on his face, relief bounces through my chest at my selection in the bright blue sundress. I even opted to pull my hair up since he’s never seen it like this. The way his eyes now scan over me, I made
all
the right choices. Score!

“Hello, yourself. I thought you’d
never
get here.” I reach out for the hug I know is coming.

He wraps his solid arms around me and I hear him take a deep breath—like a delicious aroma is wafting through the air.
He nuzzles my ear. “Mmmmmmmm. You smell good enough to eat.”

Sweet. He noticed the new perfume Gram got me on our shopping trip. I’ll be sure to let her know her instincts were on the money. “Thank you. It’s new.” And just for you.

“Well it smells
amazing
on you. What’s it called?” He inhales again, lingering next to my ear.

It takes me a second to gather my thoughts and remember the name. “Um, Prada Candy, I think.”

“Good choice. Though, now it might be tough to keep my nose away from you.” He nuzzles my neck again, laying a gentle kiss in his path before retreating.

“I don’t mind. You’re welcome to smell me
whenever
the mood strikes you.” I hook my fingers in his belt loops, enjoying the smoothness of his fresh shave against my neck.

“Oh really? Is that all? Just
smell
you?” His throaty laugh reverberates against my ear, sending chills down to the tips of my toes.

“No, you’re welcome to do whatever you like.
Smell
me.” I breathe against his chest.

“
Touch
me.” My hands slide from his waist to his chest.

“
Hold
me.” I squeeze him firmly against me.

“
Kiss
me.” I lean up to find his lips, lingering there for a few seconds. “
Whatever
your heart desires.”