Page 47

Story: To Love a Thief

How the hell could she have just walked out? The better question is how can she pretend that what happened was nothing? Can she really move forward and carry on like normal? Carry on without me?
The idea of her giving up on us so easily pisses me off. Doesn’t she realize sometimes you have to fight for the best things in life? I know she isn’t a quitter, so why is she running?
Well, like it or not, I’m going to fight for us, Hunter.
With an angry growl, I storm into the bathroom and take a quick shower. I’ll grab a coffee and head over to the airport early. We’re going to talk this out. I refuse to let her run away from me. Not after last night.
Not after she stole a piece of my heart.
My plan gets derailed when I step into the main living area and see Addie already up. She looks a little frazzled and I walk over.
“What’re you doing up so early?” I ask.
“Couldn’t sleep.”
I feel like there’s more to the story, but I don’t push her. Addie will talk when, and if, she’s ready. “I think we both could use some coffee.”
“Yes, please.”
I wander over to the kitchen and put the Nespresso machine to use. Once I have two steaming, frothy glasses of caffeine ready, I walk back over and sit down on the couch beside her.
“Thank you,” she murmurs, taking the drink. “So…you and Hunter.”
I take a sip of the hot espresso and shift on the couch. There’s no point in denying it. Addie is a master when it comes to reading people, and besides that, I don’t want to hide it. I want everyone to know how good Hunter and I are together.
“I really like her,” I admit. “I wasn’t expecting it, but she knocked me on my ass in the best possible way.”
She turns to face me, blue eyes widening. “So, it was more than just a one-night stand? You’re really falling for her?”
I nod. “Problem is she ran. The minute I mentioned pursuing something back home, she freaked out. I think she’s been hurt and now she’s trying to protect herself.”
“Can’t blame her. Getting hurt sucks.”
“So does watching the best thing that ever happened to me walk away.”
“Wow.” She studies me over the rim of her glass mug.
“She isn’t like anyone I’ve ever met, Addie. You know me better than anyone. I can always walk away. I can’t this time. I won’t.”
“The Charmer has fallen. Hard. I never thought I’d see the day.”
“She’s special. It’s more than just physical attraction, though there’s plenty of that.” I smirk.
“Yeah, you two weren’t exactly quiet last night.”
I chuckle. “Sorry not sorry. Best fucking night of my life.”
A thoughtful look crosses her face. “Why? What made it different?”
Her question throws me, but I take a moment to think it over. “Everything,” I finally say. “No other woman, hell, no other night can even begin to compare with what happened. When I’m with Hunter, nothing else matters. She lights me up in a way I’ve never experienced before. I just know I always want to be with her.”
“Sounds like you’re falling in love.” She shudders.
“Hey. What’s so bad about that?”
“Nothing. It’s just not for everyone.”
“What’s not for everyone?” a deep voice asks.