Page 89 of Unexpected

“No.” I stared him down. “Absolutely not. I will not let you pay my tuition.”

“First of all, I want to. And second, you can think of it as a loan if you want. I’m investing in your future, in you. Because I believe in you.”

“Aww.” Kate held a hand over her heart. “You guys are too adorable. Bromance!”

“Shut up,” we both snapped at the same time.

“Whatever. I’m out.” She turned and headed for the door.

Hunter vanished to his room, returning a moment later with a blank check. “How much do you need?”

“I can’t… I’m not going to accept it.”

“You can, and you will. It’s time to finish your damn degree. Eight years is long enough.”

I blew out a breath, knowing he wasn’t going to give up. He’d been offering for years, and now… Now, I was almost desperate enough to take him up on it.

“I will accept it on certain conditions.”

He smirked, leaning his hip against the counter. “I’m not sure you understand how negotiation works. You’re not really in a position to bargain.”

“First,” I said, ignoring him. “I want you to have your attorney draw up a contract.”

“Fine.”

“Second, this is a loan. Iwillpay you back.”

“But—”

“No.” On this point, I would not waver. “You agree that this is a loan, or I will shred the check.”

He rolled his eyes. “Fine. Geez.”

“And third…”

“There’s more?”

“Third,” I said. “Thank you.”

“Thank fuck,” he breathed. “I mean, you’re welcome, man.”

We laughed, and he slapped me on the back. “Let’s go out and celebrate.”

“Celebrate what? The fact that my life is falling apart?”

“Celebrate the fact that you’realive. And, well, let’s not forget the fact that you’re now my bitch.”

“I am not your bitch.” I stopped and turned to face him. “That is not going in the contract.”

“Oh, come on, man.” He turned me in the direction of my bedroom and draped his arm over my shoulder. “You love it. And that,” he said in a more serious tone, “was not the right answer. Going forward, you shall address me as ‘Sir.’”

I laughed, but only to hide the pain. I could remember a time when Alexis jokingly said, “Yes, sir.” And before I could stop it, I was flooded with a million other memories. Cuddling in the hammock. Sneaking kisses in the pantry. Whispering so Sophia wouldn’t hear us.

“Hey…” Hunter paused. “You okay? You know I’m just teasing, right?”

“Yeah.” I forced a smile. “Take me out and get me drunk…Sir.”

“That’s more like it.” He grinned.