A Masterpiece Of Our Love (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 1) (8 page)

"Achy. Knees are swelling up as usual from pushing so hard, but I'll be okay."

"Well, now that you're dry, why not make yourself comfortable on the couch? I'm going to change real quick. Maybe Shane won't make it back until I'm done. He looks at you with pity. That drives me nuts!"

"Don't worry about it so much. I get that a lot."

"Becca, you shouldn't!" Hunter knew he should calm down and not get so irritated.

"It's the way of the world. It doesn't bother me anymore. Really, you don't have to be so bothered about it. Used to be worse when I was still in the wheelchair."

Hunter wanted to kiss her. She was too kind! Then it dawned on him what he'd just wanted.

Kiss her?

He couldn't shake his feelings four years ago, and they sure hadn't faded seeing her this year.

He waited for her to settle comfortably on the couch before he made his way back to the room in search of dry clothes for himself. He found a pair of men's shorts that just might fit him. He closed himself in the bathroom and changed. Becca's clothes were draped over the shower curtain, so Hunter laid his out on the tub itself.

Shane hadn't come back yet, so Hunter opened up the fridge and scoped it out. Sure enough, it was empty. He grabbed the stuff from the cooler and placed them in the fridge instead. He pulled out two bottles of water and headed for the living room. "Here, brought this for you."

Becca moved her legs and sat up so Hunter could sit. She uncapped the bottle and pressed it to her lips. After drinking a quarter of it, she set the bottle down and signed a thank you to him.

"You're welcome." Hunter shot her a smile before chugging the contents of his own bottle. Oh, that felt good to have something cool run down his throat. He couldn't wait for Shane to come back with some hot food. He was starving. On cue, his stomach growled. "I think my stomach is competing with the thunder," he quipped.

Becca's lips turned up in a grin before a sound escaped from them. She covered her mouth with her hand.

"Ooh, did you just snort laugh?" Hunter chuckled.

"Stop it!"
Her face turned red and she swatted a hand at him. He ducked his head away from her, still smiling.

Thunder rumbled outside just as the front door opened. Shane stepped in, a bag in one hand and an umbrella in the other. He set the bag down on the floor and closed the umbrella. Hunter shot to his feet to help.

"Whatever you have in there smells really good!" he said cheerfully.

For the first time since meeting less than an hour ago, Shane smiled. "My wife is a fine cook. I told her about you. She's curious, so don't be surprised if she comes rushing by later to introduce herself. She's a little on the nosy side, so she might ask plenty of questions." Shane placed the umbrella on the porch before closing the door. He handed the bag of food and drinks to Hunter. "I also brought some pain medication in case you need it."

"Thank you. I was actually going to ask about that." Hunter smiled gratefully. Becca would probably need something for the pain and swelling she had in her knees.

"You don't have a concussion, do ya?"

"I don't think so," Hunter replied. He moved to put the bag on the table. "Just a big bloody mess."

"If you follow the trail a little north, you'll see a cabin like this one with a white fence around it and plenty of Pink flamingos in the yard. That's our summer place. My wife has a fetish with them, so I couldn't tell her no. You two take care. If I don't see you before the morning for whatever reason, sleep well. I'll check back with you when I can."

"Again, we appreciate this. It's been a pretty crazy day." Understatement for sure.

Shane nodded. "I'm sure. The storm took us all by surprise. It had been so nice up until then."

"Exactly." So why did he beat himself up so bad over not noticing? Weather was one of the important factors to pay attention to when flying. He'd always prided himself with staying in tune to the weather. Today, he hadn't been in tune with it at all.

"All right. I'm going to get on home now." He cast one more glance at the both of them before taking off again.

Hunter searched the cabinets for plates. The aroma from the bag attacked his nose. His mouth watered. He jumped, startled when Becca tapped him on the shoulder. "You scared me!" he laughed, covering his heart with his hand.

"Can I do anything to help?"

"Nope. I've got it covered. I just found the plates. Silverware shouldn't be an issue. I know I'm hungry, how about you?" He grabbed two of the plates and inspected them. They looked clean enough, but Hunter decided to run them under the water real quick anyway. When he turned back to Becca, she nodded.

"Very hungry."

"Good, because we're ready to dig in. I've found everything!" Hunter held up the plates and silverware proudly. He felt like a child all excited to show someone the treasure he'd found. Becca shot him a grin and the pair sat across from each other at the table. Hunter pushed a plate across to her, then handed her the silverware. "Now, let's see what these kind folks brought us." Hunter opened the bag and pulled the still warm containers out. "Smells good, that's for sure."

*****

About an hour after they ate, the storm showed it's first signs of slowing. Night descended, so the lightning bolts slicing through the air lit up the area like a fireworks display. Becca wished it would stop. At least after eating, she started to feel better. Still, she wanted nothing more than to crawl under the covers and go to sleep.

After dinner, Hunter found a deck of cards and they spent the majority of the time playing various card games. After she let out yet another yawn, Hunter put the cards he held down and leaned forward. "You're just as beat as I am, aren't you?"

"Sorry. I can't help it."

"Don't apologize. Maybe turning in for the night isn't such a bad idea. I don't know what time it is and honestly, I don't care. The earlier we can get off this island in the morning, the better I'll feel. Let me just check the doors."

She wondered why he would even bother locking them. The island was fairly isolated and she doubted anyone would try coming in. But with the boat incident, he seemed to be on his guard. Hunter had mentioned more than once today that he thought something was off. He acted a little paranoid. He took her hands in his and helped her climb to her feet. He touched the side of her face. "You do look exhausted," he said quietly. "What a day. If I hadn't blacked out..."

"You can't help that you fell overboard!"
Why would he even feel guilty for that?

"I spaced out! I lost control and that's when things went downhill!" Hunter protested. A muscle strained in his neck. He really seemed agitated about the whole ordeal. "I normally pay better attention to the weather and failed to do that this time, too."

Becca took his hands in hers, giving them a squeeze. She opened her mouth, hoping the words would come out this time. All that happened were a few squeaks. She stomped her foot in frustration.

Hunter pulled her in his arms again. She leaned against him and soaked in his warmth.

"Don't try to force the words if they won't come," he pleaded softly. Hunter was one of the only people to be so patient with her. When this happened the first time, the only time it had lasted years, her grandparents had yelled, cursed, and belittled her for it. The therapists, doctors, teachers, everyone had made such a fuss about it. She ended up feeling less of herself when she really had been trying. Did they really think she wanted to be like that? To have a lack of communication? Nobody got it.

Except Hunter.

Tears sprung in her eyes at the memories and she held Hunter even closer. She was content there. She was so glad he came back this year. Despite the few years separation from her friend, she felt right at home with him.

At her sniffle, Hunter tipped her chin up. "You are crying! Aw Bec, why the tears?"

"I think my emotions are going haywire. I'm tired, so I'm a little weepy. I'm so glad you're back this year."
When she finished signing, his lips curled up in a smile.

"So am I," he whispered softly. Something in his eyes that resembled longing tugged at her. His hands were still touching her face. He inched closer and parted his lips. Without thinking, Becca reacted. They met midway, his lips crashing over hers. Her thoughts ran a million miles a minute. Did he start this, or did she? What were they doing? No matter how much she wanted this, the last time they almost kissed, he disappeared.

It wasn't about you. You know this!

It didn't matter.

She uttered a sound when he deepened the kiss.

His kisses were passionate. So tender. Loving. Inquiring. He drew her closer, tightening his strong hold on her. He held on like he never wanted to let go. A sound escaped his lips, but he didn't stop. Her heartbeat sped up. She placed a hand on Hunter's shoulder, then slid it around his neck, running her fingers through his hair. She opened her eyes for a brief second and devoured the sight of Hunter. Then she closed them again, leaning into him. His tongue toyed with her, teasing playfully.

Another loud crack of thunder startled them both. Like kids being caught doing something they shouldn't, Hunter and Becca pulled apart.

She let out a breath and covered her chest with her hand. She blinked. Hunter stared intently at her.

"I have no idea what came over me. Please know I never meant for that to happen. I don't want you to think-"

She put a finger to her lips, then started signing.
"I'm not sure what that was about, but I'm not complaining. I don't think anything bad of you. I never have, and I never will."

Was that a look of relief?

Did he even remember four years ago? Or was she the only one that replayed that week in her mind? She had been the one to turn her head, and even now she couldn't recall if she'd done it on purpose or not.

"That was an amazing, electrifying kiss. I just don't know where it came from." He shook his head. He seemed irritated with himself. She doubted any words would make him feel better right now.

Becca leaned closer and touched his cheek, guiding him to look at her.
"I don't ever remember you being so hard on yourself before."

"I know. Honestly, you're the one person I trust. I know you understand me, especially with everything. I just don't want you to think I'm taking advantage of that. I can't lose our friendship, Becca. I know in the past few years I haven't shown it, but you mean the world to me."

"Rest assured, you didn't take advantage. I'll always be here for you."
Another yawn escaped her and she grinned sheepishly.

Hunter chuckled. "You're blushing. You want to shower first?"

"Yes. Thank you."
Just a quick one to get clean. Fatigue started to consume her, but she needed to be clean.

"Okay. While you're showering, I'll make sure everything is cleaned up and that our stuff is ready to go for the morning. Then I'll search for some blankets. I'll take up the couch and you can have the bed. Enjoy your shower." Hunter had already turned away, searching the fridge for something.

She had no idea why, but her heart sank at the thought of sleeping in the bed alone. She had no idea if it had to do with wanting to be close to Hunter, or just not wanting to be alone in a strange place. At least at Range's, she knew she was safe. The place was a familiar surrounding to her. This cabin wasn't, and she didn't know how she felt about that.

Silly. I'm just being silly.

She took the shortest shower she could. It was just enough time to wash off the funk she felt. As she wrapped a green towel around herself and found a smaller towel for her hair, Becca stared at her reflection in the mirror. Oh, she most definitely needed sleep.

She had a small brush in her purse. Finally dressed, she left the bathroom and went looking for her purse.

"That is probably one of the fastest showers I've ever known a woman to take," Hunter teased. She turned to him and shot him a wry smile.

"Is that a compliment?"

"Always for you."

He'd pulled out a red blanket and had it draped across the couch. Now or never. She waited for him to turn her way again.
"I'm kind of afraid of sleeping in there alone,"
she admitted.
"If it's not too weird, will you stay with me?"

He stood before her again. "Of course I will. And it won't be weird for me. I'm going to take my quick shower and I'll be right there, okay?"

She nodded.
"Thank you. And be careful with your head. I'm sure we'll have to re-bandage it."

"I'll just try not to get my face too wet. I know, that's going to be hard to do, but I'm really not looking forward to another few swabs of peroxide." He laughed before shuddering. "You're the only one who knows that weakness. I'm holding you to not spill the beans that Hunter Beckman is really a wimp. Got it?" He wiggled his eyebrows at her. "I would never admit that to just anyone!"

She laughed. Why was it that she could laugh but not talk? It never made sense.
"I'll keep your secret. I'll see you in a bit."

Hunter headed off for the bathroom. Becca pulled her brush out from the purse and ran it through her wet tangles. What a long day. At least they had a warm, dry place to stay for the night and they didn't have to spend it outside like they had after the plane crash. Even then, Hunter had protected her. They'd been strangers, young kids, but he grew up so much that night. He'd promised her she would be safe, and she had been with him. She may have had only bits and pieces of memories from that night, but the one thing she remembered was Hunter. He hadn't let her down.

Becca tossed the brush back in her purse and flipped off the living room light. She found her way to the bedroom in darkness, other than the small lines of light pouring through the bathroom's closed door. The shower water was running. Becca moved to the room, anxiously ready for bed. As she slid under the covers, she thought back to the kiss in the kitchen. It surprised her, and obviously surprised Hunter as well. He'd given her pecks on the cheek before, and she'd done the same to him. They were friends, connected by something no one should ever have to go through. But that kiss ... it was far more than friendly.