The Secrets That Free Us

Chapter 12

Hunter

Being here, in Grace's room after all this time feels surreal. That's the only way I can describe it.

I spent so many nights in that fucking detention centre, lying on that shitty excuse for a bed imagining I was here, in Grace's room, in her bed, warm and cosy with her safe in my arms. I thought about that so many nights and didn't give a single fuck about what a pussy I sounded. Even in my own fucking head she manages to have me completely consumed by her. The worst part is she doesn't even know it.

I was a fucking idiot before I left, in love with my best friend but never having the balls to admit that too her. I meant what I said though, I have no intention of losing her again.

One day I will tell her everything, tell her where I was and why and hope to God that she understands and forgives me. But for now I'm just happy she hasn't kicked me out of her bedroom and she's allowing me to even breathe the same air as her. Even if it is begrudged.

"You want to go to the beach?" Her angelic voice pulls me from my thoughts and I can't help but smile at the scowl on her face.

"Yep"

"Why?"

"Because the views from the rocks are beautiful and a good place to start our project."  I tell her honestly.

"Yeah, I guess." She agrees, picking at her fluffy pink comforter on her bed and slightly taken aback by my sincerity.

"Plus, I wouldn't complain if you decided to wear a bikini" I tell her keeping my tone light, even though I'm anything but joking. Just the thought of seeing her body again has me stirring in my boxers.

She throws one of her pillows at my head and then looks at me in shock, probably mirroring my expression. We stare at each other for a brief moment before we both burst out laughing. A sound that is foreign to my ears. Not just hearing Grace's laugh after all this time but also hearing my own.

I ignore the sting in my chest when she suddenly seems to realise she's laughing with me and quickly sobers up. She tucks a loose tendril of blonde hair behind her ear and I clench my fist to resist the urge to reach out and do it for her.

"Well, we can go to the beach on Saturday I guess but since we've decided I think it's probably best if you leave now." She tells me.

Even when she's kicking me out her voice is still the sweetest fucking sound I've ever heard.

I clear my throat trying to hide my disappointment, "Oh, yeah, sure."

I follow Grace down the stairs trying to think a reason to stay. All I want to do is spend more time with her. It was soul destroying being away from her for so long but being so close to her now and her not letting me in is fucking torture.

I want her to tell me her every thought, I want to hear about her day and the latest book she's been reading. Hell, I would kill to even sit and watch an episode of one of her shitty shows or movies she loves so much with her.

Just as we reach the bottom of the stairs the front door swings open with Mia and Nate, followed by Grace's Mom and Dad. I try to hide my smile because I'm fully aware that Ellen loves me and would probably let me move in if I asked her nicely enough.

A big chocolate Labrador comes booming in behind them, running into Mia's legs and almost making her drop the pizzas in the process.

"Damn dog" she curses.

The dog runs straight over to Grace and she immediately crouches to stroke the dog.

"Oh Hunter, darling!" Ellen greets me as soon as she sets her eyes on me. She comes towards me and wraps her arms around me in a motherly fashion.

"Hey Ellen, Gary" I greet them both.

Grace's Dad acknowledges me with a nod of the head and moves towards the kitchen with Mia and Nate following, he's never been a man of many words so I don't take offence, he likes me enough. I think.

"It's so lovely to see you dear, you look handsome as ever, Grace doesn't Hunter look handsome?" She asks her daughter and I can't help but smirk at how uncomfortable Grace looks right now with her Mom giving a look that makes it clear her question was not rhetorical.

She doesn't even look up from the dog as she mumbles a "sure".

"Are you staying for pizza, dear?"

"Actually mom-" Grace begins but I jump in before she can finish her sentence, "If there's enough going around, i'd love to" Ellen seems happy with my response and gives me a light squeeze of the cheek before walking into the kitchen.

"She's always liked you more than she liked me" Grace mumbles, still occupied by the dog in front of her.

"Yeah, well my Mom always preferred you so it's only fair" I tell her, sitting on the bottom step beside her.

She lets out a snort, "that's because you're an ass." She's not wrong.

I choose to ignore her comment and join in with the petting of the dog, "Who's this then?" I ask while the dog rubs her head into my hand, clearly enjoying the affection.

"This is Coco."

"She yours?"

"Yeah, Cole got her for me."

"She's sweet" I tell her.

"She doesn't usually go to strangers." Grace muses.

"Well good thing she likes me." I tell her, a smirk on my face. "It's inevitable that you're going to fall in love with me and then me, you and Coco will all live happily ever after."

Grace stares at me for a moment then bursts into laughter again, I guess I'm not as smooth as I thought I was but i'll keep saying cheesy things all fucking day if it makes her laugh like that.

We join the small amount of the Anderson family that is gathered in the kitchen and the conversation is light and easy. I forgot how much I missed these moments, I've always felt as though I fit in here.

It's also nice not having to ram your dinner down your throat in ten seconds flat so no one tries to start shit with you for your food.

Being home makes me realise just how much I've missed it here. Especially the gorgeous girl sitting next to me lost in her own head as her family engage in conversation. I find myself wishing I was in her head with her, so I knew exactly what was going on up there.

"Oh Hunter darling, you must come to Parker's engagement party" Ellen tells me, a warm smile on her face.

Unfortunately for Grace she's mid drink when Ellen extends me an invite and almost chokes on her water.

"Mom, I'm sure Hunter has better things to do" she says at the same time I say "I'd love to."

Grace scowls at me but doesn't say anything further about it.

Once we've finished our pizza Grace practically pushes me out the front door but I still can't help grinning like a fucking moron at the interaction.

I stop just outside her front door, "so I'll see you at school tomorrow?"

"Obviously"

"Wanna have lunch together?" I ask.

She tries to hide her smile as she says "don't push your luck"

"Goodnight beautiful." I tell her in a sing-song tone as I walk next door to my house, thinking about that phrase don't push your luck does she not realise I already feel like the luckiest bastard in the whole damn world for the very minor progress we've made tonight?