The Secrets That Free Us

Chapter 20

Coco runs ahead of us as we get out of Hunter's car. The fact that he even brought her means a lot to me.

I don't think Hunter even realizes how much some of the thoughtful little things he does for me actually mean to me. Like earlier with Joey, I heard what got said and I couldn't be more grateful for what Hunter said to him.

He doesn't try to fix me, or understand me, he just lets me be and sometimes that's all I need.

Sometimes I don't know why my feelings of doom and negativity are so overpowering, so suffocating. Sometimes it is just part of having a chemical imbalance in my brain triggered by the trauma I endured.

Sometimes I just feel a little down and can't find it in myself to smile or be positive.

But Hunter makes me feel like that's okay. Like it's okay not to be okay.

The sun is blazing down on us and I'm glad I settled on a sundress. I feel more comfortable in long sleeves but I might actually melt today if I had of went with an outfit choice that accommodated my need to hide away. I've already took my sandals off and am carrying them in my hand.

As we walk along the beach I don't miss the way girls turn their heads to ogle Hunter, even some women too. Not that I blame them, his toned body is begging to be released from his slimfit Tshirt and the white of it accelerates his tan and stunningly blue eyes.

I feel so small next to him, even his slight shadow cast on the sand dominates mine. The attention he draws to us makes me feel uncomfortable and I can feel myself trying to retreat into my metaphorical shell. I just want to be in the comfort of my own room with no prying eyes trying to undress my.. well Hunter. Whatever he is to me, my friend maybe? - with said eyes.

He must sense my uncomfortableness because he grabs sandals out of my hand that is closest to his and moves them to his other one and takes my small hand in his large on. He leads me towards a quieter section of the beach. I watch him as we walk along, my hand in his, my sandals dangling by the straps from his middle finger in the hand that is also holding Coco's leash. The way his tongue darts out to wet his bottom lip before he pulls it into his mouth and lets out a loud whistle to gain Coco's attention when she runs slightly too far ahead of us. Okay, that was fucking hot.

I don't blame those poor girls for staring, he's a damn Adonis.

We finally reach a quiet spot of the beach that is virtually empty. Hunter reaches one arm over his head and grabs the collar of his Tshirt with his hand before pulling it over his head in one smooth, swoon worthy move. He flattens the material out on the sand before putting the leash and my sandals down beside it.

"Your throne for the day madam." He says in a terrible, fake British accent and does an awful attempt of a curtsy to complete the act.

"Why thank you kind sir." I tell him in an equally terrible fake accent and we both laugh at our horrible improv skills.

I sit on the Tshirt and Hunter sits on the sand beside me, leaning back on his arms. We're both silent for a while, basking in feel of the sunshine warming our skin and admiring the vastness of the ocean while Coco splashes around in the water softly nipping at the shoreline.

"So, what was up with you and Joey earlier?" I ask, finally breaking the silence.

Hunter thinks for a moment, "I'm not sure I even know myself. But I could have so done without hassle off the cramp twins this morning." He tells me and I laugh at his reference to the children's show we used to watch together when we were younger. "My turn, why have you avoided me all week?"

"I haven't-" I begin but Hunter cuts me off.

"Don't bullshit me like I'm stupid Grace." He scoffs, his tone still gentle though.

"I got freaked out." I admit.

Hunter just nods his head but doesn't push me any further for an explanation. Almost as if he understands what I'm trying to say through my unspoken words.

After a few minutes of silence he speaks up, "I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. It was just nice being close to you like old times again."

"You didn't" I rush out. "Make me feel uncomfortable, I mean. I guess.." I trail off and take a breath trying to gather my thoughts, "I guess I'm just used to being alone. I didn't actually realize how lonely I truly was. Not just with you, but I pushed everyone away. It's hard letting people back in."

He turns to me, regret swimming in his blue eyes, "I'm sorry I left. I promise I will explain everything to you at some point." He tells me and I believe him. Hunter is anything but a liar, he will point blank refuse to tell me something rather than make up a lame ass excuse.

After a while of sunbathing and talking about everything and anything, the brightness of the sun is finally starting to dim and Hunter suggests that now would be the perfect opportunity for our project picture.

It's funny, I had such a good time today I almost forgot about the picture project.

Hunter takes the photo on his phone and then turns his front camera on.

"Come on beautiful, we have to take a selfie too." I roll my eyes but join Hunter in standing in front of the ocean, my smile matching his.

We make our way back to Hunter's car and I can't help but keep stealing glances at him. His damp hair is hanging loosely over his forehead and he has his Tshirt rolled up and hanging over each shoulder, his hands holding on to either end emphasising his bulging arm, chest and lats.

I cringe when I see Coco is covered in sand and water.

"She's going to ruin your seats." I tell him as he holds the back door open for her to climb onto his un blemished leather seats.

"So? I can get them cleaned it's no big deal. Besides, if it means you spend the day with me again I'd even let her piss all over my car." He says and I can't help but snort at his crude choice of words.

"How romantic"

"If you want romance, I'll show you romance." He shoots me a wink as he holds open the passenger side door for me.

...

Coco hops out of Hunter's car once we're parked outside of his house and he hands me her leash.

"You know, when you said you would show me romance I didn't realise your idea of a romantic gesture was taking me to a Mcdonalds drive through" I laugh.

"Hey, I bought you and Coco chicken nuggets, if that isn't romantic I'm not sure what is."

"Thank you. I had a nice day today." I tell him honestly. I'm done trying to fight Hunter on this whole friendship thing, he's persistent when he wants something and I like his company. So what's the point in cutting off my nose to spite my face.

"I did too Gracie." He gives me a smile that melts my insides and I follow Coco across the grass back to my house all the while feeling Hunter's eyes burning into mine.

Once I'm showered and in my jarmies I get into bed. It's been a long day and the sea air always takes it out of me. Just before I fall asleep I hear my phone ding.

I open the new message off an unsaved number and see it's the photo of Hunter and me from today.

How the hell has he got my number?

My breathing hitches as I examine the photo.

The background makes it clear the sun is setting with the red and orange tones painting the sky. The sea looks tranquil and still other than the ripples where Coco is playing in it. But none of that is what catches my attention, it's me. My green eyes have more life in them than they seem to have had in a long time and my smile seems genuine, not forced or rehearsed. Real.

Another text comes through.

Sweet dreams Gracie xx