Perfectly Pink - An It's Always Been You Romance (Complete)

Chapter 23

Mary's stomach did a little flip at the knock on the door.

She skipped across the marble entryway of her sister's house in Washington and flung the door open. Hunter's front-page worthy, clean-shaven chin complimented his light-blue suit and dazzling golden eyes. The late evening sky glowed deep purple behind him as he stood on the porch, a bag with what she hoped contained sushi in one hand.

"You found me."

"Worth the effort." His smile caused goosebumps. "I'm a bit early."

She ushered him in. "All good. Beth and Lance are gone and the kids are in bed."

"Oh, I was hoping to meet little Ben and Keri."

"Trust me, it's better this way." Mary ran a finger down his tie. "They get soy sauce everywhere." She eyed the bag in his hand.

Hunter offered it to her. "I never break a promise."

Mary suppressed a laugh. No man was that perfect. She opened the bag to find a clear plastic covered container with tiny rolls of rice and what she hoped was salmon. One of the many things Bridgetown lacked was a sushi restaurant. And given Emily was pregnant, it wasn't like anyone was ordering it from the next town over. "I've been looking forward to this."

"Me too."

"The food or the company?"

"Both." Hunter followed her into the kitchen, where Mary placed the bag on the counter. He took off his suit jacket and placed it over the back of a chair. "How's your sister feeling?"

It was too early to tell strangers about her sister's pregnancy, so Mary sidestepped the question, grabbing two glasses from the cupboard. "Better. Care for a sparkling cranberry?"

Hunter yanked at his tie as he nodded. Mary dove into the fridge, pulling out the ingredients for the drink. She would have preferred a glass of her favourite red, but the substitute would have to do. "How's the senator? Kissing babies and staying scandal free?"

"He's good. The crowds lately have been standing room only, which is a good sign." Hunter undid the top button of his shirt. "Hasn't disappointed anyone yet."

Give him time. 

Drinks ready, Mary handed one to Hunter and clinked her glass against his. Did cheers count if there was no alcohol inside the goblet? She decided it didn't matter. The smile she received in return was enough.

"When will your sister and her husband be back?"

"Depends. They went to the movies. If they saw what Lance wanted to see, maybe ten o'clock." Mary inched closer to Hunter. "But I suspect longer as Beth is not a fan of superhero stories." She claimed her husband was all the superhero she needed.

Hunter looked at his watch. "So, we have at least three hours." Golden eyes that had deepened to the colour of Finn's favourite scotch met hers. "Alone."

She nodded, wondering what Hunter had in mind. Their last date they came back to her place with the intent to sleep together before the night had been ruined by the waterfall in her living room. They couldn't simply pick back up from there, could they? That night it was what she'd wanted, to move their relationship forward.

"Shall we eat?" Mary turned towards the food. Hunter took her drink out of her hands and placed both glasses on the counter.

"How about dessert first?"

He took her chin in his hand, tipped her head back, and placed a quick kiss on her open lips. "I missed you." Hunter's hands found her hips, tugging her closer.