Hayden & Hunter©

TWO

"Well, it was really stupid of me mum," I say with a chuckle, tracing the words Lillian Collins with my finger. "I just blurted out about your anniversary and bolted, straight here. Straight to you."

A heavy lump forms in my throat and tears prick the back of my eyes, threatening to fall.

"I really miss you, mum. I just wish you were here right now."

I sniffle quietly, letting a stray tear fall down my face, ruining my layers of makeup.

A hand finds its way onto my shoulder, making me flinch.

"Sorry," a husky voice apologizes.

Turning my head to see the owner of the oh-so-sexy voice, I'm surprised to see Hunter Blue squatting down beside me; his red puffy eyes matching mine.

"Hi," I whispered shyly, tucking one of many loose strands, behind my ear.

Wait, shyly? I mentally scolded myself. Remember who you are, Hayden. You are hot, you are confident and you are proud but you are most certainly not shy. Well, that's what I've lead myself to believe for three years, anyways.

I clear my throat and regain my posture, tilting my head up ever so slightly, scooting a centimeter away from Hunter, and narrowing my widely wanted, quite literal, emerald green eyes.

"What are you doing here?" I snap, piercing him with my harshest glare.

If he's taken aback by my abrupt tone, he's not showing it. In fact, he gives me a small, sheepish smirk instead, but I can detect no humor and instantly know it's bitter.

"Same as you," he drawls, focusing his eyes on a grave just three away from my mum's. "Visiting my dead mother."

There's something about the way he says it.

Maybe it's the contempt and bitterness in his tone.

Maybe it's simply his demeanor. His clenched fists hanging limply by his sides, his jaw hardened and a frown imprinted on his forehead.

His eyes glaze over, sadness apparent. He looks... vulnerable.

Without thinking, I curl my small hands over his large, clenched one.

When he finally tears his gaze from his mother's grave, he looks at my hand on his from the corner of his eye.

Taking one glance at him, I can tell he's shocked by my gesture. What can I say? I am too.

Not being able to muster up the courage to say anything, I manage a small, weak smile.

"You know," Hunter starts saying, pausing to change his position to sit with his legs crossed. "I never thought that the bitchy Hayden Collins would ever be comforting me, in a graveyard."

"Me too," I admit, agreeing with him.

"So you admit you're bitchy?" he asks in amusement, raising a single eyebrow, a skill that I'm jealous of.

"Only if you admit you're arrogant," I smirk.

He scoffs, rolling his eyes but then something magnificent happens. The corners of his mouth quirk upwards and his eyes light up as he gives me a genuine, heart-stopping smile.

My palms become sweaty, my heart beat increases rapidly and butterflies erupt in my stomach.

Our eyes meet and for a few seconds, it's as if there's no one else in the world.

My voice catches in my throat and I'm at a loss for words.

Don't do it, Hayden! You can't get attached- this is the first time you've met the guy. You're a player. And so is he.

Hunter begins leaning in and though the words are at the tip of the tongue, I can't get myself to utter them. To reject him.

All I can think about is him.

I rake my eyes over him.

His jaw is well defined. His eyes are dark and mysterious, I find them capturing me and luring me in. His small lips are plump and a beautiful mix of a flushed pink and red. His abs and muscles are clearly visible through his well-fitted white tee.

Before I know it, his lips are on mine. The kiss is slow and soft, but filled with passion and hunger.

My arms find their way around his neck and I kiss him back, melting against him.

All I want in this moment in this, is Hunter.