Finding Him (Him Series Book 2)

4-Payback

Izabelle

My phone dinged with the sound of an incoming text. Warily, I withdrew it from my pocket and tapped the screen.

Scott: Who's the new guy?

Lifting my head, I glanced around and searched the mass of people. Even if Scott was here, I wouldn't be able to see him in the crowd. He always seemed to know where I was and what I was doing. It was unnerving.

Shooters was the last place Scott would come. He hated country music, dancing, and beer, all of which he felt were beneath him. He preferred expensive wine and soft jazz.

I doubted he was here. He'd probably sent the text to mess with me. He'd always been jealous even though I'd never given him a reason. I didn't bother to respond.

It was late and I was exhausted. Lucy and Katie had already gone home. Ava's friend Mia met us and the two of them were doing tequila shots in between bouts of singing, giggling, and dancing.

They didn't look too good. "How are you getting home?"

"What are you, our mother?" Mia laughed.

"She's just concerned," Ava defended me. "Relax, Izabelle, we're calling a cab. You taking off already?"

I nodded. "Have fun and stay safe."

"See ya'."

"Bye, Mom!" Mia bellowed drunkenly, her mocking gaze following me.

I glanced back to see her wave. She was right about one thing. Twenty-eight was too old to spend my nights at a bar, especially when I had to go to work early the next morning.

A lot of women my age were married with children. Pretending I enjoyed the single life was getting tougher. What I really wanted was a family—a husband, children, and evenings spent at home having dinner and playing board games. I wasn't sure how to find a man that was honest, dependable, someone that would love me despite how messed up I was.

Hunter.

Why did I always think of him?

Because my heart longed for Hunter, but after tonight I was sure that would never happen. Not that I had a chance with him anyway. He didn't look at me any differently now than he did when I was sixteen, which was a little strange. Men usually noticed me—no, correction. They noticed my looks. Not one cared to get to know me. Except for Scott, which is why I stuck around for so long.

Walking outside, I inhaled the fresh night air only to get a whiff of smoke as I passed a couple kissing in between drags of their cigarettes. I kept moving, my keys already out, and my gaze scanning the lot cautiously before finding the car I'd finally finished paying Scott for. That he hadn't handed over the title frustrated me, but I figured he'd come around. After all, he was the one sleeping around.

Reaching for the handle, I pulled the door open and slid in.

"Izabelle."

The deep voice startled me. I gasped and lifted the keys like a weapon, but I stopped suddenly. Hunter Donovan towered over me like a hero straight from my dreams. My heart skipped a beat, then began to pick up speed.

"You shouldn't drive." The words were softly spoken, but there was no mistaking the command.

He held out his hand and I took it, allowing him to pull me out of the car. The feel of my skin against his sent a spark up my arm. His eyes widened, and I wondered if he felt it too.

"I didn't know you were still here." I was all shivery and breathless, and that was before my gaze fastened on his mouth.

His lips compressed into a firm line. "I waited for you."