"Okay,guys, hush! It's loading!" Hunter sat in front of his laptop, gushing excitement. He'd gathered all the guys and Bethany into the room, where they were all anxiously awaiting the reveal of the finalized "Tattoo" video.
Bethany could feel her stomach twisting in knots. She was going to be sick. Would she be able to watch it without puking? Or crying? Could she watch it without remembering the actual experience?
Nope, can't do it,she thought, reaching into her pocket and pulling out her phone. She pretended she had a call, and excused herself off the bus, where she immediately started blowing out breaths heavy with stress.
Hunter saw her leave, but he didn't buy the fake phone call. He knew Beth's ringtone by heart, and she had never set it to silent or vibrate that he could remember. What was going on with her?
"Give me a second, guys," he said, hopping up and following her out. He found her sitting with her back against the bus tire, playing with a shard of rock in her hands. He went straight over and sat down next to her, feeling the tension as thickly in this moment as he had all week. Something had definitely gone wrong between them, and it was far past time he found out what it was.
He tapped her with his elbow and she smiled weakly at him.
"So, uh..." he started, scratching his neck, "Did I do something wrong? Because you've been really distant since the video shoot."
She looked at him guiltily. " No, you didn't do anything wrong. I'm really sorry I am being such a baby about this."
He laughed at her apologetic face. "Is this just because you had to waste your first kiss on me?" Even though it was definitely not a waste for me.
It wasn't a waste, Hunter. That's the problem.
She laughed, refusing to share that thought. "I guess I'm just embarrassed. And I am worried your fans won't like the video."
He chuckled again. "And by that you mean you're worried they won't like you." She nodded, and he impulsively wrapped her in a hug. "If they don't, I will make a personalized video telling them all the reasons they should."
He let her go, hoping she hadn't just caught his slip up. Tell them all the reasons they should like her?! Real smooth, Hunt!
Beth relaxed when he let her go, but her face was still red hot. Before she could tell him "thanks but no thanks" - she was afraid that he wouldn't be able to come up with enough reasons to convince them - he continued.
"And don't be embarrassed about the kiss. I'm honored. And soon, maybe very, very soon, you'll meet a guy who will kiss you just because he wants to." Like I would if you thought of me that way.
Bethany winced, those words cutting at the tender lining of her heart. Thanks for reminding me you didn't want to, Hunter.
"Well, okay. I shall endeavor to be less embarrassed." She swore, actually meaning it.
"Cool," he replied, standing and helping her off the ground. "So, can we be normal again? I mean...uh..." He cleared his throat. "I've really missed hanging out with you, Beth."
She wanted to cry again, but she knew that she felt the same. As much as it killed her to be around him right now, she still missed him. Their easy interactions, their harmonizing laughter, the way they'd burst into song randomly, and he'd tease her about needing singing lessons (or a miracle). She missed that.
"Yes," she responded, trying to smile genuinely. "We can be normal again."
"Awesome," he said, pulling her in for a quick hug and feeling his excitement return full force. "Now let's go watch that video!"
Viola! New chapter! Can they do it? Can they go backwards? Can she forget the kiss? Can he? Like, comment, follow me, and most importantly stay tuned!!! <3 God bless and happy reading!!
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Secret Love (Hunter Hayes Fanfiction)
Romansa"I'm falling for someone who isn't falling for me." "I know exactly how you feel," he answered, leaning down and hugging her tightly. "Do you?" She hugged him back, willing him to know just how much she cared for him. He chuckled. "Yeah, I do." H...
