“I’m guessing since she just told you, you haven’t been together this whole time.”
“No,” I said, rubbing at the back of my neck. “We haven’t.”
“Has she dated anyone? I know when I was talking to her, she seemed to have locked herself up with those bees she loves so much.”
“She hasn’t dated anyone, no. And she pretty much did just that—buried herself away until about two years ago.”
“Damn,” Lori whispered. The line remained silent a moment before she said, “When I first started dating my husband, intimacy was hard for me. Just know…it’s not you. It’s not really you she’s pushing away, it’s the memories of one moment in her life that changed her. My husband was so patient with me, loved me. Gave me the control I needed in order to take things as slow or as fast as I wanted.”
My conversation with Bella from lunch came back to me. Asking if she could touch me without me touching her. “I understand.”
“Good. I just don’t want you to be discouraged. And maybe she’s been to counseling, I don’t know. Like I said, I haven’t spoken to her in like seven or eight years now, I guess.”
“I appreciate all the help you’ve given me, Lori.”
“Of course. Don’t hesitate to call again if you need anything.”
I nodded and smiled, even though she couldn’t see me. “I will, and congratulations on your new baby. I bet Bella would like to know when you do have her.”
“I think so too. Thanks, Hunter. Bye.”
“Bye, Lori.”
Hanging up the receiver, I looked over at Kyle. All he had to do was nod once, and I knew he had the information I needed.
“Hang on to it for now,” I said. “Tonight is the first time I’m taking Arabella out, and I don’t want anything to ruin that. If you give me his information now, I’ll want to drive to Maine.”
He nodded.
“You coming out tonight?”
“Hell yes, I am. Aiden and Willa are too. Aiden said Willa’s going stir crazy, and when she found out Arabella was going, she jumped at the chance to join.”
Smiling, I said, “Good. My sister deserves it.”
“You ought to call Lacy and Connor…”
I laughed. “Are you kidding me? Those two would always rather have a quiet night in. They’re not into going out anymore.”
Kyle frowned. “I pray to God that never happens to me.”
I laughed. When I stood, Jack jumped up, which had Cat waking up from her nap. She took one look at Jack and sprang into action.
“You going to bring a date?” I asked.
Kyle dropped his head back and let out a roar of laughter. “Am I bringing a date? Hell no. Hopefully there’ll be some ski bunnies down from the slopes looking for some fresh meat.”
I rolled my eyes. “Right. I’m going home to change. Thanks, Kyle, for all you’ve done.”
He stood and reached his hand out for mine. “Dude, you’re like my brother. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
“Same goes for me, Kyle.”
We shook, and he pulled me in for a quick bro hug.
I hit him on the side of the arm. “I appreciate it, man. More than you know.”
The moment the front door to Greer’s house opened, I heard the ladies. Hudson smiled and said, “You’re just in time. I think something was going down with them earlier, but I could be wrong. I’ve yet to be able to read that group.”
Laughing, I walked into the foyer. “Yeah, good luck with that, man.” I went to say something else to Hudson, but then I stopped in my tracks.
Bella was walking toward us, her arm linked with Candace’s. I took a slow perusal of her from top to bottom and felt my heart rate pick up tenfold. When her eyes met mine, I couldn’t help but smile. The glow of happiness on her face left me breathless. Candace let go and Bella made her way over to me.
“You look beautiful.” Her cheeks flushed, and I felt my cock jerk in my pants. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at a white button-down shirt again without thinking about this moment.”
Bella giggled and shook her head. She glanced down at the floor and then back up to me. Her blue eyes were bright and full of life.
Fucking finally.
I cupped her face in my hands and leaned down to kiss her. She reached up and deepened the kiss, and I could have easily gotten lost in her, had it not been for Hudson clearing his throat.
Bella took a step back and let out a nervous chuckle.
“Now that’s what I call a greeting,” Candace stated. I glanced over at her and noticed Abby, Greer, and Brighton all smiling as they nodded their heads.
“It’s about time!” Abby clapped.
“What’s about time?” Bishop asked, walking around the corner.
“Arabella and Hunter locking lips,” Greer said with a wink in Bella’s direction.