I could hear Vince humming over the chorus, listening to the beautiful song on the speakers. I looked out at the window, enjoying the beauty of the skies and nature all around us.
Just when I was indulging over the picturesque view of our hometown, I felt Hunter’s hand touch mine. His warmth tingled my skin, waking me up from the long dream I’d had. He was the vibrant sun that lit up my days, giving me a new reason to live and love life.
I turned and stared at his handsome face and found him smiling from ear to ear. Despite his eyes on the road, I could feel his attention on me. The way he held my hand, there was something different about it, something possessive.
When we reached the lake, Vince got out of the car with a happy yelp. He ran toward the dock, his arms opened, yelling and scaring the birds and ducks around the dock.
We laughed, and Hunter moved to the trunk to get everything out. We walked side by side, watching the bright sky and the clear lake surrounding us. Vince was beaming at us, waving his hand up in the air for us to come and join him.
“Let’s go, slow pokes!” He laughed and bounced on his feet.
“Some of us are getting old, thank you very much.” Hunter glanced over at me and released my hand to press his fingers into my lower back. He moved closer, and his hand slid down a little, his fingers brushing over the top of my ass. “I missed you so much. You know how hard it was to be a gentleman last night while you slept in my arms?”
I turned to face him and smiled. “Maybe you shouldn’t have been.”
He growled, and I laughed, turning to Vince and walking out on the pier with him.
As Hunter and Vince began their fishing bonanza, I decided to take pictures of the moment. I did not bother to tell them that I was taking photos. Natural, stolen moments were the best memories captured and recalled back after days passed.
Hunter noticed me holding my phone and taking pictures of them. He held his fishing rod up and rested it on the dock, turning his attention to me. “Hey, Miss Paparazzi, who said you could take pictures of us here? That’s illegal.” He stood up and chased me, his hands covered in worm guts and smelling like fish.
I pocketed my phone as he approached, raising my hands in front of me to shove him away. He was undaunted, eager to catch me in his arms. “You’re not going anywhere, Miss Kylie Tomms.”
I laughed as I ran as fast as I could.
He was faster than me, chasing me with a determination that felt almost predatorial. It turned me on far more than it should have.
Soon enough, Hunter’s arms surrounded me, successful in arresting me for taking stolen photos. His hands were on my waist, holding me tight so as not to let me go. Vince was laughing at us, entertained by the childish game we were playing. I turned to face Hunter, my eyes staring at him.
“I told you, miss. You’re not going anywhere.” He was smirking at me. I pretended to struggle like I wanted to escape his hold on me. Vince was happily watching us, enjoying the chemistry and sweet nothings the two of us shared.
“You’re a tough one to beat, Hunter.” I tickled him on his sides, which gained me an escape route. I victoriously freed myself from his hold, running toward Vince to seek support from him.
“I have the super boy with me. You can’t beat us.” I embraced Vince as we watched him walk toward us. He leaped at us, embracing us close to him. Vince began to tickle his Dad, using his tiny fingers to make his father laugh.
“Okay, I give up!” Hunter raised his arms as he laughed heartily, retreati
ng from Vince’s secret weapon. “I can’t beat this kid!”
We laughter as Hunter cringed. “I told you, Dad. We’re here to protect Kylie, even from each other.”
The little boy’s words raced down into my heart, healing me completely. I smiled and reached out to ruffle his hair. “Thank you, Vince. You’re my hero.”
“All right, you saps. Let’s fish.” Hunter nodded toward the dock and walked back out, leaving us staring at each other. We shared a laugh and followed his lead.
The three of us sat on the dock like little kids having fun under the sun. Hunter wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer toward him. I looked into his eyes until I heard a phone camera snap, capturing a photo.
I turned my attention toward Vince who was holding his father’s phone. He took a photo of us without me knowing it. Hunter winked at his son, approving his move as a job well done. Vince showed the photo to us, proud of the product of his new found skill.
“You guys look so happy.” He handed me the phone. “Like a family.”
“Because we are one.” Hunter smiled down at me and touched my face. “I’m in love with this pretty girl, Vince. What do you think about that?”
“I like it, just don’t—”
Hunter leaned down and kissed me as Vince groaned in disgust and finished his sentence.
“Just don’t kiss her. Jeez, Dad. Don’t you know girls have cooties? Even our Kylie.”