Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
Chapter52
Chapter53
Chapter54
Chapter55
Chapter56
Chapter57
Chapter58
Epilogue
MoreBooks!
SneakPeek
Copyright

Chapter1

“Sothisisit?”Jonasked,lookingupatthelargecolumnstoppedwithweepingwomen.“The

happiestplaceonearth?”

Esmesmiledasshepulledhimintothepark.“Well,it’smyhappiestplaceonearth.I’msureDisney

woulddisagree.”

Jonsmiledback,hiseyesglintingplayfully.“ImighthavetosidewithDisneyatfirstglance,but

I’llgiveyouashotatconvertingme.”

“Getreadytobeconverted,”Esmesaid,slippingherhandintohisandleadinghimtothemain

loopcirclingaroundthepondatthePalaceofFineArtsinSanFrancisco.Esmecouldn’tcountthe
memoriesshe’dmadeinthisplace.Hermom,Audra,hadgonewalkingeverymorningwithherbest
friend,Sarah,backwhenEsmewasababy.Thebestfriendshadtheirfirstbabiesatthesametime,and
whatstartedasabuddysystemtotakeoffbabyweighthadturnedintoamorningritual.

Overtheyears,thedailywalkshadgrownlongerandlonger,givingEsmeastrollerviewofthe

cityasshegrew.Butthewalks—thenjogs—alwaysendedatthesameplace:thePalaceofFineArts.
That’swherethemomsstoppedtofinishtheconversationsofthedaywhilelettingthefish,ducks,
turtles,architecture,andtouristsdistractthetwokidsstrangersfrequentlyconfusedastwinswiththeir
matchingblueeyesandblondehair—herandHunter.

Esme’sveryfirstmemorieswereofthosemajesticcolumnscrownedbyweepingwomenatopthe

pergolasurroundingtherotunda.Mostofhermemoriesincludedgettingintrouble—she’dalways
beengoodatthatinheryoungeryears.Therewasthecolumnwhereshe’dtriedtoclimbashighas
Hunterandendedupbreakingherarm,andthespotwhereHunterhadtoldhergirlscouldn’tpunchas
hardasboysandshe’drespondedbyknockingouthistooth.They’dbeensix,anditwasoneofthe
fewtimesinherlifeshe’dseenHuntercry.

Partofherstillsmiledeverytimeshethoughtofit.Maybethatmemory,inparticular,shouldn’t

havebroughtaspringtoherstep,butsomehowtimehadturnedallofhermemoriesfromthisplace
intoagianttapestryofnostalgiaandgoodvibes.

Inherchildhood,itwaswherehermomandbestfriendhadcometogossip;butasanadult,itwas

whereEsmeinevitablyendedupwheneversheneededtoclearherheadormakeabigdecision.
Everythingmademoresensewhenshesteppedontothegrounds.Thatwaswhysheprobablydidn’t
comewithotherpeopleveryoftenanymore…onlyHunter.Thetwoofthemstillmetuphereifthere
wassomedramathatneededtobesortedout,oriftheyneededtoconspireagainsttheirmothersfor
somereason.Butthesedays,itwasmostlyherspot.

Excepttoday.
TodayJon,herboyfriendofsixmonths,hadbroughther.Shehadn’taskedhimtocome,butwhen

he’daskedifshehadafavoritespotinthecitylastweek,she’dtoldhim.

Nowheretheywere.
OfallthemenEsmehaddated,JondefinitelytoppedtheKeeperlist.Hewasmeticulous.

Thoughtful.Hepaidattentionandalwaysdidhisbesttomakesureanytimetheyspenttogetherwasa

culturedandpleasurableexperience.Itdidn’thurtthatJonwasahandsomedoctor,too—dark-haired,
hazel-eyed,andonthefitsideoftrim.No,thatdidn’thurtatall,butEsmehaddatedandbrokenup
withherfairshareofdoctors…andpilotsandscientistsandinvestorsandlawyers.Prettyfacesandfat
walletsdidlittletoswayher.Theywerenicetohavearoundandmadethingseasier,sure,butEsme
wasn’tonetosettle.AndJonwasthefirstmanshe’deverbeenwithwhohadturnedhermindto
thoughtsofsomethinglongterm.

Now,afteronlysixmonthsofspendingtimewithhim,Esmethoughtshemightknowwhatlove

feltlike.

Love.
She’dbeentoyingwiththatwordlately,regressingbacktohermiddleschooldaystotryitonfor

sizewhenshewasalone.

“IloveJonBauer…Hi,I’mEsmeBauer.”
Thinkingofmarriagewaspresumptuousonherpart,ofcourse.Shehadtokeepremindingherself

thatithadonlybeenacoupledozendates,allinall.ButthegoodnewswasthatJonwasalready
wooingherintosecretlytryinghisnameonforsizeinthatshortatime.Thatwasn’tnothing.
EspeciallyinEsme’sworld.Fewmenlastedsixmonths,period.Nonehadeverhadherrevertingto
hermiddleschooldaysoftestinglastnames.Andshe’dcertainlynevertoldaboyfriendabouther
specialspotbefore.BesidesHunter,Jonwastheonlymanshe’dcomeherewithandthatmeant
something.

“Sotellme,”Jonsaid,onearmslidingaroundhershoulderwhiletheotherpointeduptothetopof

thecolumns.“What’swithallthecryingladies?”

Esmeleanedintothecrookofhisarmandsmiledupathim.“They’recryingatthenotionofa

worldwithoutart.”

“Huh,”hesaid,hiseyessurveyingthespace.“Iguessthat’sasadthought.”
“Exactly,”Esmebeamedastheytookthescenicroutetotherotunda.Shecouldliterallytalkabout

thisplaceforanhour,butshe’dwaitforJontoaskquestionsfirst.Shedidn’twanttooverwhelmhim
onhisfirstvisit.

“It’snicehere,”hesaidafteramomentofsnuggledwalking.“Kindoftouristy,butIcanseewhy

youlikeit.”

“Yeah,”Esmesaid,lookingoveratthepond.“IguessIhavealotofgoodmemorieshere.WhenI

visit,it’slikeIcanfeeltheechoesofthem,youknow?”

Jonpressedakisstohertempleandsmiled.“Yeah.Igetthat.Wherewouldyousayyourhappiest

spotishere?”

ThequestionmadeEsmepauseforamomentassheglancedaround.Didshehaveafavoritespot?

Couldshechoose?Wasittheshadysideofthelakewheretheturtlesandduckstendedtocongregate?
WasittherotundawheresheandHunterhadcausedsomuchmischief?Ortheever-perfectfoliage
thathadgottenhersointerestedingardeningatanearlyage?

Esmeglancedtoherleft,notingthattheywerereachingthephotoopppartoftheloop,wherethe

rotundaandfountainlinedupfortheperfectvacationpicture.

“I’vealwayslikedithere,”shesaidabsently.“Ican’teventellyouhowmanythousandsofpictures

I’vetakenfortouristsinthisspot.Butitneverbothersme.”Shepointedtothebenchesrightbehind
thepicturesquearea.“Mymomandherfriendusuallyavoidedthesebenchessotheycouldtalk
withoutbeinginterrupted,butasIgotolder,Isometimeshungouthereonpurpose.Ilikedtakingthe
picturesandseeingallthepeopleonvacation.”

Jonregardedherwithmoreintensitythanusual.“Butisityourfavoritespot?”
“Idon’tknowthatIhaveone,”shesaidhonestly,evenashermindenvisionedaspotontheright

sideoftherotunda.She’dfledthereonwhathadfeltliketheworstdayofherlifetohidefromthe

world.Ithadbeenjunioryear.She’dgivenherhearttoaboywhohadonlywantedherfor
braggingrights,onlytohavehimdropherthemomenthehadthem.She’dneverfeltmorebetrayed
orhumiliatedinherlifeandshe’dwantedtohidefromtheworldtocryitout,butHunterhadfound
herinnotime.

Withinthirtyminutes,he’dhadherlaughing.Withinanhour,he’ddroppedheroffathome.Before

morning,HunterhadlocatedEsme’sex-boyfriendandbeatthecrapoutofhim,alongwiththethree
friendswhohadfoughtalongsideherex.Hunterhadn’twalkedoutofthefightunscathed,but
consideringithadbeenfour-on-one,asplitlipandablackeyeprobablyshouldhavebeenonlythe
beginningofHunter ’sinjuries,nottheextentofthem.

Esmehadneverbeenafanofviolence—stillwasn’t—butshewouldbelyingifshedidn’tadmit

thatnightwasoneofthemostbitter-sweetofherlife.Thejuxtapositionofpure,scathingbetrayalin
contrasttounflinchingloyaltyhadhelpedherbecomemorediscerninginherchoiceofmen.Itwasa
memorythathadledhertodatemenlikeJon—loyal,kind,honest,thoughtful,andgenuine.Hewasa
goodmanwhowasgoodtoher,andanaccomplishedmanwhowascomfortableinhisownskin.
Thatwasthekindofmanshewantedtobewith.

“Thisisaprettyspot,”hesaid,pullingEsmeawayfromherthoughts.“Infact,Ithinkitmightbe

theperfectspot.”

Esmegrinned.“Right?Isn’titgorgeous?”
“Itis,”Jonsaid,turningtofaceherandtracingthepadofhisthumboverherbottomlip.
Esmedroppedhereyesdowntohislips,anticipatingakiss.Shestartedtopushuponto

hertoes,butwassurprisedwhenJonsteppedawayanddroppedtoonekneeontheground.

Oneknee.
Jonwasononeknee.
Hermindimmediatelyjumpedtotheideathathewasabouttopropose,butshedismissedthe

thoughtquickly.Jonwasacautiousguy.Hedidn’trushintoanything.Hecouldn’tbeproposing.Not
thissoon.

Sowhatintheworldwashedoingononeknee?
“EsmeTaylor,”hesaid,pullingavelvetboxoutofhispocket.
A.Velvet.Box.
Esme’shandsflewoverhermouthassherealizedwhatwashappening.
“Sinceourfirstdate,therehasn’tbeenadaywhenIhaven’twantedtoseeyoursmile,”Jonsaid,

holdingtheboxbetweenthem.“Ihearyourvoice,andmydaybrightens.Ikissyourlips,and
everythingelsedisappears.”

Esmealmostcouldn’thearhimoverthehammeringofherheartagainstherribs.Thenthebox

opened,revealinganidealroundcutdiamondringthatcaughttheafternoonsunandleftherblinded
forthebriefestmomentwithitsbrilliance.

Hewasproposing—JonBauer,oneofthefewdoctorsinSanFranciscowithoutaGodcomplex,

wasproposing.Toher.

Shecouldn’tbreathe.
“Iknowwehaven’tknowneachotherthatlong,butIknowenoughtoknowthatIwantyoutobe

partoftherestofmylife.So,EsmeTaylor,willyoudomethehonorofbecomingMrs.Esme
Bauer?”

He’daskedhertomarryhim.Shewasn’timagingthis.Itwasn’tadream.
Jonhadaskedhertomarryhim…andsheneededtoanswer.
Partofhermindwasscreamingthatthiswastoosoon.Toofast.Shehadn’tevenintroducedJonto

herfamilyyetorgottenHunter ’sapproval.Therestofherwasswooning,arguingthattherewasstill
plentyoftimetointroduceJontoeveryone.Andwhowasshekidding?They’dlovehim.Howcould

theynot?

“Yes,”shesaidwithasmilesobigithurt.“Iwillmarryyou,JonBauer.”
Hestood,pluckingtheringoutofitsnestintheboxandraisingherlefthanduptoslideitonashe

pressedakisstoherlips.Sheleanedin,kissinghimbackforallshewasworth.

Whentheypulledapart,hewassmilingdownather.“Wecanexchangetheringifyouwant.”
Hesoundednervous,whichonlymadeheradorehimmoreinthatmoment.Whilehisusually

steadysurgicalhandsfumbledwithgettingtheringon,Esmedistractedhimwithanotherkiss.Behind
her,sheheardafewtouristsclapasJonblindlymadesurehe’dgottentheringallthewayonbefore
returninghisfocustothekiss.

Whentheybrokeapart,theirfingerswerestilltangled.
“Wouldyoulikemetotakeyourpicture?”alightlyaccentedvoiceaskedasEsmegazedintoJon’s

hazeleyes.“Foryourscrapbook?”

EsmelookedovertothesourceofthequestionandsawapetiteAsianladystandinginfrontofa

cookiecart.

“IfyouhaveaphoneorcameraIcantakeyourpicture,”thelittleladysaidagain.“Youtwomake

suchaprettypicturerightnow.”

“Sure,”Esmesaid,releasingoneofJon’shandsandreachingintoherpurse.Sheopenedthe

cameraappandhandedittothecookiecartlady.“Justpointandshoot.”

Thewomannoddeddismissivelyasifshe’ddonethiscountlesstimesbefore.
“Nowholdhishandagainlikebefore,”thelittleladyinstructed,suddenlyactinglikeanactual

photographer.“Lookintoeachother ’seyes.Trustme,it’sabeautifulpicture.”

Jonlookedabitamusedatthewoman’sbossinessandheandEsmeendedupsmirkinginshared

amusementasthewomantookseveralshotsofmultipleposesbeforehandingEsme’sphoneback.

“There,”theladysaid.“Nowyoucanalwaysrememberthisday.”
“Thankyou,”Esmesaid,hereyesdriftingtothecartforahintofwhothiswomanwas.Thesign

onitread,MissPearl’sKissingCookies.“Thankyouforthepictures,MissPearl.”

“You’reverywelcome,”shesaid,almostdismissivelyasshewalkedbacktohercart.“Nowplease

cometryacookie.”

Ah,thewomanknewhowtomakeasale,thatwasforsure.Theleasttheycoulddowasbuyafew

ofhercookiesasathankyouforthepicturesshe’dtaken.

EsmesharedalookwithJonandheshruggedasiftosay,Whynot?beforepullingouthiswallet.
“Howmucharethey?”heasked.
Thelittleoldladyheldupafinger.“Onekiss.”
EsmeblinkedinsurprisedandJon’shandsstilledonhiswallet.“Akiss?”
MissPearlnoddedandpickeduptwonapkins.“Loveisthefinalingredient.”
“Butweneedtopayyou,”Jonsaid,pullingoutafive-dollarbill.
Thelittleladyshookherheadandscoopedacookieupineachnapkin.“Nomoney.Akissfora

cookie.That’stheprice.”

JonwasabouttoargueagainwhenEsmedecidedtomovethingsalong.Shelinkedherarm

throughhisandgavehimalightsqueeze.“Soundslikeafairtradetome.”

Whenhelookedherway,hisbrowfurrowedinconfusion,Esmeusedafingertoanglehisfacefor

akiss.Oncehesawhermovingin,Jonmorethanmetherhalfway.

Man,Jonhadgreatlips.Itwasoneofthemanythingsshelovedabouthim.Yes,hewaseducated

andsuccessful,butallthatpalednexttothemouthgeneticshadblessedhimwith.Andtheywere
framedbythesmoothestshaveshe’deverfeltonaman.Itwasn’tthathehadababyface;hewasjust
oneofthoserareguyswhousedanactualrazorwhenheshavedanddidn’tshyfromshavingtwicea
dayifheknewhewasheadingoutthatnight.RunningherfingersalongJon’sjawlinewasas

gratifyingasrunningherhandoverafreshlyshavenleg.

“Mmm,”shesaidwhenhepulledawayfromthekiss.“Whoneedsacookieafterthat?”
Hegrinneddownather,histhumbtracingherlip.“Ithinkweearnedit.”
“Definitely,”Esmeagreedamomentbeforeatinyhandforcedacookieunderhernose.
“Nowtaste!”MissPearldemanded.
Esmebitbackalaughasthevendorinvadedtheirpersonalspace,butmanageda“Thankyou,”

beforeacceptingthecookieandtakingabite.

Shefelthereyebrowspulltogetherashermindsoughtoutanyoftheflavorssheexpectedtotaste

inacookie.Thecookielookedlikeitshouldtastegood.Itevenhadchocolateinit,butapparentlynot
inthebiteshe’dtaken.Ratherthandecadent,ittastedmorelikeafortunecookieyougotinaChinese
restaurant…onlyalittlemorebland.EsmeglancedJon’sdirectiontoseeifhewashavingthesame
reaction.

MissPearl’seyesnarrowedasshewatchedthem.“Whatdoyouthinkofmykissingcookie?Do

youlikeit?”

Jonhesitated.“Honestly?”
“Ofcourse!”thewomansaidasiftherewerenootheralternative.
Jonhesitatedashechosehiswords.“It’sabitblandforAmericantastebuds…abitlikeawafer.”
Awafer!That’swhatittastedlike.Avanillawafer.Esmetookanotherbiteandnoddedher

agreementdespiteseeingthelittlewomanfrownwithconcernassheshiftedherfocusfromJonand
backtoher.“Andyou?Youlikeit?”

“It’ssubtle,”Esmesaiddiplomatically.“Pleasantwithoutbeingoverpowering.”
Thevendornoddedasifthatmeantsomething.“Soyouthinksomethingismissing?”
EsmesentasearchinglooktoJonwhosignaledthatshewasonherown.“Itdependsonhowyou

eatit,Iguess.Itwouldbeperfecttodipincoffee.”

“Butnotonitsown?”
Shehatedtosayit,butsomethingaboutthelittlewomandemandedEsmespeakthetruth.“Onits

own?No.I’msorrytosaythis,butit’snotaverymemorablecookie.Ifyouwanttochargeforthem
someday,you’regoingtohavetochangeuptherecipeabit.”

“Hmph,”thelittlewomansaid,lookingbetweenthem.“Butyoulikethekiss?”
“Oh,yeah,”Jonsaidbeforeshecouldreply.“Thiskisswasfirst-rate.”
“Definitely,”Esmeagreed,andwouldhavepressedupontohertoestokisshimagainifapint-

sizedAsianwomanhadn’tbeenactingasahumanbuffer.

“So…goodkisses,boringcookies,”MissPearlsaidinsummary.
“Soundsrighttome,”Jonsaid,reachinghishandouttoEsmeasasignalthathewasreadytogo.
AlittleembarrassedatJon’sfrankness,Esmeslippedherhandintohisandtriedtoendona

differentnote.“Thankyouforboththepicturesandthecookie.Itwasagreatexcuseforakiss.”

“I’mglad,”theolderwomansaidwithasinceresmile.“Muchhappinesstobothofyou.”
“Thankyou,”Jonsaidwithasmilethatwasabittoopracticedtobegenuine.“Toyou,aswell.”
WhenJongaveherhandalightsqueeze,Esmetookthehintandstartedawayfromthespot.
“Someoneneedstointroducethatwomantosugar,”hesaidunderhisbreathandEsmechuckledin

responsebeforetakinganotherbite.

Asafoodiewhocamefromalonglineoffoodies,itbotheredherthatshecouldn’ttastethe

ingredientsinthecookie.Evenifitwasbland,sheshouldbeabletotastethebuildingblocks.

“Areyouseriouslygoingtoeattherestofthat?”Jonsaidafterhersecondbite.
“I’mtryingtotasteit.”
“There’snothingtotaste,”hesaid,clearlyguidingthemtowardsthenearestgarbagecan.
“There’salwayssomethingtotaste,”Esmecountered.“ButIcan’teventellwhatkindofflourshe

used…it’slikealltheflavorsareintheresomewhere,butreally,reallymuted.Youknow?”

Jontookanotherbite.“It’slikeavanillawafer.It’sfine,butthere’snothingthatmakesmewantto

eatthewholething.”

“Atleastwaituntilshecan’tseeyouthrowitout,”Esmesaid.“Noneedtoberudeaboutit.”
“Fine,”hesaid.“ButhowaboutwegobacktothecarandIgetyouarealdessertworthyof

celebratingthefactthatwegettokisseachotherfortherestofourlives?”

Atthementionofanotherdessert,EsmeabandonedtherestofhercookieandhandedittoJonto

throwawaywithhis.“NowthatisanideaIcanfullygetbehind.”

Chapter2

TrackingherbestfrienddownhadneverbeenhardforEsme.IfHunterwasn’twithher,hewas

almostalwaysinoneoffourplaces—atwork,helpingLukefliphismostrecenthouse,workingout
attheboxinggym,orhangingoutwiththeguysfromthefirestation.EvenifEsmecouldn’ttrack
Hunterviahalfadozensharedappsontheirphones,shewouldstillhaveknownwheretofindhimthe
morningaftersheandJoncelebratedtheirengagement.

Tosomepeople,workrelationshipswereobligatoryandforgottenthemomenttheyclockedoutat

theendofashift.ButHunter ’sfellowfiremenwerehisfamily,andfamilymealswereathingthat
happenedoften.

Today,abouttwentyfiremenhadmadeittoanearlyafternoonpicnic—somewithdates,some

without.Huntersatdatelessafewyardsfromthebarbecue.Theemptyplateonthegroundnexttohis
campingchairtoldEsmethathewasdoneeating,butthebottledanglingabsentlyfromhisfingertips
wasaclearindicationthathewasn’ttryingtoescapethepeoplehewastalkingto.Soitwasno
surprisetoseethatDarylwassittingacrossfromHunter,alongwithawomanEsmeassumedtobe
Daryl’sdate.Esmehadn’tseenherbefore.

SeveralpeoplewavedtoEsmeasshecrossedtheparktoHunter,andshewascarefultokeepher

lefthandwithitsnewringhiddeninherpocketasshewavedback.Shehadn’ttoldanyoneaboutthe
engagementyet—notevenhermom.ShewantedHuntertobethefirsttoknow.Oncehe,herfamily,
andGrace—hersoulsister—knew,shecouldstartpostingstuffonsocialmedia.Butherfirststopwas
definitelyHunter.

Keepingherlefthandawkwardlyplungedintohershallowfrontpocket,Esmedidherbestto

controlthenervouspoundingofherheartasshecoveredthelastfewstepstoHunter ’sgroup.

“Nah,that’snothowitworks,”HunterwassayingasEsmewalkedupbehindhim.“Darylisthe

tokenblackguyofthestation.Hisjobismoresecurethananyofours.”

Esme’spacefalteredaswarinesswashedoverher.
Why?WhydidHunterhavetoruinabeautifulSaturdaymorningwithclaimslikethat?Esme

lookedatDaryl’sdatetoseehowshewastakingthecommentandsawthewomanshakingherhead
emphatically.Great.Theconversationshewaswalkinginononlyhadthepotentialofgoingoneof
twoways:badornotasbad.

Yes,DarylwasblackandoneofHunter ’sbestfriends,whichmeanttheyoftenjokedaboutracial

doublestandardsbetweenthemselves.ButHunter ’scavalierattitudemaynotgooversowellwith
Daryl’sdate,whoseskinwasafewshadeslighterthanDaryl’s.Thelastthingmostwomenofcolor—
oranywoman,really—neededonabrightandpleasantmorningwasablond-haired,blue-eyedwhite
manlecturingheraboutrace.

Esmefelttheurgetoquietlybackawayfromtheconversationandcomebacklaterbut,

unfortunately,Darylhadalreadyspottedher.Therewasnoturningbacknow.

“Untilseasontwo,”Daryl’sdateargued,holdingupasmanyfingers.“Darylwouldgettobeyour

bestfriendandconfidantthroughseasonone,thenhewouldhavetodieinseasontwoforthesakeof

yourwhite-manpainandcharactergrowth.”

Ah,TVtropes.That’swhattheyweretalkingabout.Itwasn’tthefirsttimethetopiccameup

betweenHunterandhiscoworkers,anditwouldn’tbethelast.

Asfiremen,theguysjokedalotaboutdeath.HuntertoldEsmeoncethatitwasbecauseofhow

muchtragedytheysaweveryweek.SanFranciscohadthebusiestfirestationsinthecountry.There
wasnosuchthingasaslowday,andHunter ’sstationwasoneoftwostationsthatgotcalledintothe
gnarliestsituations.Itwasalotofhigh-riskstuffthatdidn’talwayshaveahappyending.

Everyonecopeddifferently,butHunterandhisbuddiestendedtojokealotabouthowtheirdays

wouldplayoutasTVepisodesandtheordertheywouldalldieinonTV.Itwasn’taconversation
Esmeparticularlyenjoyed,buteveryonehadtheircopingmechanismsandshewasn’tonetojudge.

Infrontofher,Huntershookhishead,willingtobattleoutracialtalkingpointswiththewoman.“I

respectfullydisagree.Myloveinterestwouldrandomlydieinseasontwo,andmybest-friend-of-
colorwouldbepushedbacktodieformyman-paininseasonthree.That’swhenthingsreallyget
real.SeasonthreeiswhenOTPsfinallygettogether.Everyoneknowsthat.Butitwilltakeacatalyst
likemybestfrienddyingformetoseethattheloveofmylifehasbeensittingundermynoseall
along.”

OTPstoodfor“onetruepairing”butEsmewasn’tsurehowHunterknewthat.Itwasmoreaphrase

teenagegirlsused,notstrappingfiremen.Butapparentlyhe’dhearditsomewhere.

“Oryoucoulddieformyblack-manpaininseasonthree,”DarylcounteredashesentEsmeanod

ofhello.“Itcouldbetheshockoftheyear:leadwhiteguydiesandtheshowkeepsgoing.Boom!
Howaboutthatforonce?”

HunterandDaryl’sdatelockedeyesandburstintolaughteratthesametime.
“He’sadorable,isn’the?”Huntersaid.
“Cuteasababy’sbuttcheek,”thewomanagreed,shakingherhead.“Black-manpain?Onnetwork

TV?Asif!”

Esmebitherlip,unwillingtotouchthetopicwithaten-footpoleasshetappedHunter ’sshoulder

tosignalshewasthere.Hesentheraquicknodastheotherwoman’samusedeyeslookedEsmeover
asshepursedherlips.

“SowhowouldournewarrivalbeinthisTVshow?”sheasked.
Esmeopenedhermouthtoanswer,butHunterspokefirst.
“She’smydivorcedsisterwhoisbalancingajobandtwokidswhiletryingtogetbackonthe

datingscene,”hesaidwithconfidence.

“Divorced?”Esmeobjected.“Idon’tthinkso.”
Huntershruggedasifitwasalloutofhishands.“Yoursolepurposeforbeingonscreenistogive

mycharacterdepthsothattheaudienceforgivesmeforallmyjerkmoves.AslongasI’mseenas
onewhoprotectsandcaresformyown,I’llbeforgivenofalltypesofsins.That’swhereyoucome
in.Throughyou,mysister,audiencesgettoseethatIsecretlyhaveaheartofgoldbeneathmyrascal
exterior.”

Esme’sthumbrubbedagainstthenewringonherfingerinherpocket.“Thatdoesnotmakeme

yourdivorcedsister—withtwokids,noless.I’mthesinglesisterwhocantakecareofherself,thank
youverymuch.”

“Well,then,you’renotgoingtogetmuchscreentime,areyou?”Huntersaidhelplessly.“Ifyour

worlddoesn’trevolvearoundmeinsomefashion,there’sreallynoreasontowriteyouintoanyof
theepisodes.”

“Hehasapoint,”DarylagreedasifHunterreallywasmakingsense.
“Unlessshediesforyourmanpaininseasontwo,”thedateoffered.
“Mysister?”Huntershookhishead.“Andleavemewithhertwokids?”

“WhydoIsuddenlyhavetwokids?”Esmeasked,buteveryoneignoredher.
“They’dgototheirfather,”thedatesaidwithadismissivewave.
“Whoisobviouslyunfittoraisethem,otherwisemysisterwouldn’thavedivorcedhimandbeen

grantedfullcustodytobeginwith,”Hunterargued.“Therewouldhavetobeawholestoryarcabout
mefightingforcustodyandblahblahblah.”

“You’reright,”thedatesaid,shakingherhead.“Thatarcalwaysfallsflat,doesn’tit?I’malready

boredtalkingaboutit.”

“Exactly,”Huntersaidwithauthority.“Mysisterservesthestorybetterbystayingaliveand

continuouslyshowingthatundermyroughexteriorIamfundamentallykindandheroic,ineventhe
smallestofways.”

Thedatelaughedlikethatwasthebestthingshe’deverheardinherlifebeforelookingupatEsme

andsmiling.“Doesthissisterhaveaname?”

“Esme,”Huntersaid,finallylookingupatEsmeandsmiling.“ThisisKambri.Kambri,thisis

Esme.”

Esmegavetheotherwomanalittlewave.“Goodtomeetyou.”
“You,too,”Kambrisaid.“Grabadrinkandpullupaseat…ortwo.Isyourhusbandcoming?”
Esmefalteredatthequestionbeforerealizingthatshe’dusedherlefthandtowaveatKambriout

ofhabit.

Thewomanhadseenthering.Crap.
“Esmeisn’treallymarried,”Huntersaid,butwhenKambri’seyesdroppedtoEsme’slefthandand

Hunter ’seyescaughttheglance,Esmeknewhercoverwasblown.Hunterwasgoingtofigureoutshe
wasengagedin3…

“Sojustbarelyengagedthen?”Kambriasked.“When’sthewedding?”
2…
EsmewatchedDarylblinkinsurprise,lookingfirstatHunterandthenather.“DidImiss

something?”

And…1.Hunter ’seyeslockedontothering.
Well,thathadn’tgoneasplanned.
“Nope,”Esmesaidcheerfully,tryingtosalvagethemoment.“It’swhyIcameover,actually.To

sharethenews.”

“Oh,no,”Kambrisaid,lookingmortified.“AndIblurtitoutbeforeyougetachance?I’mso

sorry.”

Esmewavedtheapologyoffevenassheswallowedbackatingeofannoyance.“Notyourfault.I’m

theonewhoflashedthering.”

“Andwhataringitis!”Kambricooed.“CanItakealook?”
“Ofcourse,”Esmesaid,holdingoutherhandasshesnuckalookatHuntertotesthisreaction.He

waslookingatDaryl.

“MaybeEsme’sright,”DarylmusedasifEsmehadn’tjustmadethebiggestannouncementofher

life.“Maybesheisn’tthedivorcedsisterinourshow.Maybeshe’sthesisterwhodatesmenbehind
herbrother ’sbackbecausesheknowsthatassoonasherbrothermeetsthem,he’llexposethemas
unworthyofherandchasethemoff.Thatwouldremovethekiddrama,butstillshowstheaudience
you’reamanwhorespectsandchampionswomen.”

EsmehadtoadmitthatDaryl’snot-so-subtledragforhidingJonfromeveryone—includingthe

guysatthestation—wasdeservedonherpart.

“You’reright,”Huntersaidthoughtfully.“Thatmightbeabetterfitforhercharacter.”
EsmerolledhereyesattheirribbingasKambrigrippedherhandandgotacloserlookatthering.
“CansomeonepleaseexplaintomewhyHunterisalwaysthecenterofthisTVshow’suniverse?”

Esmeasked,tryingtoderailthem.

“Uh,becauseI’mhot,”Huntersaidasifitshouldbeobvious.“Andhotguysgettobecentral

characters.”

“Yeah?”Esmesaid.“Well,congratulationsonyourface,Hunter.Butthere’smoretolifethan

looks.Othercharactersmatter,too.”

“Yeah,buttheymatteralittleless,don’tthey?”HuntersaidasKambriandDarylgavereluctant

nodsofagreement.“TVisavisualmedium,Esme.There’snotalotoftimetogointodepth,soyou
needtocastpeoplewholookliketheirsoulsontheinside.Goodguysneedtobegoodlookingand
reallygoodguysneedtobereallygoodlooking.Ithinkthat’sactuallyoneoftheTen
CommandmentsofTVorsomething.”

“Mmm,”Kambrisaid,stealingalookatDaryl.“ThenDarylmustbeareallygoodguy.”
“Heis,”Hunteragreed.“Whichiswhyhe’smybestfriend.Side-by-side,thetwoofuswillhave

lotsofconversationsintheshowerroomwithourshirtsoff,and99%oftheviewingpublicwill
immediatelyseethegoodwebringtotheworld.”

Esmedidn’tknowhowshewastheonlyonewhodidn’tfightbackagroanatthatone.
“Yummy,”Kambrisaid,releasingEsme’shandandplayingalong.“I’dtuneinforanhourtosee

that.”

“Ofcourseyouwould,”Huntersaid,ignoringEsme’sobviousannoyance.“Butremember,allthat

babyoilslatheredonustomakeuslooklikewebarelysteppedoutoftheshowerislessaboutour
actualbodies,andmoreadisplayofourinnergoodnessandleveloftrustthatexistsbetweenus,
despiteourobviousdifferences.”

“Huh,”Darylmused.“Ineverknewgratuitousnuditywassodeep.”
Esmehadnoresponse.Everythingshecouldthinktosaywouldonlypushthemfurtherintothe

madness.Besides,partofherwasofficiallyannoyed.Hunterhadjustfoundoutshewasengagedand
hewasstilltalkingaboutbabyoilandthesupposedemotionaldepthsofmenwalkingaroundwearing
towelsliketherewasnothingelsetotalkabout.

Therewas,asevidencedbytheringonherfinger.
“Yourringisgorgeous,bytheway,”Kambrisaid,finallyacknowledgingtheelephantinthepark.

“Threekarats?”

“Ithinkso,”Esmesaid,lookingatthebeautifulrockanditsgorgeoussetting.Herheartgavea

pitter-patasitwinkedather.

“Andthemanwhogaveittoyou?”Kambripressed.“Whereishe?Iwanttomeettheguythat

Hunterhasn’tchasedawayfromhisstunningsister.”

Wow.ThisKambriladyreallycouldpullouttheawkwardwhengivenanopportunity.
Firstoff,she’dtakentheTVshowstorylinetooliterally.Hunterwasn’tEsme’sbrother.Esmehada

littlebrothernamedRobbywhowasoffatStanford,andKambri’scommentmanagedtohighlightthe
factthatneitherHunternorRobbyhadyettomeetJon—notthatthatwasaprerequisiteto
engagement.Shewasabiggirl.Shedidn’tneedthemeninherlifetoapprovethemanshemarried,
butshecertainlywantedthemto.

“Yeah,”Daryladded,stillwillingtodragherabitlongeritseemed.“Me,too.Iwanttomeetthis

guy.”

“Methree!”Huntersaid,hissmileoverlypleasant.
Well,thisdefinitelyhadn’tgoneasplanned.Atall.Esmewasn’tsurewhatshe’dthoughtwould

happen,butinhermind,she’datleastpulledHunterofftothesideandbrokenthenewstohimin
privatewhiletheystrolledaroundtheparkorsomething.Hedeservedthatmuch.

“Weshoulddoatripledate,”HuntersaidbrightlytoDaryl.“YouandKambri.Esmeand…”He

turnedtofaceher,hisexpressionthemodelofinnocence.“What’shisnameagain?”

“Jon,”Esmebitout.
“EsmeandJon,”Huntersaidcheerfully.“AndmeandwhoeverIpickupalongtheway.We’llall

haveablast,I’msure.”

Itwasofficial.Hunterwasannoyed.Hehateddating.Infact,Hunter ’sreluctancetogoouton

officialdateswasoneofthereasonshehadn’tmetJonyet.Well…thatpairedwiththefactthatEsme
hadactivelyencouragedHunter ’sdisinterestingettingtogetherbydownplayinghowseriousthings
weregettingwithJon.ShelikedJonandhadn’thadthefaiththathewouldn’tallowhimselftobe
chasedoffafterHunterbuttedchestswithhimafewtimes.

“Thatsoundsgreat,”Esmesaid,evenassheknewnotripledatewouldhappen.Adoubledatewas

inevitable,butthepastfiveminuteshadproventhatKambrihadthegiftofawkward,andtherewould
alreadybeplentyofthatwithHunterandJoninthesameroom.Esmewouldsticktojugglingthat
messfirst,thenmaybegraduatetoincludingothercoupleslikeDarylandKambri—ifKambrilasted
thatlong.

Hunterwasinfamousforcyclingthroughwomen,butDarylwasn’tmuchbetter.Hewasahunkof

amanwhostretchedoutshirtsinalltherightplaces,andtherewasnoshortageofwomenwillingto
temptDarylintosomethingnew.Itwouldtakeaprettyspecialwomantoholdhisattentionandsend
therestofwomankindpacking.

“Doesthismeanyou’llbesellingyourhouse?”Hunteraskedoutofnowhere.
“Myhouse?”Esmestammered.“WhywouldIsellthat?”
“Tomoveinwithyourdoctorhusband—heisadoctor,right?That’stheguywhoproposed?”
Ah,anotherlittledig.Thatwasmorelikehim.“That’stheone,”shesaidbrightly.
“Well,heisn’tgoingtowanttoliveinSausalitointhehousehiswifebuilt,”Huntersaid.“He’s

goingtowanttoliveinthecityinahousehebought.ThatleavesyourhouseemptyinSausalito.It
wouldbeprettystupidnottosellit,andyouknowLukewantstogethishandsonitagain.”

Esme’shousewasherbaby.Thethoughtoflosingitalongwithitsviewofthebayhadhertensing.

“Nothinglikethathasbeendecidedyet.”

“Youmeanyoutwohaven’teventalkedaboutityet,”Huntercorrected.
“Sure,”Esmesnapped.“Wehaven’ttalkedaboutthatyet,butwe’llgetthere.Ifthehousegoesup

forsale,I’lldefinitelyletLukeknow.”

“He’llbeveryhappy,”Huntersaidwithasatisfiednod.
Hunterstillhadn’tsaidcongratulations.Hehadn’tstoodorgivenherahugoranything.Hehadn’t

doneanythingmorethansittherewithabeerinonehandwhiletalkingaboutsomehypotheticalTV
showstarringhimselfandthesaleofEsme’sdreamhome.

Hadhesomehowmissedthememothatshewasengaged?Tobemarried?
Esme’smomwouldbescreamingrightnow—crying!Hunterhadbarelyevenmadeeyecontact

andwasactinglikeshe’dannouncedthatshe’dhavethechicken,notahamburger,offofthebarbecue.

ShesentawarninglookatbothHunterandDaryl.“Reallyguys?Icomedownheretomakesure

youallarethefirsttoknowI’mengagedandIhaven’tbeensprayedbybeeryet?Ireallymisjudged
youtwo.”

“No,youdidn’t,”Huntersaid,standingandwalkingaroundtoherleftsideandgrippingherhand.

“Hey,everyone!”hecalledoutinaboomingvoicethatgoteveryfireman’sattentionandevensome
oftheciviliansoutsideoftheircircle.HeraisedEsme’sring-handhighupintotheair.“Guesswho’s
marryingadoctor?”

“Whatkindofdoctor?”oneofthefiremenyelledback.“Thatmatters!”
Hunterarchedabrowherdirection.“Well?”
Theyweredefinitelygoingtoteaseherforthisfortherestofherlife,soEsmejustneededtoown

it.

“Cosmeticsurgeon!”sheyelledout.
“Allright!Boobjobsforeveryone!”someoneyelledoutbeforeeveryoneburstintocheersand

cameinclosetocongratulateher.Adozenhandsreachedforaviewofherringwhileotherspatted
hershoulderincongratulations.

This.Thishadbeenthereactionshehadbeenexpectingwhenshe’dshownup.
Betweenherthankyoustoalltheguys,EsmeturnedtoteaseHunterabouthowthiswasan

appropriateresponsetoanengagementannouncement—notthestunthe’dpulled.Butwhenshe
lookedover,Hunterwasfaroutsidethecircleanddefinitelyoutofearshot.Shesenthimaplayful
lookthathewasintrouble,butheonlysmirkedalittleandtookanotherdrinkasiftosay,What?You
gotwhatyouwantedoutofthis.

Thatwasn’texactlytrue.She’dimaginedthismomentadozendifferentways,andnoneofher

imaginingshadplayedoutremotelylikethis.Thatwasherownfault,though.Anythoughtsofhow
shehopedthismighthaveplayedhadbeensabotagedwhensheflashedherringatKambri.Nopoint
inobsessingaboutit,though.Shecouldn’tgobackandchangethepast.Theonlythingtodowas
moveforwardwithwhatshehad.

Later,shemouthedtoHunteracrossthelargegroupnowsurroundingher,andheansweredwitha

casualnodbeforethrowinghisplateandbottleinthetrash.Hewantedtotalk,butnotthere.

Meetme,hemouthedbackandstartedforhistruck.
Again,Esmedidn’tneedanyofherappstoknowwherehewasgoingnext.Hewantedtomeether

intheoneplacesheshouldhaveaskedtomeethiminthefirstplace—theirplace.Althoughitwasa
placeshesharedwithJonnow,sincehe’dproposedthere.

AsshewatchedHunterwalkaway,partofherwasirkedthathe’dleaveherlikethis.Thenagain,

theywouldbedrivingseparatecarsanyway,sowhyshouldhewaitforher?

IttookaboutanothertenminutesbeforeEsmebrokeawayfromherfirefamilyandheadedbackto

hercartofinallyhavetheconversationshewantedtohavewithherbestfriend.

Chapter3

ShefoundHunteronthesamebenchwheretheirmothershadalwayssatandtalked,tuckedoffto

thesidewheretheducksandturtleslikedtomingleinashadypartofthepond.Thespotwasgreen
withlifeandframedbyablueskyandasunshiningbrightenoughtomaketheearlySeptember
breezefeelgood.

“You’recold,youknowthat?”shesaidwalkinguptohim.“Ifullyexpectedyoutocarryme

aroundonyourshouldersincelebrationbackthere,notditchme.”

Helookedupatherandsmiled.“Countyourselflucky.Ihaven’tevenapprovedofthisdude.When

thathappens,thenyou’llgettheSuperBowltreatment.”

Esmedroppeddownonthebenchnexttohim,bumpingshouldersonpurpose.“You’llloveJon.

He’ssogreat.”

“Anditsoundslikehecanfinallygiveyouthatboobjobyou’vealwayswanted.”
“Ha-ha,”shedrawled.“Butno.He’sactuallymadeitapointthatheneverwantstoworkonme

becausehethinksI’mperfectthewayIam.”

“Well,then,maybeheisn’tatotalidiot.”
Esmesmiledattheimpliedcompliment,andgaveHunter ’slegalittlepat.“Youreallyaregoingto

lovehim,Hunter.He’sfunny,he’skind,andsothoughtful.He’salwayslisteningandfollowingup—”

“Soundslikeyou’remarryingyourself,”Huntersaid,lookingoverwiththoseblueeyesofhis.

“Youlookhappy.Reallyhappy.”

“Iam,”shesaid,unabletohidehersillygrin.“Weclick,youknow?Welikethesamethingsand

enjoythesameevents.Andbeingonthesamepageallthetimemakeslifesomucheasier,youknow?
It’slike,forthefirsttimeinmylife,I’mfloatingdownstreamwiththecurrentandgoingexactly
whereIneedtogowithoutanyeffort.That’swhatbeingwithJonfeelslike.”

“Wow,”Huntersaid,lookingimpressed.“TheQueenofAnxietyfeelslikeshe’sfloating

downstreamforonce?You’vegottolockthatmandown.When’sthewedding?”

“Notsureyet,”shesaidassheleanedbackonthebench.“Nottooquick.Imean,I’vealwayssaidI

wanttoknowaguythrougheveryseasonbeforeImarriedhim.AndI’veseenJoninSpringand
Summer,butnotFallorWinter.Sodefinitelynoweddingforanothersixmonths,Iwouldthink.”

“Probablywise,”Hunteragreed.
Therewasabriefmomentofsilence.
“Howdidhepropose?”
Esmefeltherheartpitter-patatthememoryasshepointedovertothephotooppspotthatwas

currentlyoutofsightontheothersideofthetrees.“Rightoverthere,actually.”

“Here?AtthePalaceofFineArts?”
Shenodded.“HeaskedmewheremyfavoritespotinthecityislastweekandItoldhimitwashere.

Soheproposedtomehere.Isn’tthatromantic?”

“He’ssmooth,”Hunteragreed.“WhendoImeethim?”
“Anytime!”Esmesaidalittletooloudly,tattlingonthefactthatshewasn’tquiteascalmaboutthe

prospectasshewantedtoleton.“WeshouldsetupadoubledatewhenbothyouandJonhaveanight
off.”

“I’msureyou’llfigureoutwhatdaythatisinnotimeflat.”
“That’sright,”Esmesaid.“AndwhenIdo,Iexpectafirmyesfromyou.Noexcuses.”
Hesentasmallsaluteherway.“Yes,boss.Nowshowmewherethisproposalwentdown.Areyou

talkingaboutthespotwhereyoupeedyourpantsforthefirsttimeafterbeingpottytrained?”

“No,butliketwentyfeetfromthere,”shesaid,grippinghishandinhersandpullinghimupasshe

stood.Eveninherfour-inchheels,shefeltpint-sizednexttoHunter ’stall,muscledframe.Theguys
thatmadeitontohisfiretruckhadtohavetherightmixofskills,courage,brawn,andagility,which
meantshecouldn’thavepulledHunteranywherehedidn’twanttogo—afactshefrequentlyforgot
untilheofferedhertokenresistance.Hishesitationwasonlyslightbeforehestoodtofollow,butshe
feltitandsenthimacuriouslook.

Heignoreditandfellinstepnexttoher.“Sowhat’sthenewlastnameIneedtogetusedto?”
“Bauer,”shesaid,smilingthroughasigh.“EsmeBauer.”
“Andtellme,Mrs.Bauer,whendidyouknowthatDr.Bauerwasthemanforyou?”
“Itkindofcreptuponme,”shesaidastheystrolledtotheproposalspot.“Idon’tknowthatthere

wasamoment,somuchasasequenceofmomentsthatalladdeduptoaconclusion.”

“Thatyou’dfoundthemanforyou?”
Esmesmiled.Shecouldn’thelpit.“Yeah.EverythingaboutJonistailor-madeforme.Wedon’t

evenhavetotalkhalfthetimebecausewebothwantthesamethings.Ican’ttellyouhowgoodthat
feels.”

“Sohavethetwoofyouhadafightyet,then?”
“That’sthething,”shebeamed.“Wedon’treallyfight.Insixmonths,wehaven’treallyfound

anythingtofightabout.”

“Wow.Areyoumarryingamanoraunicorn?”
EsmethrewherheadbackandlaughedastheyreachedJon’sspotinhertapestryofmemories.

“Maybeboth,”shesaidbeforeplantingherfeetandannouncing,“Here!ThisiswhereJonproposed.”

“Hmm,”hesaid,notlookingtotallyimpressed.
Esmegrinnedlikeaschoolgirl.“Grumbleallyouwant,butitwasromantic.ItoldhimIlovedthis

spotbecauseIlovetakingpicturesoftouristshere,andhedecidedtogivemeanotherreasontolove
it.”

“Againwiththesmoothness,”Huntersaidwithashakeofhishead.“Soundslikeheshouldteacha

class.”

“Ifhedoes,youshouldtakeit,”Esmeteased.“Themanhasmoves.”
“Please,”Huntersaid,rollinghiseyes.“IhavemoremovesthanIknowwhattodowith.Hecan

keephis.”

Esmelaugheduntilsherealizedherfriendwaswatchingherclosely,hiseyesreadingherasonly

hecould.Whenhespoke,itwaswithsincerity.

“Well,I’msorrythatyoufeltyouneededaringonyourfingerbeforeyoucouldintroducemeto

themanyoulove.ButIloveseeingyouthishappy,soIguessyou’reforgiven.”

Esmefeltapangofguiltrunthroughher.“Hunter,Ididn’tmeantohidehim—”
“Yes,youdid.”
Shetookaslowbreath.“Okay,Idid.Butonlybecauseyoucanbecrazyintimidating.”
Heshruggedhelplessly.“Hey,ifaguydoesn’thaveitinhimtostickaroundyouaftermeetingme

thenhedoesn’tdeserveyouanyway.”

“Fairpoint,”sheagreed.“IguesssomewherealongthelineIdecidedthatIonlywantedto

introduceyouifIwasreallyseriousaboutaman.”

“WhichmeansIshouldhavemetthisguypre-proposal,right?”
“Itjust…happenedfast,”Esmesaid.“FasterthanIeverimagined,forsure.Imean,he’sadoctor.

Whatdoctorproposeswithinsixmonthsinthiscity?”

“Toyou?Asaneone.”
Shegavehischestaslapwiththebackofherhandasablushcreptintohercheeks.“Aw,Hunter.

YoukeeptalkinglikethatandI’mgoingtohavetocheckyourtemperature.”

“Please,”hescoffed.“Somewomenhavetheirchoiceofmen,Esme.You’reoneofthem.Don’t

pretendyoudon’tknowthat.Notwithme.”

Shebitherbottomlip,tryingtohideasmile,butitwasuseless.Hunterknewallhertells,which

waswhyhesmiledinvictorywithouthersayingaword.

“Congratulations,Esme,”hesaid,offeringherahug.“Ihopeyou’rereallyhappywiththisguy.”
Hunterhugswerefewandfarbetween,whichwaswhyEsmeheldonwhenshegotone.Wearing

heels,thetopofherheadbarelyreachedhisshoulder,allowinghertoleanintothatfiremanchestof
hisandfeelweightless.EsmemayhatetherisksthatHuntertooktomakehisliving,butthebodyhe’d
carvedouttotraintotakethoseriskswasGrade-Ahuggingmaterial.

“Iamhappy,”shesaidagainsthischest.“Forthefirsttimeinmylife,Ireallyam,Hunter.”
“Ifyou’rehappy,I’mhappy,”hesaid,pushingherawaysoshecouldseehisplayfullysternlook.

“ButIstillneedtomeetthisguy.”

“Oh,it’shappening,”shepromised,thenfellinstepasHunterstartedbacktowardtheparkinglot.

“Soyou’dbetterstartlookingforadatetodoublewith.”

Heshrugged.“I’llfindoneonthewayovertowhereverwe’remeeting.Shouldn’tbetoohard.”
Cockyasever,andEsmewouldhavecalledhimoutonitifithadbeenanexaggeration.“Oryou

couldtrysomethingnewandbringsomeoneyoulikeandhaveactuallybeenoutwithmorethan
once.”

Hegaveherapatronizingpatonthearmastheysteppedbackoutintothesunlightonthemain

walkway.“You’realwaysfullofbrightideas,Ez.That’swhyyougetpaidthebigbucks.”

SheswattedHunter ’schestinfeignedannoyanceamomentbeforetheCookieLadycaughthereye.
“Twoo’clock,”shemuttered,directingHunterofftotheleft.“Don’tmakeeyecontact.Justfollow

myleadandkeepwalking.”

ShecouldtellHunterwantedtolook.“Why?”
“Iinsultedthatlady’scookiesyesterday,”sheconfessed.“ShetookourpicturewhenJonproposed

thenhadustryoneofhercookies.”

“Andyouthankedherbyinsultingher?”Hunterasked,lookingfascinated.“You?Themasterof

diplomacy?”

“Idon’tknowwhathappened,”shehissed,pullingHunteralongasfastasshecould.“Sheaskedme

howthecookiewasandI…toldher.ItwaslikeIcouldnottellalieallofasudden,andblurtedout
howblandandforgettablehercookieswere.”

Hunterthrewhisheadbackandlaughed,andEsmefeltherchestclenchinpanicassheglanced

overtoseeifMissPearlhadnoticed.Shehad.Thelittlewomanwaslookingrightather.

Craponastick.Maybeshe’dbeluckyandtheladywouldn’trecognizeher.
“You!”MissPearlcalledout.“Cometrynewcookie!”
WasitjustEsme,orwasheraccentheavierandherEnglishmorebrokenthanthelasttimeshehad

seenher?Notthatitmatteredeitherway.Afteryesterday’sdisaster,itwasn’tlikeEsmewasgoingto
startcritiquingthewoman’sgrammar.

Hunterbeameddownather,mimickingthewoman’sbrokencadence.“Youheardthelady,Esme.

Newrecipe.Yougotry.”

“No,”Esmepled,grippinghishand.“Keepwalking,Hunter.Let’smakeourexcusesandkeep

walking.”

“Andmissthecookiesthatbrokeyourmanners?Nuh-uh.That’snothappening.”
“Hunter,”shehissed,feelinglikeapuppybeingdraggedonaleashasHuntermadehiswayoverto

thelittlecookiecart.

MissPearlhadtwocookiesready,oneineachhand.“Youtryagain!”shedeclaredinbroken

English.

Oh,yeah.Heraccentwasdefinitelystrongerthistimearound.
“We’lltaketwo,”Huntersaid,gesturingtothecookiesinherhandwithanodashereachedforhis

wallet.

Esmepanicked.“No.Hunter.It’snotlike—”
“Youkissher,”MissPearldemanded.“Thenyougetcookie.”
HunterlookedasconfusedasEsmehadfeltthedaybefore.“I,uh,I’dratherpay.”
“Younotreadsign?”MissPearlasked,voicestern.“IwriteinEnglish,justforyou.Kissing

Cookies.”

ItwasararemomentwhenHunterwasatalossforwords,butthislittlespitfireofaladyhadhim

questioninghimselfitseemed.

“Ididseeit,”hemanagedbeforegesturingEsme’sdirection.“Butmyfriendhereisengaged.

Kissingherwouldn’tbeveryrespectfultoherfiancé.”

“Onekiss.Twocookies.Fairprice!”MissPearlsaidasifshehadn’tunderstoodwhatHuntersaid,

andEsmegrippedhishand.

“Onthecountofthree,let’srun,”shewhispered.
Notyetreadytoquit,Hunterheldupatendollarbill.“Tenbucksfortwocookiesisalsofair,don’t

youthink?”

MissPearlscowledandshookherhead.“Nokiss?Nocookie.”
“Trustme,you’renotmissinganything,”Esmesaidassoftlyasshecould,gentlypullinghim

towardtheparkinglot.“Let’smakearunforit.”

“ButI’veheardsomuchaboutthesecookies,”HuntersaidtoMissPearl.“Thisonce,can’tyousell

one?Justforme?”

Oh,he’dpulledoutthepuppyeyes.Thosedidn’tcomeouttoooften,buthehadmasteredthelook

onlunchladiesbackinelementaryschool.ThelookhewasgivingMissPearlnowhadbentmany
willsanddefinitelywonhimmorethanhisfairshareofcookiesinhischildhood,butMissPearlwas
seeminglyimpervioustohischarm.

“Kissisfinalingredient,”sheinsisted.“Nokiss.Nocookie.”
“Well,thatsettlesthatthen,”Esmesaidbrightly.
Nexttoher,Huntersighedandstuckhiswalletbackinhispocket.Shelookedupathiminrelief,

readytogivehimthesignaltorunforitwhenhislipsdarteddownandmetwithhersinalightning
fastpeckofakissthatwasgonebeforesheevenknewithadlanded.Still,itsparkedasifshe’dbeen
shockedwithstaticelectricity,leavingherabitshaken.

“There!”Hunterannounced,turningbacktoMissPearl.“Nowletmetrythisfamouscookieof

yours.”

“Hmm,”MissPearlsaid,handsstillclutchingthecookiesassheseemedtodecidewhetherwhat

she’dwitnessedwasakissornot.“Veryfast.”

Veryfast,indeed,Esmethought,pressingherlipstogethertogetridofthetinglethelighttouch

hadleftinitswake.

“Butakissnonetheless,”Hunterpointedouttothelittlelady.
“Hmm.”
“Adeal’sadeal,”Hunterpressed.

MissPearl’seyesnarrowedassheextendedafingersoshecouldwagitathim.“Youverysneaky

man.”

“Guilty,”Huntersaid,reachingoutforhiscookie.“Butadeal’sadeal.”
Therewasamomentofhesitationbeforethelittleladynodded.“Licklipsfirst.ThenIgive

cookie.”

Hunterblinkedinsurprise.“Lickmylips?”
“Bothofyou.Otherwiserecipenogood.”
HunterlookedoveratEsmeasiftosayThiswomanisnutsbeforehistonguedartedoutbetween

hislipsanddidasinstructed.Rollinghereyes,Esmedidthesameandtheywereimmediately
presentedwithacookieeach.

“Nowyoutrycookieagain!”MissPearlannounced.
HuntermadeapointoflookingatEsmeasheopenedwideandtookabigdramaticbite.Butthe

secondhismouthclosedaroundthecookie,hisexpressionchangedfromplayfulto…what?

Hismouthfrozemid-chew,hisbodygrowingverystillbeforeheclosedhiseyesandletoutalittle

moan.

Amoan?
Suddenly,hishandshotoutbetweenthem.“Givemeyourcookie,blasphemer!”
“What?”shesaid,guardingthecookieoutofinstinct.
“Youcalledthisbland?Youdon’tdeserveit!”hedeclaredaroundafullmouthofcookie.“It

belongstome.”

Hehadtobejoking.“Youlikeit?”
HunterlookedatMissPearllikeEsmewassuddenlytheonespeakingbrokenEnglish.“Howmuch

forallthecookies?”

“Onlyonepercustomer,”MissPearlannouncedproudly.
“No,”Hunterreplied,deadseriousasfarasEsmecouldsee.“I’mgoingtoneedmorethanthat.”
“Hunter,ifyouseriouslylikethecookie,youcanhavemine,”Esmesaid,holdinghersout.

Hunter ’shanddartedouttograbitonlytobeslappedawaybyMissPearl.

“Onebite!”MissPearldemanded,herpint-sizedframewarningHunteraway.“Shetellmeif

cookiebetterthanyesterday.”

Hunter ’seyesfellonthecookie,lookingoddlyterritorial.“Onesmallbite.Thentheblasphemer

handsthecookieoverpeacefully.”

Esmestillcouldn’ttellifhewasbeingseriousaboutlikingthecookie,buttherewasonlyoneway

tofindout.Slowly—andabitself-consciously,sinceshehadtwopairsofeyeswatchinghervery
closely—Esmeraisedthecookietohermouthandbitoffatinycorner.

Thewaveofflavorthatwashedoverhertonguecouldn’thavecomefromsuchatinybite,and

yet…

“Oh,wow,”sheheardherselfsayinthedarkness,becauseapparentlyshe’dclosedhereyesto

relishthefullflavorofthetinybite.

Whatwassheeventasting?
Esme’sfoodietrainingusuallymadeherquitegoodatidentifyingwhatwashittingherpalettebut,

likeyesterday,shewasdrawingablank.Thereweretheusualsuspectslingeringthere,ofcourse.
Sugar,salt,butter,cinnamon…butwherewasthetasteofheavencomingfrom?Whatintheworldwas
makinghertonguethrowacelebratoryparty?

“Nowhanditover!”Hunterdemanded,andthistimeEsmereallydidguardthecookie.
“Noway,”shesaid,openinghereyessoshecouldseetheenemy.“Thisisdefinitelyadifferent

recipethanyesterday.Thetwocookiesaren’teveninthesamestratosphere.”

Hishandstayedout.“Youpromisedyou’dgiveittomeafteronebite.”

“Rewindyourmemory,bro,”Esmesaid,clutchingthecookietoherchest.“Imadenosuch

promise.”

SuddenlyMissPearlwasstandingbetweenthem,lookingatEsme.“Better?”
“Yes,”Esmesaid,noddingfuriously.“Like,Idon’tevenknowasuperlativebefittingthiscookie.

It’samazing!”

MissPearlnoddedasifsheexpectedasmuchbeforesendingHunterapointedlook.“Andyou?

Whatdoyousayaboutthecookie?”

“Lady,IwouldtradeanythingIownforthisrecipe.Iswearifyoudon’thookmeupwithan

endlesssupplyofthesethings,I’mgoingtospendtherestofmylifedreamingaboutthismomentand
tryingtoreliveitsuttergoodness.”

MissPearlsmiled.“Recipeistradesecret.”
Uh-huh.Sure.Esmehadnodoubtthewomanbakedbyfeelandnotbyanyactualrecipe,whichwas

whyhercookiesweresodifferentfromdaytoday.Tragic,really,thattherewasonlyonebatchof
suchmagnificence.

Distractedbythisrealization,Esmetookanotherbiteandthistimeshewastheonewholetouta

littlemoan.“Mygoodness…”shebreathed,almostasifinprayer.Theflavorcertainlyfeltworthyof
aprayerofgratitudeforthegiftoftastebuds.

MissPearl’seyesdarteddowntotheringonEsme’shand.“So,”shesaid,surprisingheragainwith

thechoppyEnglish.“Yesterday’scookiesblandandforgettable?”

Esmeflinchedinembarrassmentatthememoryofsayingasmuch.“Yes.Sorry,butyes.Imean,

theyweren’tbad.Justbland,likeavanillawafer.”Sheheldupthenewcookie,carefultokeepitoutof
Hunter ’sreach.“Butthis?Idon’tevenhavethevocabularytodescribethis.”

“Seriously,”Hunterbegged.“What’sthepriceforasecondcookie?”
“Onecookiepercouple,”MissPearlrepeatedheartlessly.
“Butwe’renotacouple,”Huntersaid.“WhatifIgetanothergirlandkissher?ThendoIget

anothercookie?”

“No.”
“Whynot?YouletEsmehavetwo,”hebargained.“Oneyesterday,onetoday.”
“Sorry.Alloutofcookies.”
“No,”Huntergasped,lookingtrulydistraught.
“Enjoythemoment,”MissPearlsaid,lookingbetweenthetwoofthem.“Memorizeflavor.

Memorizehowitfeels.Maybeyoufinditagain.”

“Onlyinheaven,”Huntermutteredbeforetakingthetiniestofbitesandrelishingit.
AsmuchasEsmewantedtoteasehimforit,shecouldn’t,becauseshewastoobusydoingthesame

thing.Mrs.FieldsneededtoseriouslywatchoutifMissPearlfiguredouthowtoreplicatethisrecipe.
Itwouldn’teventakeayearforthesetastybitestoconquerthecookieworld.

“Itreallyisexcellent,”Esmegushed.
MissPearlnodded,sendingeachofthemabitofanoddlookbeforemotioningforEsmetocome

closer.

“Remember,”MissPearlsaidsoftly,hervoicesuddenlydevoidofanyaccentandthebroken

grammarshe’dbeenusingsinceshecalledthemover.“Somementhrowawaycookieswhenthey
turnoutnottobeexpected,andsomemencherisheverybite.”

EsmehadnoideawhatthewomanwastalkingaboutorwhyMissPearlwaspretendingnotto

knowEnglishverywellinfrontofHunter,butshetriedforadiplomaticsmileasshereplied.
“Differentcookies,differentresponses,Iguess.”

MissPearlshookherhead.“Onlyoneingredientdifferent.Theman.”
Uh,okay.Whateverthatmeant.

Esmewasdistractedfromrespondingwhenshefelthercookiepluckedoutofherhand.
“Hey!”shesaid,lunginginHunter ’sdirection.“Givethatback!”
“I’msorry,Ez,butthisisthelastcookieofitskind.Ifyouwantit,youmustconvincemethatyou

deserveit.”

EsmelookedtoMissPearlforbackupthatheshouldgivethecookieback,butthesmallwoman

merelyshrugged.“I’mafraidheisright.Ifyouwantit,youneedtofightforit.”

“Ha!”Huntergloatedandstartedaway.
Esmechasedhimallthewaytohistruck,wherehefinallygavehercookieback…minusonebig

bite.

Theyleanedagainsthistruckforthenexttenminutes,luxuriatingintinybitesofcookieuntilno

visiblecrumbremained.ThenHunterlookedatherandfrowned.“Allgone.”

“Iknow,”shesighed.
Heechoedhersigh.“Theywerethebestcookiesintheworld,andthey’reallgone.”
“Tragic.”
Hunterpushedawayfromhistruckandpulledouthiskeys.“Whereyouofftonow?”
Esmecheckedthetime.“TotellmyparentsandGracethenews.”
“Nice,”hesaid.“I’mheadingovertohelpLuke.Wantmetotellhim?”
“Sure,”shesaid.“Textmetheaddress.I’lldropbyifIcan.It’llprobablybelate,butfeelfreetofill

himin.”

“Willdo,”hesaid,thentheyeachgotintheirvehiclesandwenttheirseparateways.

Chapter4

WhenHunterpulledoutoftheparkinglot,hedidn’theadstraighttoLuke’slatesttownhouse.He

tookadetourviahisboxinggym.

Darylwasthereaswell,glovedupandalreadydoingbagwork.Hunternoddedan

acknowledgmentbeforesettinghisbagonabenchandwrappinghishands.

ThepercussionofDaryl’shandspoundingintotheheavybagjoinedtheothersoundsofthegym

asmenworkedoutallaroundthem—therapidslapofthespeedbagagainstwood…thebarkofa
coachyellinginstructionstoafighterinthering…theslapofjumpropesagainstthefloor.

Inagymfullofoptions,therewasonlyonethingHunterwantedtodo.Todayitwashimandthe

bag.

Pushinghiswrappedhandsintogloves,Hunterrolledhisnecktoloosenitup.Itdidn’tloosen.Like

therestofhim,itwasrecoilingfromthehitthathadlandedanhourago.

Esmewasengaged.Shewasblissfully,happilyengaged.
Hunterhadknownthisdaywascoming,buthe’dthoughthe’dhavemorewarningwhenitactually

did—thathe’dbeabletoeaseintotheblowratherthanhavingitclockhimoutoftheblue.Instead,the
revelationhadhithisheartandmindatthesametime,notgivingeitheraheadstarttoallowhimto
adapt.Hefeltharpooned.Ofcoursehisbodywastense.

Well,nothingreleasedtensionlikeexhaustion,andnothingchanneledangerlikepunching.Two

birds,onestone.

HuntersteppedinfrontofthebagnexttoDarylandstartedinwithaseriesofjab-crossestoloosen

up.

Darylglancedhisway.“Areweokaywithhoweverythingplayedouttoday?”
“Yep.”
HeletlooseafewmorepunchesandkepthiseyesonthebagwithDaryl’snextquestion.“Anything

youwanttotalkabout?”

“Nope.”
“Okay.”
Thentheybothgotbacktopunchingtheirbags.

Chapter5

WhenEsmeopenedthedoorforherparents,Gracewaspullingupbehindtheircarinthe

driveway.

Esme’smomwastoowiredforevenasimple“hello”andwastednotimegettingtothepoint.

“Okay.We’rehere.What’sthenews?”

HerdadrolledhiseyesashesteppedforwardandpressedakisstoEsme’scheek.“She’sbeenlike

thissinceyoucalledyesterdayafternoon.Pleaseputheroutofhermisery.”

Esmelaughed,returningthekisstoherfather ’scheekbeforegivinghermomthesamegreeting.

“Onlyafewmoreminutes.Almosteveryone’shere.”

HermomfollowedthedirectionofEsme’seyesintimetoseeGracestepoutofhercar.“Oh,

Graceishere,too?Honey,wehaven’tseenher—”

“—sinceherwedding.Iknow,”herfatherfinishedbeforewigglinghiseyebrows.“HowcouldI

forget?”

EsmedecidedtoleavethatcommentaloneasGracestartedupherfrontwalk.Shelookednothing

likeherTVnewsreporterpersonainjeansandaloose-fittingtank.SheandAshhadonlybeen
marriedafewmonths,butAsh’scasualsensibilitiesweredefinitelywearingoffonGrace.Esme
honestlydidn’tknowifshe’deverseentwopeoplebettersuitedforeachother.Gracehadaperma-
glowthesedaysthatwarmedEsme’sheart.

WitnessingfirsthandthatsuchahappyglowwaspossibleonherfriendhadEsme’sheartdouble-

timingatthethoughtofjoiningherfriendinweddedblissinthenot-too-distantfuture.Shecould
alreadyseetheendlessdoubledatesandoccasionaljoinedtrips.

She,Grace,andtheirhusbandsweregoingtohavethetimeoftheirlivesintheyearstocome.
“Grace,”hermomgreetedasGracemadeittotheporch.“Sowonderfultoseeyouagain.”
“You,too,Mrs—”
“Audra,”hermomcorrectedbeforeGracecouldevengettheformalityout.“I’vetoldyouadozen

times,callmeAudraorMom.”

Gracegrinned.“Okay,Mom.”
HermombeamedforafullsecondbeforeherexpressionbecameseriousandshegrippedGrace’s

hand.“Nowdoyouknowwhywe’rehere?”

“Noclue,”Gracesaid,sendingaquestioninglookEsme’sway.“Butit’sgottabebig,right?”
Herdadfrowned.“You’renotmoving,areyou,Esme?”
“No,”Esmesaidquickly,althoughwhenshethoughtaboutitthatwaskindofalie.Shewouldbe

movingintothecity,eventually.“Comein.Sitdown.”

Rightthenherphonebuzzedinherpocketwithatext.Aglanceatthescreenshowedheritwas

fromJon.Hewasrunninglate.

“Areyoupregnant?”hermomasked.
“What?”Esmesaid,lookingupfromthephoneinshock.“Mom.No.”
“Itbearsasking,”hermomsaid,andEsmeknewthatshewasn’tgoingtomakeituntilJonarrived

tobreakthenews.Sheneededtodoitnow.

“Comeoninandsitdown,”Esmesaid,motioningtowhereshehadsetupthefoodanddrinks.

“Thesooneryousit,thesooneryou’llknow.”

Hermomwasonthecouchintheblinkofaneye,bullyingherdadtojoinherwhileGracehung

backandgaveEsmeahuganda“hi”beforewalkingovertojoinEsme’sparents.

Thiswasit.Thiswasactuallyhappening.Themomenthermomfoundoutabouttheengagement,

thingswouldgetveryrealandgointoinsanemodeovernight.

Shecouldn’twait.Well,maybeshecouldwaitlongenoughtotakeamentalpictureofthreeofher

favoritepeopleonthecouchandwatchherdadtakenoteofthechilledchampagneandpoureveryone
aglasswhilehermomsqueezedGrace’shandandwhispered,“Champagne!We’recelebrating
something!”

Esmeusedthedistractiontoslipherengagementringonandjointhem.Shedidn’tevenmakeit

halfwaytothecouchbeforebothGraceandhermomwerebackontheirfeet.

“Aring?”hermomgasped.“Aring,Esme?”
Gracewassquealingandrunningatherwitheithertheintenttohugortackle.“Iknewit!”
“Wait,what?”herdadsaid.“WhatamImissing?”
“Herlefthand,honey,”Esme’smomsaid.“Shehasanengagementring!”
Herdadsquintedinconfusion.“Doesn’tthatusuallycomewithaman?”
“He’llbehereinaboutthirtyminutes,Dad,”EsmesaidasGrace’sarmswrappedaroundherina

celebratoryhug.“He’srunningalittlelate,whichishighlyuncharacteristic.Ipromise.”

Hiseyebrowarchedup.“You’reengagedtothesurgeonyoumentionedlastweek?Ithoughtyou

twoweren’tthatserious.”

“Well,obviouslytheyare,”hermominterrupted,edgingGraceoutforahugofherown.“Ohmy

goodness,Esme!Isimplycan’twaittomeetthisman.”

“I’vemethim,”Gracebeamed.“We’vedoubledatedafewtimesandhe’sgreat—abitmoretame

thanwhatIalwaysimaginedforEsme,butwealwayshaveagreattime.”

“Tameisgood,”hermomsaid,hereyeslockedonthering.“Youdon’tneedamanwho’sstill

workingthroughhisrestlessphase.Andyourfiancéclearlymakesmoney.Thisisagorgeousring.”

“Hepickedit,”Esmesaid.“HesaidIcantradeitinforsomethingelse.We’regoingtogolooking

tomorrow,butIthinkImightkeepthisone.Hedidareallygoodjob.”

“Yes,hedid,”Gracesaid,joininghermotherinitsexamination.
“Mygirlhasneverhadtroubleattractingmoney,”herfathersaid,lookingabitskeptical.“WhatI

needtoknowisifthismanofyoursplansontakingcareofyourheart.”

“Definitely,Dad,”Esmesaidwithouthesitation.“You’regoingtolovehim.”
“I’msureIwill,”herfathersaidwithasatisfiednodbeforesippinghischampagne.
“Weneedtodoatoast!”hermomdeclared,holdingupherglass.Theyallfollowedsuit,herdad

standingfromthecouchtojointhem.

“Tomybabygirlandthemansheisentrustingwithherheart,”herfathersaid,surprisingherwith

hissentimentality.

“Tofindingthepersonwhotransformsthetermhomeintoaperson,notaplace,”Graceadded,

althoughhersmilefadedattheendasifshequestionedherwordchoice.

“Tomybeautifuldaughterfinallyfindingamanworthyofher,”hermomsaidandEsmefelt

herselftearup.

“Toallthosethings,”Esmeadded,raisingherglass.“AndtothepeopleIgettocelebrateitall

with.”

“I’lldrinktothat,”hermomsaidandtherewerenodsofagreementastheirglasseschimed

together.

Aftertheyalltooksips,herfatherfrowned.“Ifeellikesomethingismissing.Shouldn’tHunterbe

here?”

“Oh,Itoldhimafewhoursago,”Esmesaid.“Idroppedbyafirestationpicnicandfilledhimin.”
“Youtoldhimbeforeyoutoldus?”hermombalked.
“That’stobeexpected,”herfathersaidgently.Herparentssharedanoddlookbeforehermom

nodded.

“Ofcourse,”hermothersaid,smilingagain.“Andlet’sfaceit,thereisnobetteromenforEsme’s

marriagethanamanwhohasmetHunter ’sapproval.”

GracesentEsmeanervouslook,visiblybitinghertongueassherefrainedfromcorrecting

Esme’smom.

“Actually,”Esmesaid,owninguptothetask.“Hunterhasn’tmethimeither.Ikeptputtingitoff,but

youcanbetI’llbeintroducingthemsoon.”

“Isee,”hermomsaidbeforeherparentssharedyetanothersilentlook.
“Well,thosethingswillallworkthemselvesout,”herdadsaid,raisinghisglassagain.“Ifyoulove

thisman,thenthat’sallthatmatters.Again,Ican’twaituntilwemeethim.”

“Itwon’tbelongnow,”Esmesaid,gesturingtothehorsd’oeuvresshe’dsetout.“He’llbeafew

moreminutes.Untilthen,feelfreetoaskmeanythingyouwanttoknowuntilhearrives.”

“Oh,that’saplanIcangetbehind,”hermomsaidasshesettledbackintothecouch.“First

question:whatkindofdoctorishe?”

Ofcoursethatwouldbetheirfirstquestion.“Cosmeticsurgery.”
Hermombitherbottomlip.“Asin…noses?Faces?”
Esmeshookherhead,choosingnottotiptoearoundtheawkwardness.“Nope.Breasts.”
Herdadarchedhisbrow.“Doesthatbotheryou?”
“Notatall,”Esmesaid,andmeantit.“Andno,Ihavenoplanstogoundertheknifemyself,incase

thatwasyournextquestion.”

“Well,thankgoodness,”hermomsaid.“Stillthereisnoshortageofwomenwhowantthem,so

he’sgotgreatjobsecurity.”

“Andhedoesn’tbringhisworkhomewithhim,”Graceaddedhelpfully.“We’vebeenonaboutsix

datestogetherandhe’sneverbroughtupworkonce.”

“Smartman,”herdadmutteredasEsme’smomfacedGrace.
“Youknowmydaughterbetterthanmost.DoyouapproveofJon?”
ToEsme’ssurprise,Gracefalteredabitbeforegettingintothespirit.“EsmeandJonagreeon

everything.Theyliketoeatthesamethingsandminglewiththesamecrowds.Idon’tknowthatI’ve
seentwomorecompatiblepeople.”

EsmenoticedthatGracehadansweredthequestionwithoutansweringthequestion.
“But?”Esmeprompted.
Graceblinkedatherinconfusion.“Butwhat?”
“Iheara‘but’inthere.”
GraceseemedtolookatEsme’sparentstoseeiftheywouldbailherout,butallshefoundwas

everyonelookingatherandwaitingforaresponse.

“It’snothing,”shesaidquickly.“It’ssimplyapersonalitydifference.”
“Whatis?”Esmepressed.
Gracegavealittleshrug,pinkrisingabitinhercheeks.“Iwondersometimesifsomuch

predictabilityisn’talittleboring.I’mLatina,babe.Ineedfire.Ineedmymantothrowsparks.Ineed
conflictandfrictiontoholdmyinterest.”

“You’reright,”Esmesaidwithasmile.“Thatisapersonalitything.Withmyjob,thelastthingI

needinmylifeismoreconflict.”

“I’lldrinktothat,”hermothersaid,andtheyallraisedtheirglassesforanothertoast.“To

compatibility.”

Chapter6

Afterseveralhoursofrippingoutcarpet,Hunterdecideditwastimeforabreak.Sittingagainsta

windowsillinthebarrentownhouse,hepoppedthetabonabeerandlookeduptoseeifLukewould
bejoininghim.

Hisfriendkeptworkinglikethemachinehewas,buthedidglanceupandspeakforthefirsttime

sincethesunwentdown.

“Ifyou’redonefortheday,feelfreetoclockout,loser.”
Hunterarchedabrow.“Loser?”
“It’sSaturdaynightandyou’reherewithme,”Lukesaidashemeasuredandmarkedacutline.

“Loser.”

“Hey,I’mnottheonlyonewithoutadate.”
“Butyouaretheonlyoneherewhohasn’tbeenonadateinthepastweek.”
“Ah,yes,”Huntersaidwithfeignedsincerity.“Howwasyourfakedateanyway?”
“Fine.AGiantsgame.Butyesterdayyousaidyouweregoingouttonightandweren’tgoingto

showup.Iwasn’tcountingonyou.Whatchanged?”

Huntershrugged.“WhygoouttoabarwhenIcangetfreebeershere?”
“Whosaidtheywerefree?”Lukesaidbeforehistablesawwhinedtolife,makingquickcuts.
Hunterdidn’treply.Hejustdrankandwatchedashisfriendcutmoulding.
“What’sEsmeuptotonight?”Lukeaskedasthesawdieddown.
“Esme’sengaged.”
Lukeglancedupathim,eyebrowarched.“Already?Thatwasfast.”
“Yep.”
Luketookouthistapemeasureandwalkedovertothefarthestwalltogetthemeasurement.“Did

sheaskyoutobehermaidofhonor?”

“You’rehilarious.”
Heshrugged.“It’safairquestion.Asfarasshe’sconcernedyou’reafreakin’Kendolldownstairs.

It’snotahugesteptoslapadressonyou.”

“AtleastIwon’tbuildthecanopyshegetsmarriedunder,”Huntershotback.
“Iwaseighteenandstupid.What’syourexcuse?”
Hunterdidn’thavearesponseforthat.Atleastnotonehewantedtosayoutloud.
Lukepointedtothetools.“Idon’tcareifyouworkormope,butyoucanonlydooneofthose

thingsherewithme.Sothere’sthetoolsorthere’sthedoor.Youchoose.”

Hunterletoutalaughbeforedrainingthecan.“You’regoingtocallmeoutformoping?Isn’tthat

alittletoomuchpot-and-kettleformetotakeseriously?”

“I’mnotmoping.I’mworking.”
“Dude.You’vebeenmopingafterAlisinceyouwerefifteenyearsold.”
“Andyou’vebeenpiningafterEsmesinceyouweretwo,”Lukesaid,writingameasurementonthe

wall.“What’syourpoint?”

“Mypointisthatyoubroodlike99.9%ofthetime,somaybeyoucanlayoffonthecritiquesfor

onenight.IjustfoundoutEsmeisengaged.”

Lukeshrugged.“Butyoualwaysknewthatwascoming,sowhythetempertantrum?”
“I’mallowedtobepissed,”Huntersnapped.“She’sengagedtomarrysomeguyI’venevermet.I

mean,what’sthatabout?Whoisthisguy?Andifshelikeshimsomuch,whyhaven’twemet?”

“Ifsheloveshim,youmean?”
Hunterscowledathisfriendandgrabbedanotherdrink.“Whatever,dude.”
Lukestartedmeasuringoutthelastwallintheroom.Hunterwatchedhim,annoyedathimselffor

beingsotransparent.Evenstill,ifanyonecouldunderstandhowhewasfeelingitwasdefinitelyLuke.

“Yousuckatsympathy,youknowthat?”Huntersaid,scowlingathisfriend.
“Empathy,”Lukecorrected.“YouforgetthatIknowexactlywhatyou’refeeling.”
“HowcouldIforget?”Huntershookhishead.“Assuckyasthisis,Ihavetotellmyselfthatatleast

I’mnottheguywho’sinlovewithhiscousin’swife.”

“Don’tcaststones,”Lukesaid,expressionbitterashelinedupananglecutonthenextpieceof

moulding.“Inafewmonths,you’llbeme.Maybethisdoctorguyisn’tyourcousin,buthe’sgoingto
getyourgirlandyou’regoingtobesidelinedfromtheonlythingyou’vereallyeverwantedyour
entirelife,allbecauseyou’retoolametotellEsmehowyoufeelandseeifshe’llmakeadifferent
choice.”

Hunterlaughedoutright.“I’msorry,buthaveyoumetEsme?”
“Ihave,”Lukesaidbeforemakingthecut.“Remember?Itookhertojuniorpromwhenacertain

someonewastoochickentoaskherhimself.”

Hunterflippedhimoff.“Thatwasapitydateonherpart.”
“I’mstilltheonewhogottoslowdancewithher.”
“OnlybecauseyouweretryingtogetAlijealous,which—bytheway—totallydidn’twork.”The

commentwasrightonthelineofaimingtoolow,butHunterdidn’tcareatthemoment.Thetraded
barbsfeltgood.

Luke’smouthsetintoatenseline.“Maybeso.Butyou’dbettergetready,becausewhenEsme

finallygetsmarried,I’mgoingdragyouashardasyou’vebeendraggingmeforthepastdecade.It’s
paybacktime.Youslammenowforbeinginlovewithamarriedwoman,butthat’sabouttobeyou.”
Lukepickeduphisbeerandraiseditbetweenthem.“Can’twaittowelcomeyoutotheclub.Wecan
goonfakedatestogetherandtrytotrickeveryoneintobelievingthatwe’renotthebiggestlosersin
thiscity.”

Hunterlethisdrinkhangathisside.“Ihateyou,man.”
“Youhateyourself,”Lukesaid,takingacanfromthesix-pack.“It’swhyyou’reherestealingbeers

andgettingzeroworkdoneratherthatheadingovertoEsme’splaceandtellinghertoditchthis
doctordudeandgiveyouatryinstead.”

Theimpulsetopunchhisfriendcameonstrongandfadedslowly.“Yeah.Becausethatwouldend

well.”

Lukeshrugged.“Well,lookatmeandyou’llseewhatthealternativelookslike.Youcanmakethe

samechoiceasme,man,butdon’texpectanypity.Ifyouchoosetorideinthefriendzonesoyou
don’tlosecontactwithher,thenthat’sonyou.It’sachoice.Makeit,ormakeanotherone.Butdon’t
showuponmyworksite,beuseless,anddrinkmybeerlikeyou’veearnedit.”

“You’reasuckybestfriend,youknowthat?”
“Takesonetoknowone.”
Hehadapoint,butitdidn’tstopHunterfrompushingawayfromthewall.“I’moutofhere.”
“HeadedtoEsme’s?”
Hunterhelduphismiddlefingerinresponseandstartedtothefrontdoorrightassomeone

knocked.Hepaused.“Expectinganyone?”

“Nope,”Lukesaidbeforewalkingpasthimandopeningthedoor.
ItwasEsme.Ofcourse.Beaminglikeafullmooninaclearnightsky.
“Luke!”shesquealedbeforethrowingherarmsaroundhim.
Hunterfeltagrowlforminthebackofhisthroatashistwofriendspressedtogether,buthe

swallowedthesoundbackbytakingadrink.

“Hey,Ez,”Lukesaid,givingherwhatHunterdeemedtobeanunnecessarysqueezethat

momentarilytightenedtheirhug.“Huntertoldmethenews.Congratulations!”

“Thankyou!Itellyou,itdoesn’tfeelrealyet.”
“Itprobablywon’tforawhile,”hesaid,finallypullingawayfromthehugandputtingspace

betweenthem.“GottasayI’mhonoredyoufitmeinforavisit.Youmusthavehadabusyday.”

“Definitely,”shesaidsendingasmileHunter ’sway.
Nohugforhim,apparently.Asquicklyashersmileofgreetingcamehisway,itleftagainandshe

wasbacktofocusingonLuke.

AndLukewantedHuntertothrowallhiscardsonthetableandaskEsmetochoosehim?Yeah,

right.Thatwouldendwell.Shedidn’tevenhughimunlesshewastheonewhooffered.

“Ihadtoseeyou,”shesaid,smilingupatLuke.“Andwebothknowthatyou’renotshytoburnthe

midnightoilwhenyou’reflippingaproperty.”Hereyesmovedaroundthespace,assessingit.“This
isreallynice.Icantellit’sgoingtobeelegantbythetimeyou’redone.”

“That’stheplan,”Lukesaid.“IfIdothingsright,Ishouldgetaminimumofsixtygrandinprofit

outofthis.”

Esmeletoutalowwhistle.“That’sanicepaydayforthreemonth’swork.”
“Itis,”Lukeagreed.“Butforgetaboutthismess.Iwanttohearallaboutthismannoone’smet.”
“Iknow,”shesaid,pullingaface.“Ipromisethatwasn’tintentional.It’sjusthowthingsturned

out.”

“Igetit,”Lukesaid,pullingovertheonlychairintheentireplaceforhertositin.“ButnowIneed

tohearallthedetails,sogetcomfy.Wantadrink?”

“Sure,”shesaid,droppingintothechairasHunterreclinedagainstthewalltolistenin.Hopefully

LukewouldaskallthequestionsHunterhadn’tdaredtoaskearlier.

“Okay,firstthingsfirst,”Lukesaid,poppingthetoponEsme’sdrinkandhandingitover.“What’s

hisastrologicalsign?”

Hunterpulledaface.Whatdidthathavetodowithanything?
ApparentlyEsmeknew,becauseshethrewherheadbackandlaughed.“That’sgoingtobeAli’s

firstquestion,isn’tit?”

“Quitepossibly,”Lukesaid,leaningagainstthewallwithHunter.
Esmerolledhereyes.“It’ssoweirdhowintothatsheiswhen,accordingtoastrology,sheand

Kadeareincompatibleastheycome.Butthey’regoingonhowmanyyearsnow?”

“Togethertwelve,marriednine,”Lukesaidwithouthesitation.
Esmeshookherhead.“We’velookeduptheircompatibilityhoroscopeoneverywebsitepossible,

andaccordingtoastrologytheyshouldn’thavelastedamonth.”

“MaybebecauseKadeislessGeminiandmorenarcissist,”Huntermuttered.“Hedefiesthe

zodiac.”

“Amentothat,”EsmesaidbeforetheybothlookedatLuke.Everyoneknewhewasinlovewith

Ali…everyonebutAli.“Allegedlyhehasn’tcheatedonherforayearnow.Thinkthere’sanytruthto
that?”

Lukeshrugged.“Shechoosesnottolooktoohardandtotrusthim,soIdothesame.IfIfind

somethingout,shedoesn’twantmetotellheranyway.Historyhastaughtmethat.”

Esmeshookherhead,obviouslybitinghertongue.“Well,youcaninformAlithatJonisahighly

intelligentAquarius.Idon’tknowwhatthatmeans,buttrustme.We’recompatible.”

ToHunter ’ssurprise,Lukefrowned.“Well,getreadyforhertotellyouthatwhileLeoand

Aquariusmaybehighlyattractedtoeachotheroutofthegate,yourinabilitytocommunicateonthe
samelevelwillserveasalongtermobstacle.”

“Nottrue,”Esmesaidwithouthesitation.“JonandIcancommunicatealmosteverythingwitha

glance,andwehaven’tfoughtonceyet.”

Lukeheldhishandsupinsurrender.“Don’tconvinceme.ConvinceAli.She’stheonewho’sgoing

togiveyoumarriageadvicebasedonagooglesearchofyourastrologicalsigns.”

Esmesmiled.“Imissthatgirl.Weneedtogoonadoubledatesometime…ortripledateifHunter

willactuallystartdatingsomeone.”

Huntershrugged.“Youcangowithoutme.Myfeelingswon’tbehurt.”
Esmeshookherhead.“We’vegottoworkonthisguy,Luke.Ican’tgetmarriedandhaveasingle

bestfriend.”Sheshiftedintoasoutherndrawl.“Peoplewilltalk.”

Tohissurprise,Lukehadherback.“IknowafewwomenIcouldprobablysethimupwith.”
“Excellent,”Esmehissed.“Youshouldmakeaportfolioformetoperuseandweshallselecthis

futurematetogether.”

Howintheworldhadtheconversationdriftedthisdirection?Theyweresupposedtobetalking

aboutJon.Hunterwassupposedtobegettingtheinsidescoop,butinsteadhisfriendswereconspiring
toplaymatchmakerforhim.

Nothanks.
ThelastthingontheplanetHunterneededwastomeetawomanEsmethoughtwasperfectforhim.

Thatwouldbeobscenelydepressing.

“I’vealwaysseenhimwithabrunette,”Esmesaid.
“Really?”Lukesaidthoughtfully.“I’vealwaysimaginedblondeforhim.”
Huntersenthisfriendawarninglook.
“Definitelynot,”Esmesaid.“Atleast80%ofthewomenhe’sdatedhavebeenbrunettes.”
“Hmm,”Lukesaid,appearingtoconsiderthat.“IguessIhaven’tpaidascloseattentionasyou.”
Hunteralmostelbowedhisfriend.HeknewwhatLukewasdoing.Healsoknewitwaspointless.

“Enoughaboutme.WhataboutJon?”

Tohisrelief,Lukenodded.“Indeed.WhataboutAquariusJon?”
“Well,”Esmesaid,smilingupatthem.“He’sadoctor,anaturalproblemsolver,andhelovesthe

finethingsinlife.”

“Ah,I’mseeingtheconnectionnow,”Lukemused.
“Iknow,”shelaughed.“Notgoingtolie.Wespendhalfourtimeeatingorexploringartand

historicalsites.He’sallaboutexperiences,andIcanhonestlytellyouthatwe’veneverhadaboring
date.We’realwaysexperiencingsomenewspotordelicacy.”

“Nowonderyouneverfight,”Lukesaid.“You’retooblissedout.”
“It’strue,”Esmeagreed.“He’ssogoodaboutthedetails.It’samazing.Totellyouthetruth,Ithink

it’sgoingtobefunbeingmarriedtoaperfectionist.”

HunterandLukesharedalookofterror.
“I’lltakeThingsOnlyWomenSayfor$600,Alex,”HuntermutteredandLukelaughed.
“I’mserious,”Esmesaid.“He’ssogreat.Ican’twaitforyoubothtomeethim.”Thenshestabbeda

fingeratHunter.“AndIexpectyoutobenicetohim,okay?”

“Me?”Huntersaid,doinghisbesttoappearinnocent.
Shenarrowedhereyesonhimplayfully.“Yes,you.He’snotsomeboyfriendIneedyoutotestor

chaseaway.He’sthemanI’mgoingtomarry,andIneedyoutogetonhisgoodsidesowecanallbe

friends.Promiseme?”

Hunterpretendedtobeaffronted.“YouthinkI’mgoingtotrytobehisenemy?”
ThistimeitwasEsmeandLukethatsharedthelookofdisbelief.
“Youhavetoadmitthatyoudon’thaveagoodtrackrecordformeetingmyboyfriends.”
“She’sgotyouthere,”Lukeagreed.
“Icanbenice,”Hunterargued.
“Yes.Butwillyou?”Esmeaskedbeforefoldingherarmsandstaringhimdownlikeonlyshe

could.

“Whydowekeepcomingbacktome?”Huntercomplained.“We’resupposedtobetalkingabout

Jon.”

“Andwewill.ButI’mnotmovingonuntilyoupromiseyou’llbenicewhenyoumeethim,”Esme

said.“Myfuturehappinessdependsonyoutwogettingalong,andI’dreallypreferitifyoudidn’t
screwthatuprightoutofthegate.”

“Fine!I’llbenice,okay?Ipromise.”
“Excellent,”Esmesmiled.“NowbacktoJon.Whatdoyouwanttoknow?”
HunterandLukelookedateachother,bothconfused.HunterwasgladwhenLukeansweredforthe

bothofthem.

“We’reguys,Ez.Wedon’taskquestionsaboutotherdudes.Yougushwhilewelistenpolitely.

That’showthisworks.”

“Right,”Esmesaidwithanod.Thenshestartedintoitand,aspromised,Hunterlistened.
Jonhadmoney.Jonwashandsome.Jonliketoeat.Jonappreciatedthefine—andrefined—things

inlife.Jontraveledalot.Jonhadatimeshare.

ThatwasaboutallHuntergotbeforehetunedoutandcametoatroublingconclusion:Fewthings

werecertaininlife,butHunterfeltfairlycertainthattherewasnotauniverseinwhichheandJon
wouldbefriends.Buthewoulddohisbesttobenicetothemananyway.ForEsme,hewouldtry.

Chapter7

Thegreenbeaconglowingfaintlythroughthethicksheetofnightfogpinpointedthelocationof

thefire.Hunter ’struckwasthesecondonthescene,whichmeanttheycouldusethelightonthefirst
enginetoguidethemuntiltheywereabletoseetheflamingthree-storybuildingthey’dbeencalledto.

Thisfirewasdefinitelygoingtoneedanotherengine.
Hunterlookedup,seeingnothingbutthedimglowofflamesthroughdensefog.Powerlineswere

longpastinvisible,aswastherooflinewhichwaswhyhisteamhadbeencalledin.Zerovisibility
madethingsmorecomplicated.

“TurnonourfoglightandgetusinpositiontoventilatetheroofwhileIfindthechief,”Hunter

calledoverhisshoulderandhismenshoutedbacktheirconfirmation.

ThetruckwasstillcomingtoastopwhenHuntersteppedouttosearchforthechiefinthefog.He

couldhearmenyellingandfirehosesalreadyaimedatthebuilding,buthecouldn’thearthechiefand
hecouldn’tseeathing.

“ChiefAnders!”hecalledout,andwasreachingforhisradiorightasanotherfiremansteppedout

ofthefogandintoview.

“Thechiefisoncrowdcontrol.Wehavesomewackoswhowon’tgetoutofthedangerzone.”
“Where?”Hunterasked,andtheguypointedofftoHunter ’sleft.“Thanks,man.”
Thefirefighternoddedanddisappearedbackintothefog.
Huntermovedtothesidewalktofindthechiefherdinghippies.Literally.Oneofthemwaseven

burningsageandwavingthesmokeatthebuilding.

“Ineedeveryonetostepback!”thechiefwasyellingasheusedhisarmstotrytousherthegroup

awayfromtheflames.

Theyweren’tmoving.
Hunterglancedaroundasheapproachedhischief,seeingnothingbutfogandflameswhilefeeling

theoccasionalsplashofwateragainsthisface.“Aretherenoofficersonthesceneyet?”heaskedthe
chief.

ChiefAndersshookhishead,clearlyonthevergeoflosingallpatience.“Twominutesout.”
Hunterclappedhisglovedhandstogetherandcalledoutasloudashecould.“We’regoingtoneed

allofyoutotakefiftystepsback.Literally.Fiftysteps.Startwalking!”

Noonemoved.
“Weneedtobeclosetothefire,”oneofthehippiesreplied.“We’resendingitcalmingenergysoit

won’tgetoutofcontrol.”

Wasthekidserious?Couldhepossiblybeserious?
“Welcometothepastfiveminutesofmylife,”thechiefmuttered.
Hunterphysicallyforcedtheclosesthippiesback.“Maybeyoushouldhavedoneallthegoodjuju

stuffbeforestartingthefire.Nowbackup!”

ThethreepeopleinHunter ’spathtrippedbackmorethanstepped,butitwasstillmovement.
“That’sit!”hepraised.“Keepgoing.Wecan’tworkuntilyou’reoutofourway.”

Darylsteppedupbehindhim.“What’sgoingon?”
“Thesehippiesaretryingtomeditatetheflamesawayandwon’tleave.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously,”Huntersaid,stillpushingthemback.
“Byallaccountsthebuildingisclear,”ChiefAnderssaid.“That’stheonlypositiveinthis.I’mnot

sendinganymeninthereforasweep.Thebuilding’stoofargoneandallresidentspresentand
accountedfor.”

“Onlyproblemisthatthey’reallmothstryingtoflybackintotheflames,”Huntergrumbledashe

continuedtoforcethemback.

“Youdon’tunderstand,”ayoungguyobjected.“Icanfeelthefire,man.It’ssoangry.Ifyouletme

talktoit,Icancalmitdown.”

HunterandDarylsharedalookasitbecameclearthattheyweren’tjustdealingwithhippies.They

weredealingwithhighhippies.

“Ifweformacircleandsendoutmessagesofpeaceandcalm,thefirewilljoinus.”
Ifby“joinyou”youmeanburnyouintoapileofasheswecouldstirtogether,thenyes.That’s

exactlywhatitwilldo.Joinyou.

Hunter ’sless-than-kindmentalresponsewasinterruptedbythearrivaloffourofficerswhoranup

behindDaryl.Twooftheofficerswerenewtohim,butHunterknewOfficersFlynnandThompson
frompreviouscallsinthearea.

“Finally!”thechiefmoaned,spottingtheofficers.“Weneedaperimeter,stat.”
“Onit,”Flynnsaidastheofficersmovedintotakeoverforthechief.
HuntersteppedinnexttoFlynnanddroppedhisvoice.“Atleastsomeofthemareashighasakite,

soyoumighthavetobeextradiligenttomakesurethattheirprayercirclenama-staysoutsideofthe
yellowtape.”

“Great,”Flynnsaid.“Thanksforthetip,Chase.”
“Noproblem,”Huntersaidbeforecatchinguptothechief.Smokereplacedfoginhisnoseasthe

leftsideofhisbodygrewexponentiallyhotterthanhisright.“Openupthetop?”

“Yes,”hischiefcalledback.“Let’spopthetopandputthisthingoutbeforeitspreadsdownthe

street.”

“Copythat,”Huntersaid,runningbacktohisengineandgrabbingachainsaw.“Nothing

glamoroustoday,men.Nobodiesinsideandnopetsthatneedrescuing,solet’sgetontheroofand
makesomechimneys,shallwe?”

Hismenmovedintoactionlikethewell-oilmachinetheywere,grabbingequipmentbefore

followinghimupthewoodenladderthatextendeduptotheroof.

Anotherenginearrivedminuteslater,unleashinganotherhoseontothefireasHunterandhisteam

createdtheholesthatallowedtheblacksmokeofthedyinginfernotobillowoutandreleaseheat
fromthebuilding.

“Howarethingslooking,Daryl?”Hunteraskedintohisradiowhenhisfriendlookedoverthe

ledgeofthebuilding.

“It’snotspreading,”Darylrepliedoverthespeaker.“Ihavenoideawhynot,butithasn’tjumped

nextdooryet.”

“Letmeknowifthatchanges.”
“Copythat.”
Histeamworkedquickly,openinguptheroofandgettingbacktothegroundwhiletheother

enginesdrownedthefireoutandkeptitfromtheneighboringbuildings.Thirtyminuteslater,thefire
wassoggyash.

Lookingoverthedisaster,Darylshookhishead.“Whatdoyouwanttobetitwasincenseor

something?”

“Definitelysomethingstupid,”Huntergrunted.
“Let’sgolook,”Darylsaid,andtheybothjoinedtheotherfirefightersforasweepoftheproperty.
Thechiefhadbeenright;thebuildinghadbeenclearedsotherewerenogrimdiscoveriesuntil

Hunterspottedseveralofthefiremenaroundthebreakerbox.

Hunterwalkeduptothegroup.“Isthisthepointoforigin?”
Inresponse,thefiremaninfrontofhimsteppedtothesideandletHunterseeforhimself.“Oneof

theapartments—Ican’timaginewhichone—splitthefusestogetfreeenergyontheirneighbor ’s
dime.Insuranceisn’tgoingtotouchthiswithaten-footpole.”

Evenfromfivefeetaway,Huntercouldseethemessinthefuseboxthathadallthetell-tale

indicatorsofanoriginpoint.Aninvestigatorwouldcomeintomorrowanddoanofficial
investigation,butHunterwasn’ttheonlyfiremanwithaconstructionbackground.Theyallknewwhat
theywerelookingat.

Heshookhisheadandwalkedbacktothetruck.Itwastimetogethismenbacktothestationto

showeroffthesoggysootandgetalittleshuteye…oratleastthat’swhatthey’ddoiftheidiotsofthe
worldwouldbesokindastonotstartyetanotherneedlessfire.

Chapter8

Beforecoffee,beforecomputers,beforeanythingbutaquickbathroombreakeachweekday

morning,Esmehitthetreadmilluntilshehad5,000stepstallieduponherFitBit.

She’dalwaysbeenoneofthosegirlswiththetypeofbodythatlikedtokeeptenextrapounds

around,evenbackinherhighschoolcheerleadingandcollegeballroomdays.Buteversincesheand
HunterhadstartedcompetingontheirFitBits,Esmehadsettlednicelyintohergoalweight.Itwas
hardnottowhentheguyshewasupagainstapparentlywalkedamarathoneveryday.Nomatterhow
longshestayedonhertreadmillorhowfarsheparkedawayfromthegrocerystore,Hunterout-
walkedEsmeeveryday.

Especiallythispastweekend.
Esmedidn’tknowwhatHunterhadbeendoingsinceshehadbeenwithJonandnottracking

emergenciesHunterwascalledto,likesheusuallydid,buthisFitBitnumberswereoffthecharts.
Yesterdayshouldhavebeenatypicalworkdayforhim,buthe’dbeatherbymorethan12,000steps.
Nowonderthemanwasbuiltlikeatank.Whenitcametoworkingout,hewasamachine.

Butforabriefwindowoftimeeachmorning,alittleafter6:00,Esmealwaysmadesureshewas

aheadonsteps.Itdidn’tmatterthatHunterwasasleepafterpullinga24-hourshiftatthefirestation.
Herbriefleadstillcountedasshejoggedonhertreadmillandwatchedtheworldbrightenupthrough
herbaywindows.

ItmightbearegularMondayfortherestoftheworld,butitdidn’tfeellikeanyotherMondayto

Esme.Everythingfeltdifferent.Becauseitwas.

Shewasengaged.Shewasfreakin’engaged!
Itstilldidn’tfeelreal,eventhougheverythingshe’ddoneovertheweekendhadcementedthefact.
Jonhadmetherparentsandshe’dSkypedwithhis.Yesterdayithadonlybeenthetwoofthemand

JonhadkeptreferringtoherasMrs.Bauerwhiletheyloungedaroundhisplaceandtookiteasy.

Itfeltsurrealandalltoorealatthesametime.Partofherwantedtoforgetthefactthatshehada

jobandmoverightintoweddingplanning.Theyneededtopickadateandalocationandhowbig
theywantedtheweddingtobeanddecideathousandotherthings.

Oh,andshetotallyneededtogetonfindingadress.Gracewouldbeahugehelptheresinceshe’d

justgonethroughtheprocessherselfwithherhusband,Ashton.

Esmewassodistractedwithdressthoughtsthatshemadeitto5,200stepsbeforestoppingher

treadmillandfinishingtherestofhermorningroutine.By7:15a.m.,shewasinfrontofhercomputer
andcheckinghergooglealertsforthepasttwodays.Shemovedthroughthenewsstoriesfirst,noting
whatneworganizationshadpickedupbeforeheadingovertosocialmediasiteslikeRedditand
Tumblrtofindouthowpeoplewerereactingandwhatstorieswerestillundertheradar.

Itonlytookaboutfiveminutesofcatchinguponalltheprofessionalstupiditythathadtakenplace

overtheweekendtopushweddingthoughtsoutofhermindentirely.

EsmewasaPRCrisisConsultant,andwhenshedidherjobright,herclientsdidn’tcallherwitha

crisis;shestoppedthembeforetheyhappened.Wheneverpossible,Esmepreferredtospotissues

beforetheybecameproblems.Whenthatwasn’tpossible,shecreatedplanstosurviveorthrive
throughdisastersandthenwalkedherclientsthroughthem.

Shecouldn’tstopeverycrisisbeforeithappened,ofcourse.Shewouldhavetobefull-timeandin-

housewithallofherclientstoevenattemptthatlevelofpre-emptivesuccess;butshecouldoftenspot
warningflagsorsendadigestofmistakescompetitorsweremakingtoadviseherclientstosteer
clearofsimilarmistakes.

Simplemistakes,likeadeejaywhohadstirredcontroversyovertheweekendbydeclaringhis

stationwasgivingaway“ahandfuloffat,stackedTubmans”fortheircashgiveaway.

Notherclient.Happily.
Misstepslikeadeejaythinkinghewasbeingcheekyandfunbyreferringtothenew$20billslike

thatwasasunacceptableasitwasavoidable.Andsinceoneofherclientsmanagedover150radio
stationsacrosstheUS,Esmeaddedthestorylinkwithasummaryofthedeejay’smisstepsalongwith
alistacceptablealternatephrases.

Technically,asaconsultant,sendingemailstoclientswithtipsonhowtoavoidnegativepublicity

wasaboveandbeyondherjobdescription,butdoingsomadeherjobeasierintheend.Informed
clientsmadesmarterbusinessdecisions.Smarterdecisionsmeantfewercriseswhilealsoleavingthe
doorofcommunicationopenforherclientstorunmessagingpastherfirstbeforeputtingitoutinthe
universeforhertodealwithretroactively.

Plus,itmadeherclientsfeelbetteraboutkeepingheronretaineryearafteryear.Inherbusiness,

repeatcustomersandwordofmouthwerewhathadallowedEsmetobuyherdreamhousein
Sausalitotwoyearsago.

Ahouseyoumighthavetosellnow,shethoughtwithafrown.
SheandJonwouldhavetotalkaboutthat.Hunterwasright.Jonwouldwanttoliveclosetothe

hospital,andEsmecouldliveanywherewithasolidinternetconnection,sothecasewasn’tlooking
goodforhertokeepthehouse.

MaybeshewouldhavetoplayhardballwithLukeandtellhimthatifhewantedhertosellhimher

house,thenheneededtofindhersomethingcomparablenearthehospital.OrmaybeLukeandHunter
couldfindsomethingandflipittohertastebeforethewedding.Whenthosetwoguysworked
together,miracleshappened.Esme’scurrenthomewasatestamenttothat.They’ddeliveredhera
dreamhomeinSausalito.Maybetheycoulddothesameinthecity.

TheringofherphonebroughtEsmebacktorealityandsherecognizedtheChicagonumber.
“Andrew,”shegreeted,pickingup.“Goodtohearfromyou.”Atleastshehopeditwasagood

thing.

“Hey,Esme.Iwasn’tsureifthiswastooearlytocall.”
“Nevertooearlyforyou,”shesaidwithasmile.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”
“Well,we’vefinallyhiredournewmarketingmanagerandIwasthinkingthatitwouldbegood

foryoutwotomeetface-to-faceandestablisharelationshipforthefeeoutlinedinourcontract.”

“Iwouldlovetomakethathappen,”Esmereplied.“Whatwereyouthinking?Doyouwanttosend

yournewmanageroutheretoexperiencethechillofaSanFranciscoSeptember?”

“Thatwasmythought,”Andrewreplied.“Icouldsendheroutthereforafewdaysandyoucould

givehersometimeeachofthosedaystogetheruptospeedonwhereweareasacompany,the
pitfallswe’veavoidedinthepast,andthestyleguidewe’vecomeupwithacrosstheyearstokeep
ourselvesontrack.”

This.ThiswaswhyEsmelikedkeepingintouchwithherclientswhethertherewasacrisisornot.

Meet-upsliketheoneAndrewwassuggestingwereawin-win.IfEsmecouldtrainthenewmarketing
manageracrossafewdays,shecouldsaveherselfanynumberofheadachesdowntheroad.

“Ilovehowyouthink,Andrew,”shesaid.“Andsinceyou’recallingme,I’massumingyouhave

datesyouwanttothrowmyway?”

“Ifatallpossible,nextweekwouldbeideal.”
“NextThursdayandFriday?”Esmeoffered.
“Thatwouldbeperfect,”Andrewsaid.
“ThenIwillcarveouttimeforheroneachofthosedaysandwe’llgetheruptospeed.”
Andrewletoutanaudiblesighofrelief.“You’readream,Esme.I’llhaveDeborahreachoutto

youtohammeroutthedetails.”

“Isthatthenewmanager?”
“Yes,”helaughed.“Sorry.YoualwaysseemtoknoweverythingbeforeIdo,soIassumedyou

knew.”

“Idonow,”Esmesaid.“Havehercalloremailme,andwe’llgetthingssetup.Ilookforwardto

meetingher.”

“Me,too.Andthanksforthis,Esme.”
“Mypleasure,Andrew.Bettertohelpyougetanewfaceuptospeedlikethisthanhaveherspend

thenextyeardealingwithhardknocksasshegetsuptospeedthehardway.”

“Mythoughtsexactly,”Andrewsaid.
Afewpleasantrieslater,Esme’shomeofficewassilentagainassheopenedhercalendarforthe

nextweek.Barringanunforeseencrisis,shehadbothafternoonsopenonThursdayandFriday.She
blackedthemoutandcalledtomakelunchreservationsforeachdaybeforegoingbacktoherusual
routine.

Threehourslater,shehadherfirstdraftsofweeklydigestspreparedanddidonequickpass

throughofeachclient’swebsitebeforemakingadjustmentsandpressingsend.Sheglancedatthe
clock,wonderingwhenshewouldhearfromDeborahbeforecompulsivelycheckingherFitBit.

Hunterwasupandhadfinishedhismorningrunwhileshe’dbeenworking.Esme’sstepcountwas

atarespectable5,466whileHunterhadalreadydoubledherwith11,894.

Sheneededtofindawaytowalkonhertreadmillandworkatthesametime.Shewasprettysure

thatwastheonlywayshecouldcompetewithHunter ’sactivity.HewouldbeworkingwithLukeon
theirlatesttownhouseallday,whichmeanthisstepsshouldn’tbetoooffthechartsuntillaterthat
night.Sheclickedontheappsheusedtotrackhislocationandsmiledwhenshesawhewasalreadyat
thetownhousewithLuke.

Oh,yeah.Shewastotallygoingtobeathimtoday.Foronce.
Grabbingherphoneoffherdesk,Esmeheadedoutthedoorforalate-morningwalkalongthe

coast.Thetouristswouldbeoutinfullforcenow,butEsmewasn’tthetypeoflocalwhoavoidedthe
peoplewhocametoherlittletouristtownfortheday.Quitetheopposite.ItwasEsme’shobbyto
eavesdroponalltheconversations.Shetoldherselfthatitwasoneofhermanywaysofstayingupto
dateonwherepeople’sheadswereat,butthetruthwasshereallylikedlistening.

Alwayshad.
Shemighthavehadabitofagossipingproblemwhenshewasateen…okay,she’dtotallyhada

gossipingproblem.ButEsmelikedtothinkthatshe’dmadeaprettygoodlivingoutofunderstanding
whatgotpeople’stongueswaggingandwhatleftthembored.

Itwastimetogooutandfindoutwhathadtongueswaggingtoday.

Chapter9

MOM

Mom:
Whateveryourplans
aretonight,they’re
canceled.

Hunter:

AndifIhaveadate?

Mom:
Bringher!

Hunter:

Where?

Mom:
TheTaylors.

Hunter:

Why?

Mom:
We’remeetingJon
tonight.

Hunter:

Havefun.

Mom:
You,too.You’regoing
tobethere.

Hunter:

I’llpass.

Mom:
I’mnotasking.None
ofushavemethim.

Hunter:

We’lldoublesometime.

I’llskiptonight.

Mom:
Seeyouthere.ShouldI
RSVPyouwitha+1?

Hunter:

RSVPmeasanoshow.

Mom:
It’sstartsat7:00.Bethere.

Andshowerfirst.

Don’tcomecoveredin
constructiondustlike
lasttime.

Loveyou!

Hunter:

Ineedtowork.

Mom:
Youneedtoeat.Audra
iscooking.

Hunter:

That’snice.Tellher

Iwon’tbethere.

Mom:
You’llbethere.Thisis
notarequest.Seeyou
at7sharp.

Chapter10

TherewerealotofplacesHunterdidn’twanttobeatthemoment,butsittingatGregandAudra

Taylor ’sdiningroomtablewithfourhappycoupleswasprettymuchatthetopofhislist.Nevermind
thatsevenoutoftheothereightguestsweresomeofhisfavoritepeople.BetteandDaviswerehis
honoraryauntanduncle,aswereKateandEd.Hunterlovedthemlikefamily,justlikehelovedthe
Taylors.ItwastheguysittingontheoppositecornerofthetablethathadHunterglancingathiswatch
everyfewminutesanddebatingwhetherornothe’dreachedthepointintheeveningwherehecould
politelyexcusehimself.

Probablynotyet.Theywerestillonhorsd’oeuvres.
Hunterdidhisbestnottostareasheassessedtheguywhoseemedtoaffixaperma-smiletoEsme’s

lipsbydoingnothingmorethansharingthesameair.Shewasclearlysmitten,andhecouldkindof
seewhy.

HunterhadspentwaytoomuchtimewithEsmetopretendnottoseehowattractiveDr.JonBauer

wastohisbestfriend.Esmehadalwayswantedamanwithdarkhair.Evenbackingroupplaydates
whenthey’dbeenfourandfiveyearsold,she’dalwayscrushedonboyswiththick,darkmopsofhair.
HerfirstkisshadbeenwithaboynamedChadwhentheywerefour.He’dhaddarkhairandhazel
eyes.

LikeJon.
ForawomanwhosecelebritycrusheswereRobertDowneyJr.andJonathanRhysMyers,Esme

haddonearemarkablejobfindingherselfareal-lifehybrid.ThecynicalpartofHunterwonderedif
anyofJon’sfancylooksweretheresultofascalpel.Maybeheandanotherdoctorhadperformeda
fewproceduresontradetoachievethatstrongjawlineandweirdlyperfectnose.

OrmaybetheguyhadbeengeneticallyblessedlikeHunter.
Itdidn’tmattereitherway.Theguyhadclearlybeentailor-madeforEsme.Evenfromhisseatat

theoppositeendofthetable,Huntercouldseethat.

Dr.JonBauerwasEsmeTaylor ’sMr.Right.
Congratulationstothemboth.Hewassurethey’dhavebeautifulbabies.Esme’sparentshadevery

righttobeelated.

Couldhegonow?
Iftherewasoneplacehedidn’tbelong,itwasinagatheringofelatedcouplescongratulatingEsme

onfinallylandingDr.McDreamy.

HunterpulledhisphoneouttotextDarylaboutmeetinguplaterthatnightandhismomglaredat

him,sendingapointedlookathisphone.

Right.Textingatthetablewasrude.Hetuckedhisphonebackinhispocketandpretendedtogive

hisfullattentiontothedoctorwhowascharmingeveryonewithhistaleofthatonetimewhenhetook
aweekofftofixcleftpalatesinAfrica.AccordingtoJon,thatweekhadbeenlife-changingandthe
bestofhislife.

Yeah?Ifso,thenwhyhadheonlydoneitonce?Ithadbeenthreeyearssincethatlone,amaze-balls

humanitariantrip.Whynotgoagain?

ThesewereamongthemanyquestionsHunterdidn’taskasJoncharmedtheguests.Iftheguywere

onlyaboyfriend,Huntermighthavehazedhimalittlemore.ButhewasafiancéandEsmewas
clearlyenamored…aswaseveryoneelseatthetable.SoHunterkepthismouthshutandletthegood
vibesabide.

Contrarytopopularbelief,hedidhavesomemannersunderhisbelt.
“Sooftenpeopleforgetthatcosmeticsurgerycanbeasmuchaboutfunctionasitisaboutform,”

Jonwassayingtohischarmedaudience.

Ofcourse,everyonecooedtheiragreement,convenientlyforgettingthatJondidboobjobsfora

living.Hisjobwastotallyaboutform.ButwhowoulddarementionthatwhenJonkepttalkingabout
thechildrenwhocouldnoweatthankstothattriphetookonceuponatime?

TheguyreallyshouldgobacktoAfricaandsavemorelives.Hunterinsisted.Hewouldevenbuy

Jon’sticket.One-way.

Gosavethechildren,Jon!Whylimitthebestdaysofyourlifetooneweek?Goback!Mytreat.
Healmostoffered.Almost.ThenhetookonelookedatEsme’ssmittensmileandobviouspridein

herfiancéandbithistongue.Esme’smommadeexcellentbluecrabbeignets;heshouldprobably
sticktoputtingthoseinhismouthinsteadofhisfoot.

TheywerehalfwaythroughthemaincoursewhenEsmeflaredhereyesathimandmouthedthe

words,Saysomething.Hisresponsewastoholdeyecontactbeforetakingagiantbiteofpasta.Afew
secondslater,hisphonebuzzedwithatextinhispocket.

Esme:
Stoplurkinginplain
sightandsay
something.

Ignoringyetanotherchastisinglookfromhismom,Huntertypedhisresponse.

Hunter:

Tonight’saboutJon.

Lethimtalk.

Afewsecondslater,herreplyappeared.

Esme:
Tonight’saboutpeople
gettingtoknowEACH
OTHER.Thatincludes
you.

Hunter:

Ithinkeveryoneat

thistableknowsme

aswellastheywant

to.

Asalways,noonesawEsmetextingbuteveryonesawHuntercheckinghisphone.Hehadnoidea

howshetextedwithoutlookingatherscreen,butbetweenhisdyslexiaandbigfingers,Hunterhadto
focuswhenhetexted.Esme,ontheotherhandwasstillmakingeyesatJonandparticipatinginthe
conversationwithoutmissingabeat.

“Esmehadthegreatideaofmakinghandmadeinvitationstothewedding,”Jonwassayingas

Huntertunedbackintotheconversation,andHuntercouldn’thelpbutlaugh.Suddenlyeveryone
lookedathimlikehe’dstartedplayingcymbalsduringmass.

“What?”hesaid,lookingaroundthetable.
Esme’seyesnarrowedonhimplayfully.“Youthinkthat’sfunny?”
Hunterdidn’tblink.“It’shilarious.Howmanypeopleareyougoingtoinvite?Ten?Becausethat’s

howmanyinvitationsyou’regoingtogetthroughbeforeyoustarthatingthisidea.”

“Well,Ithinkit’sagreatidea,”Jonsaid,armtuckedaroundEsme.“Idon’tknowifyou’veseen

thiswoman’scalligraphy,butit’sgorgeous.”

“Oh,I’veseenit,”Huntersaid.“ButIalsoknowthatafteraboutthirtyminutesshe’sgoingtoget

restlessandwanttoescape.Soifyouwanthandmadeinvitations,youshouldeitherstartmakingthem
noworhiresomeonetomakethem.”

“Well,hiring’soutofthequestion,”Jonsaiddefinitively.“Noonecoulddoabetterjobthan

Esme.”

“Yeah,Hunter,”Esmetaunted,leaningintoherfiancé.“Noonecoulddobetterthanme.”
“Sure,”hesaid,lettingsarcasmdripfromhistone.“Thatoneelectivecourseincollegeturnedyou

intoatruemaster.”

“Anyway,”Audrainterjectedbrightly.“Idothinkit’salovelyidea.Sofewthingshaveapersonal

touchthesedays.”

“Exactly,”Jonagreed.“Everythingisjustcut,pasted,andprinted.”
“It’stragic,”Hunterdrawled.“Imean,imaginethehundredsofhourswecouldallspenddoingthat

stuffbyhand.”

Esmehidasmilewhileherfiancé’slipsflattenedintoatenseline.
“Butstill,”Hunter ’smomsaid,flaringhereyeshiswayinwarning.“It’squitelovelytotreat

specialoccasionsdifferently—especiallyonce-in-lifetimeevents.”

“Agreed,”AudrasaidasshesentHunteraquicklookofwarning.
Hunterlookeddownathisphoneagainandtyped.

Hunter:

See?Noonewants

metotalk.

Esme:
Ofcoursetheydo.
Trygoingwiththe
flow.

Hunter:

Gowiththeflow?

Does.Not.Compute.

Ontheothersideofthetable,Esmechuckled.
“Asiasoundslikeanamazinghoneymoonlocation,”DaviswassayingwhenEsme’slaughter

fadedfromHunter ’sears.“Whatcountrieswereyouplanningonvisiting?”

“Well,IreallywanttodoCambodiaandThailand,”Jonsaid.“ThenwecanhopovertoChinaand

maybeevenJapan.”

Esme’sfatherlookedimpressed.“That’squiteahoneymoon.Howmuchtimewouldyouplanon

taking?”

“Amonth,ifwecanpullitoff,”Jonsaid.“IhavealotofPTOcomingmyway.”
Forthefirsttime,Esmelookedalittlehesitant.“AndI’mself-employedsoIhavenoPTO.We’ll

havetofindatimeframethatworksforbothofusandthenchooseourlocationsfromthere.”

Jonlaughed.“Ithoughtthatwasoneoftheperksofbeingself-employed.Youcantakeoff

wheneveryouwant.”

Hunterlaughedatthat,knowingcommentslikethatwereEsme’spetpeeve,buthesaidnothing

whenshelookedhiswayandgaveasmallshakeofherhead.

“It’ssomewhattheopposite,”shesaidwithasmile.“ItmeansIhaveadozendifferentbossesto

keephappyatalltimes.Disappearingforamonthisn’tsomethinganyofthemwilllikelyletmeget
awaywith.”

HuntercouldseeanargumentonthetipofJon’stongue,butheapparentlydecidedtoletitgoatthe

lastsecond.“We’llhavetotalkthroughthedetailstogether,buttherearesomeplacesIreallywantto
hit.Likethatglass-bottomedbridgeintheHunanDistrictinChina.Thatlooksamazing.”

ThethoughtofEsmeonabridgelikethathadHunterlaughingoutloudand,again,everyone

lookedathimlikehewastheweirdone.

“What?”Huntersaid.“Oh,c’mon,areweallgoingtopretendEsmeisactuallygoingtocrossthat

thing?”

Jonbristled.“Whywouldn’tshe?”
Esme’smomclearedherthroat,signalingtoHunterthatshe’dfieldthequestion.“Esmehasa

historyofbeingafraidofheights.”

“NotfromwhatI’veseen,”Jonsaid.“Shehaspicturesalloverherhomeofherrockclimbingand

goingonziplines.FromwhatI’veseen,she’sfinewithheights.”

“That’sbecauseyouhaven’tseenwhatittakestogethertogodownaziplineorclimbuparock

wall,”Huntersaid.“It’snotfunforher.It’simmersiontherapy.”

JonleveledasteelygazeonHunter.“Well,ifyoucangethertogodownazipline,I’mprettysure

Icangetheracrossabridge.”

Hunteropenedhismouthtosaysomethingthatwouldverylikelynothelpthesituation,buthis

mombeathimtothepunch.

“Well,thebridgesoundsterrifying.I’veseentheoneyou’retalkingaboutonYouTubeandIdon’t

thinkI’dmakeitacross.Ilikemyfeetontheground,thankyouverymuch.”

“I’llsecondthat,”Audraadded,andsuddenlytheconversationwasbackonneutralterritory.“Then

again,crossingascarybridgeisaperfectexcusetoholdontighttoeachother.”

Jongrinned.“Well,nowthatyoumentionit…”
Everyonecourtesylaughed.ExceptHunter.Momentslikethiswereperfectexamplesastowhyhe

shouldn’thavecome.Tonightwasanightforplayingniceandlaughingatrimshotjokeslikethat.
Thatwasn’toneofHunter ’sskillsets.

Whycouldn’tAudrabringdessertoutsoHuntercoulddoeveryoneafavorbyexcusinghimself

fortheevening?Butinsteadofleavingeveryoneinpeace,hewasforcedtowatchpeoplepeckattheir
foodlikebirdsastheydiscussedtheexchangerateinCambodia,andthecitiestovisitinThailandthat
weretourist-friendlywithoutbeingtootouristy.

Esmemoonedovertheideaofridinganelephantandvisitingthesanctuarywheresomeofthe

elephantspaintedwiththeirtrunks.Jonwantedtorentahutontheriverandliveofflocalvendors.
Huntercouldonlyimaginethetypesofinsectsthatwouldbelivinginahutbytheriverandhida

smile.He’dpaytoseeEsmespendanightinanareawherelocalspiderswerethesizeofhatsandthe
riverbelowherbedwasfilledwithsnakes.

Shewouldn’tsleepawink.NeitherwouldJon.
Man,tobeaflyonthewallthatnight…aflythatwasn’teatenbyoneofthelocalhatspiders,

obviously.

Atlonglast,guestsstartedsettingtheirsilverwaredownatthefouro’clockpositionontheirplates.

ThefirstwasEd,followedbyBette,thenHunter ’sdad,thenEsme.

Itwasalmosttimefordessert.Thanktheheavens!
“Well,”Jonsaidashesetdownhissilverware.“Onething’sforsure,Audra,isthatnothingweeat

onourhoneymoonwillcomparetowhatyoupreparedforustonight.Thatwasdelicious.”

Audrablushedwithpleasure.“Thankyou,Jon.I’mgladyouenjoyedit.”
“Ofcourse.Itwasexcellent.”
“Well,”Audrasaid,dabbingthecornersofhermouthwithhernapkinbeforeshestood.“Ihope

you’reinthemoodforshreddedpastrycheesecake.It’soneofmyfavorites.”

“I’veneverhadthepleasurebefore,”Jonsaid.“Butitsoundsdivine.”
“Itis,”Esmesaidbeforeaddingalightmoanofappreciationandlookingoveratherfiancé—first

athiseyes,thenhislips.

Huntersurgedtohisfeet,sendingasmileAudra’sway.“Letmehelpyouclear.”
“Whythankyou,Hunter.That’sveryappreciated.”
AnythingtogetoutofsightofthekissEsmewasabouttoplantonMr.Perfect.
YearsofgroupdinnersatthefirestationhadgiftedHunterwiththeskillofcarryingmorethan

nineplatesatonce.Histechniquemightnotbeparticularlyelegant,butitgotthejobdone.Whenhe
joinedAudrainthekitchen,shewasgettingherdessertoutofthefridge.

“Itlooksamazing,asalways,”hesaidtoherashewalkedtothesink.
Shesmiled.“Thanks,Hunter.Thecomponentsneedtobeassembled,thenwe’regoodtogo.”
Hesettheplatesdownnexttothesink.“Doyouwanthelpwiththat,orshouldIsticktothedishes?”
“Oh,forgetthedishes,”shesaidwithawave.“Getbackouttherewitheveryone.”
Hearchedabrowherway.“Audra,it’sjustyouandmehere.Youcankeepitreal.”
Shesmiledatthat,lettingoutanervouslaugh.Hetookthatashiscuetostartpre-washingthe

dishes.

“You’reright,”shesaidfrombehindhim.“Itprobablywouldhavebeenbetterforyoutowaitto

meetJonwhenyouweresurroundedbyalotofpeopleyourage.Itisabitoddtohaveyouhereand
noneoftheothersiblings.”

“Besuretorepeatthattomymom,”Huntersaidasheopenedthedishwasherandstartedpre-

washingthefirstplate.“ShethoughtIwasbeingobtusewhenItriedtooptout.”

“Well,”sheteased.“Evenabrokenclockisrighttwiceaday,Iguess.”
Huntersentheraplayfulglareoverhisshoulderandkeptwashing.
Audraclearedherthroat.“So?Whatdoyouthinkofhim?”
“Jon?”
“Yeah.”
Huntershrugged,gladhewasfacingawaysohissecondmomcouldn’tseehisface.“Esme’s

clearlyinlove.”

“Yes,”Audrasaid.“It’ssonicetoseeherhappy.”
“Itis.”
Silence.Hunterwasgladforitashemovedontothenextplate.
“Andthat’sit?”Audraasked.“That’sallyouhavetosayabouthim?”
Hunterkepthiseyesfocusedonhiswork.“DoesanythingIhavetosaymatteratthispoint?Esme’s

inloveandshesaidyestoaring.That’smycuetostepbackandbesupportive,isn’tit?”

“I…guess,”Audrasaidafterabeat.“Ithoughtyou’dhaveanopinion.Youalwaysdo.”
Hunterplacedaplateinthedishwasher,stillnotlookingAudra.“MyopinionisthatJonisexactly

thekindofguyshe’salwaystalkedaboutwantingtomarry.ShemadealistandJonchecksoffallthe
boxes.It’smyjobtobehappyforher,right?”

HecouldliterallyfeelthesighofreliefthatescapedAudrabehindhim.“Yeah.Iguessso.”
Toosoon,Hunterwasoutofplatestoscrub.Yetanothertraithe’dpickedupatthefirehouse.

Speed.HeshouldhaveworkedslowerandboughthimselfmoretimeawayfromAudra’ssearching
eyes.Instead,therewasnothinglefttodobutwashhishandsanddrythemonatowelbeforeturning
tofaceher.

Audrahadfinishedeverythingbutaddingtheraspberrytopperstoherdessert.Oneglancemade

Huntergladhe’dstuckthingsoutthroughdessert,buthewasn’tfondoftheoddlookonAudra’sface
asshelookedhisway—likeshehadaquestionshewasdebatingasking.

“Needhelpwiththosetoppers?”Hunterasked,pointingtothepastries.
“Hmmm?Oh,yes!”Audrasaidbrightly.“Please.”
Uncomfortablequestionaverted.
Itwasn’tHunter ’sfirstshredded-pastry-cheesecakerodeo,sobetweenthetwoofthemtheymade

quickworkoftoppingoffthedessertsbeforecarryingthembackouttothegroup.Forsomereason,
AudrachosetoservethesideofthetableoppositeofJon,leavingHuntertoserveJonandEsme’s
sideofthetable.

Withoutaword,Hunterstartploppingdessertsdown.
“Thislooksmarvelous,”Jongushed.
“Waituntilyoutasteit,”Esmesaid.“Iswearthisiswhatambrosiatasteslike.”
AsHuntertookhisseatwithhisdessert,Jontookhisfirstbiteandmoanedinawaythat

borderlinedonindecent.Huntersentalookaroundthetabletoseeifanyonewouldcare.Whenthey
didn’t,hestucktopickinguphisforkanddivingin.

“Audra,”Jonsaid.“Thisisthedefinitionofheaven.”
“Itreallyis,”Esme’sdadsaidthroughamouthful.“It’sbeenfartoolong.”
Hunternoddedhisagreement,butstucktoeating.Small,butfastbites.Thedessertdeservedthe

respectofbeingenjoyed,butHunterstillwantedoutofthere.Letthehappycoupleshavetheirtime
together.Nooneneededaninthwheelhangingaround.EvenAudraagreedonthat.

“Ireallyhatetoeatandleave,”Huntersaidafterswallowinghislastbite.“ButIhavesomewhereto

be.”

Obligatoryobjectionssoundedoutlikeanuninspiredchoir,andHunterknewnoonewasreally

goingtofighthimonleavingsohestood.

“CanIgrabafreshbottleforthetablebeforeIleave?”heaskedAudra,notingthathalfofthe

glassesatthetablewereempty,aswasthebottlepairedwiththemaincourse.

“Ohmygoodness!”Audragasped.“HowcouldIhaveforgotten?”
“Don’tworry,”Huntersaid.“I’llgrababottle.Theport?”
“Yes,please,”Audrasaid.
Jonsurprisedhimbystanding.“I’llhelp.”
It’sabottle,dude,Hunteralmostsaid.Idon’tneedhelp.
ButthiswasobviouslylessaboutgettingdrinksandmoreaboutJonwantingtobealonewithhim.

Fine.Whatever.Twominutesalonewiththeguyprobablywasn’ttheworstidea.Huntercouldletthe
guyknowhehadhisblessingsolongashekeptEsmehappy.Becauseiftherewasonepersonwho
couldspotanunhappyEsme,itwasHunter.Andhewasgoingtobewatchinghisbestfriendlikea
hawkforsignsofdistress.

Soinsteadofblowingtheguyoff,Hunternoddedandsaid,“Sure.”
Alleyeswereonthemastheywalkedintothekitchen,butHunterpretendednottonotice.Itwasno

bigthing.Justtwodudesgrabbingonebottleofwine…asdudesdo.

HunterremindedhimselfthatthiswastheguywhomadeEsmehappywhilepreppinghisbig-

brotherspeechastheywalkedthroughtheswingingdoortothekitchen.Earlierthatafternoon,Luke
hadtoldhimwhattosayandhowtosayit,butnowthatitwastimetoactuallyspitthewordsout,
Hunterwasn’tsurehewouldn’tgagonthemandgivehimselfaway.

Asithappened,therewasnoreasonforhimtoworryatallbecauseoncetheywereinthekitchen

Jonspokefirst.

“Don’tthinkIdon’tknowwhatyourabout,”Jonsaid,standingabouttwoinchestooclose.
“WhatI’mabout?”Hunterasked,openingthewinecabinet.
“I’mnotstupid.Iseehowyoulookather.”
Great.Sothiswashowtheguywasgoingtoplayit?LikeEsmewashisterritoryandHunterwas

encroaching?Yeah,thatwasn’tgoingtofly.

Hunterleanedforward,purposefullymakingthingsmoreuncomfortable.“Iknowyouwantto

stakeyourclaimandallthat,buttrustme,whateveryou’reabouttosayisbetterleftunsaid.Sohow
aboutyoubackoff?”

Jonshookhishead.“Nicetry.ButI’mnotstupid.”
“Justinsecure,”Hunterreturned.“Andalittletoocomfortablestandinginanotherman’spersonal

space.Youwanttodanceorsomething,Jon?”

“Notwithyou.”
“Thenwhydon’tyoustepbacktoadistancewhereIdon’thavetosmellyourbreathwhileyou’re

insultingme.”

Hunterwasamazedhehadn’tnoticeditbefore,butJonhadafacethatbeggedtobepunched.If

HuntercapturedJon’scurrentstanceandfacialexpressionandprinteditoutona3-Dprinter,theguys
atthegymwouldpunchitonimpulseeverytimetheywalkedby.

Toavoidsomeimpulsivepunchingofhisown,HunterfocusedonfindingtheportheknewAudra

wantedfromthewinecarousel.

“Iknowyourparentsbasicallyforcedyouheretonight,”Jonwassayingtothebackofhishead—

stillcloseenoughthatHuntercouldfeelhisbreath.“Buthowaboutyouskipthenextdinner.Esme’s
withmenow.”

Huntergrabbedthebottleandstraightened.“Jon,ifyouthinkEsmeandIhaveeverbeenathing,

you’rereadingthingsallwrong.We’veneverdated.”

“Notforalackoftryingonyourpart,I’msure,”Jonaccused.
“Actually,no,”Huntersaid,lettinghisbiggermasspushtheotherguybackforthefirsttime.“I

don’texpectyoutogethowthingsworkbetweenmyfamilyandtheTaylors,butwe’reaprettytight
unit.”

“Howconvenientforyou,”Jonsaidwithawisesmile.
Withthatcomment,thesmallerman’sconfidencebecamealittletoomuchforHunterandhe

physicallypressedtheguyawaytoarespectabledistance.“You’repickingafightwheretheredoesn’t
needtobeone,man.I’monlyaproblemforyouifyoubecomeaproblemforEsme.Untilthatday,
I’mjustaguyyou’llseeacoupletimesamonthatgatheringslikethis.Youdon’thavetolikeme.I
don’thavetolikeyou.Wedon’thavetotalk.Okay?”

Jonshookhisheadandsmiled.“YoureallythinkI’mstupid,don’tyou?Lookmeintheeyeandtell

meyou’renotinlovewithmyfiancée.”

“Esme,”Huntercorrected.“Shehasaname.”
“Andshe’smyfiancée,”Jonrepeated.“AndIprotectwhat’smine.”

Oh,man.Thiswasabouttwosecondsfromgoingugly,andifthathappenedeveryonewould

blameHunter.Heknewit.Somehowhehadtokeepthisconversationfromgoingofftherails.For
Esme.

“Look,”Huntersaid.“YoumayhaveEsme’sheart,butsheandIhavehistory.Don’ttrytocompete

withthat,okay?It’salosingbattle.Thepasthashappened.Itiswhatitis.Justfocusonthefutureand
keepingEsmehappy.”

“Oh,I’lldothat,”Jonsneered.“Solongasit’scleartoyouthatthepastisthepast,andthat’swhere

youbelonginEsme’slife.”

“Becausethat’syourcallnow?”Hunterchallenged.“AreyougoingtostartapprovingwhoEsme

seesfromhereonout?”

“Menshespendstimewith?Youcanbetonit.Andyouwon’tbeoneofthem.”
“Isee,”Huntersaid,half-angryandhalf-panicked.Hedidhisbesttolookbored,though.“Have

youinformedEsmethatyou’llbeauditingherfriendsyet?”

“We’llhavethatconversation,”Jonsaid,adjustinghisjacketashesteppedaway.“Andshe’llsee

thingsmywaywhenitcomestoyou.”

Huntershookhisheadandswallowedalaugh.“Goodluckwiththat.She’smysister.”
“No,”Joncorrected.“She’snot.Andwebothknowyoudon’tlookatherlikeasister,don’twe?”
“Jon,you’reparanoidandit’smakingthingsweird.”
Themansmirked.“Iammanythings,Hunter.Butparanoidisnotoneofthem.”
“Whatever,”Huntersaid,movingbacktowardthediningroom.“Ifyouthinkpuffingoutyour

chestlikethisisgoingtoworkinyourfavor,you’vegotalottolearnaboutEsme.She’snotafanof
powerplays.That’safreetipfrommetoyou.”

“Right,”hedrawled.“Becauseyouknowhersowell.”
“Asamatteroffact,Ido.AndI’mprettysurethat’swhyyouinsistonfeelingthreatenedbyme.But

I’llrepeatmyprevioustip:keepEsmehappy,andIwon’tbeaproblem.SheandIwatcheachother ’s
backs,sokeeptreatingherrightandwe’llbefine.”

ThewordsburnedHunter ’smouthonthewayout,butheknewthosewerethewordshewas

supposedtosay.Andtheyweren’talie.HedidhaveEsme’sback.Heonlywishedthatshewanted
morethanthatfromhim.Awholelotmore.Butthefactthatshedidn’twasoldnews.Ancienthistory.
Heneededtogetoveritalready.

JonsnatchedthebottleoutofHunter ’shandandsteppedaway.“I’lltakethis.”
“Whatever,man,”Huntersaid,andtheybothheadedbacktothediningroomwhereHunterquickly

saidhisgoodbyesandleft.

Chapter11

“So?”Esmesaid,bucklingherseatbeltinJon’spassengerseatafterdinner.“Whatdidyouthink?”
“Ithinkyourmomcouldopenarestaurant,”Jonsaidasheturnedonthecar.
Esmebeamed.“Didyoutellherthat?”
“Notinasmanywords,”hesaid,checkinghisblindspot.
“Youshould.She’deatthatup,”Esmesaid,slippingherhandintohis.
Hefocusedondrivinguntiltheywereoutofthedrivewayandontheroad.“ThatHunterguyis

quiteacharacter.”

Thereitwas—theelephantintheroom.OfcourseJonwantedtotalkaboutHunter.Esmehadn’t

datedamaninherlifewhodidn’twanttotalkaboutHunteraftermeetinghim.“That’sonewaytoput
it.”

“Andtherelationshipthereis—”
“Thatourmomsarebestfriendssowewerebasicallyraisedassiblings,”shesaidbeforehecould

putadifferentspinonthesituation.

Jonwassilentforamomentasheprocessedthat.“Doesheusuallycometogatheringslike

tonight?”

“No,”Esmesaid,keepinghersmilelightandbreezyinhopesthatJonwouldfollowherlead.

“LikeIsaidearlier,I’mprettysurehismomforcedhimtocometonight.Hunterkindofhashisown
socialcirclehesticksto.Ihonestlycan’trememberthelasttimeeitherofuswasatadinnerpartylike
tonight.It’smoremyparents’thing.”

Okay,maybeshehadtuckedthewhitestofliesinthere.Shedidrememberthelastdinnerpartyshe

andHunterhadbeento,butitdidn’tmatter.WhatmatteredwasthatJonacceptedHunteraspartofher
sceneryandmovedontoothertopicsofconversation.

“Whydidn’thehaveadatewithhimtonight?”
ThelaughthatescapedEsmewashonest.“You’veclearlyneverseenHunteronadate.”
“Obviouslynot,”Jonsaid,sendingheralookthattoldherhewasinterestedinhearingmore.
Howtodescribeit?“Let’sjustsayhedoesn’thavemanyseconddates.”
“Whynot?”
Esmeletoutalittlesigh.“Hmm.I’llputitthisway,heonceaskedadatetogethimabeer.When

shegotannoyedbutgotthebeeranyway,hetoldherthingsweren’tgoingtoworkoutandendedthe
daterightthen.”

Jon’sfacescrunchedandheglancedawayfromtheroadtolookather.“Thatmakesnosense.”
“Iagree,”Esmesaidwithashrug.“Butthewayheputsitisthathecan’tbewithanyonewhoisa

doormat.Hisdatewasclearlyannoyed,butshedidn’tsayanythinganddidasasked.”

“Whichiswhatmostpeoplewoulddo,”Jonargued.“Ididn’twanttocometonight,butyouasked

metoandhereIam.It’spartofbeinginarelationship.”

TheadmissiongaveEsmeamomentofpause.Jonhadn’twantedtoacceptherparents’invite?He

wouldhaveavoideditifthechoicewasuptohim?Shewasonthevergeofaskinghimwhywhenhe

spokefirst.

“Hesoundslikeajerk.”
Ah,backtothetopicofHunter.Ofcourse.
“Hecanbe,”Esmeadmitted.“Especiallywhenhe’sonadate,whichiswhyhecamealonetonight.

Thingsarealwaysmoretamewhenhedoesn’thaveaplus-one.”

EsmewatchedJon’sjawflexinprofile.“Well,Ididn’tlikehowhewasbelittlingyoutonight.”
Belittling?Esmehonestlyhadnoideawhathewastalkingabout.SheandHunterhadbeen

astonishinglytame,butitwasprobablybesttoaddressJon’sconcernanyway.

“Hewasfine,”Esmesaid,strokingherthumboverthebackofJon’shand.“I’veknownHunter

sincebeforeIcouldwalkorspeak.Webanter,butit’satwo-waystreet.Ifanything,I’mmeanerthan
himmostofthetime.Wewerebothongoodbehaviortonightformyparents.ButI’mnotavictim
whoneedsprotectingwhenitcomestoHunter.Promise.”

Jondidnotlookconsoled.
“Speakingofmyparents,”shesaid,tryingtopushtheconversationtosafergrounds.“Ithinkthey

likeyou.”

Asmallsmilecurvedhislips.“Iwasprettycharming,wasn’tI?”
SheleanedacrossthenarrowdistancebetweenthemandpressedakisstoJon’scheek.“Incredibly.

Mymomisprobablysingingyourpraisesaswespeak.”

“Thenmymasterplanworked,”hesaid,finallysendingasmileherway.
Esmebreathedasighofrelief.He’dletgoofthetopicofHunter.Apparentlymiracleswerealive

andwellinSanFrancisco,andEsmecouldn’tbehappierforitasshegavehishandalittlesqueeze.
Shedidn’tneedJontoloveHunter,justaccepthim.Aslongasthathappened,everythingwouldbe
rightinherworld.

Chapter12

WhenHunterwalkedintotheboxinggymat5:00thenextevening,Loutookonelookathimand

pointedtotheupperlevel.

“She’salreadyhere,”hesaid.“Waitingforyouinmyoffice.”
“Thanks,Lou,”Huntersaidbeforetakingthericketystairsuptothesecondlevelthatlookedover

thegym.

Hedidaquickglanceoverthespace,lookingforanewfaceandfindingitintheformofasurly

lookingteenageboy.Thekidwasscrawny,yetheeyedtheathletesaroundhimwithcontempt…like
theyshouldfearhim.

Yep.ThatkidhaddefinitelyarrivedwithShauna.
HunterkeptwalkinguntilhereachedLou’soffice,spottingShauna’sblacklocksthroughtheoffice

windowashegrippedthedoorknob.Whenhewalkedintotheoffice,Shaunasenthimatiredsmile
thatwasdoingitsbesttolooklikearealsmile.Hercurlyhairwasalittlelesstamethanusualandher
perfectmakeupdidn’thidetheexhaustionhesawbehindhereyes.

Beingasocialworkertookahighemotionaltollonpeople.Hunterknewthatbecausehehadmet

hisfairshareacrosstheyears.Socialworkersoftenhadashortshelflifebeforemovingontoother
careers,butShaunawasstickingitout.Shehadagoodheart,yetthejobwasclearlyweighingonher.

Atthemoment,shewasindesperateneedofawin.Huntercouldseethatmuchataglance.
“Heythere,”hesaid,offeringhishandforashake.“Someone’sworkingovertime.”
“Yeah,butwhatdoyoudo?”shesaid,shakinghishandandgettingrightdowntobusiness.

“Kenny’shere.He’sthekidstandingbythepunchingbags.”

“Isawhim,”Huntersaid.
Shaunafrowned.“He’samess.Ireallythinkthere’shopeforhim,butnoone’sgettingthrough.

Notteachers,notjudges,notpolice,notcounselors…”Sheshrugged.“Notme.Hehasonemore
strikeleftbeforethingsgoreallysouthforhim.Whateverhedoesnext,he’llbetriedasanadult.”

“Andhowoldishe?”
“Sixteen,”Shaunasaid.“I’dtellyoumore,butIknowyoudon’tliketoknowit.Cleanslateandall

that.”

“Yeah.Iworkbetterthatway.”
Shenodded,defeatedeyeslockingonthefloorandshetookaslowbreath.“Thanksforbeing

willing.Iknowthisisn’tyourjoband—”

“Hey,”Hunterinterrupted.“I’mnottheonlyvolunteeratthegym,andIdon’tmind.Gladtohelp,if

Ican.”

Shyeyespeekedupathim.“Youalwaysdo.I’mnotsurehow,andIdon’twanttoknow,sinceI

knowwhatyoudoisnothingthat’sapprovedinanymanual.”

Huntersmiled.“Don’task,don’ttellandweallgetalong,right?”
Shaunalaughed.“Well,webothknowthatyouandKennywon’tgetalongforawhile.Ifpastis

precedence,I’mgoingtogetanearfultomorrowabouthowyouareSatanincarnate.”

“OnlyifI’mdoingsomethingright,”Hunterteased.
Shaunastartedtosmile,butchokedupinstead,tearsfillinghereyes.“Sorry,”shesaid,swipingat

them.“It’sbeenalongday.Idon’tknowwhat’scomingoverme.”

Hunterglancedattheofficewindowandnotednoonewasaround,sohereachedoutandpulled

Shaunaintoahug.“Hey,it’sallgood,”hesaid,surprisedwhenshelatchedonandpressedherface
intohischest.

Shedidn’tsobordoanythingthatmadehimregretreachingout.Shejustcriedquietlyandheldon

forabitbeforesteppingbackandputtingprofessionaldistancebackbetweenthem.“Thanks.Ikindof
neededthat.It’sthesekids…seeingwhattheydealwithandwhatitturnstheminto…”

“It’shard,”Hunterfinishedforher.“That’swhytheturnoverrateatyourofficeaveragesouttobe

aboutsixmonths.Peoplewanttomakeadifference,butthenwhentheyseetherealityofwhatittakes
theybail.”

“Yeah.”Sheblinkedbackmoretearsbeforepullingamirroroutofherpurseanddoingavisual

inspectionofhermakeup.

“Butyouhaven’t,”Huntersaid.“Maybeonedayyouwillhavetomoveon,foryourownmental

health,butinthemeantimewhatyoudoreallymatters,Shauna.Youaremakingadifference.”

Shedidn’tmeethiseyes.“Thanks.Althoughit’sararedaywhenitfeelsthatway.”
“Butit’strue,”Huntersaid.“I’mnotoneofthosenicepeoplewhohandsoutfakecompliments.I

callitasIseeit.”

Thatgotasmileoutofher.“Iknowthat.It’swhyIbringyouthetoughestkids.Theycansmellalie

andmanipulationamileaway,andyouneverbringthattothetable.Idon’tknowwhatyoudo—and,
again,Idon’twanttoknow—butifyoucouldturnKennyaround,thatwouldbegreat.Hehasso
muchpotential,buthe’ssoscrewedup.”Sheletoutaslowexhale.“Soveryscrewedup.”

“I’lldowhatIcan,”Hunterpromised,keepinghisdistancethistime.
Shaunanodded,gettingbackintoprofessionalmode.“AndTuesdayandThursdayworkforyou

thisweek?”

“Yeah.ButnextweekTuesdaywillworkagain,butnotThursday.”
“We’lltakeitweekbyweek,”Shaunasaid,thenheldoutherhandforashake.“Goodlucktoyou,

punkwhisperer.Maytheforcebewithyouonthisone.”

“Hey,thanks,”Huntersaidandwalkedthembothouttothewalkwayoverseeingthemaingym

area.Kennyspottedthemquickly,scowlingupatShaunaandseemingtoquicklydeducewhoHunter
was.

“Lookatthat,”Shaunateased.“Healreadylookslikehewantstopunchyou.Iknewthiswasa

goodfit.”

“Oh,yeah,”Hunterreplied.“He’sgoingtohateme.”
“Forawhile,”Shaunaamended.
“We’llsee.Maybeforever.”
Keepingherdistance,shesenthimasmile.“Ihavefaithinyou.”
“Thanks,”Huntersaid,motioningtothedoor.“Nowgethome.Havedinner.Relax.”
“Soundslikeaplan,butletmemakeintroductionsfirst.”Shestarteddownthestairsfromthe

adminleveltothegymlevelandHunterfollowed,movingside-by-sideastheyapproachedKenny.He
watchedhowthekid’seyesmovedupanddownShauna’sbody,defiantlyobjectifyingherbefore
eyeingHunterwithblatantcontempt.

“Kenny,thisisHunter,”Shaunasaidastheydrewclose.“He’sgoingtobeyourboxingcoach.”
Kennysmirked.“Thebiggertheyare,thehardertheyfall.”
“Hunter,”Shaunacontinued.“ThisisKenny.”
“Hi,Kenny,”Huntersaid.

Thekidflippedhimoff.
HuntersawShaunastarttosaysomething,butshestoppedwhenHuntershookhisheadquickly.

“I’vegotthis.”

“Okay,then,”Shaunasaid,abittoobrightly.“Haveagoodnight,youtwo.”
Whenshestartedaway,thekidwatchedhergo.“She’satotalkilljoy,butatleastshehasaniceass.

AmIright?”

Hunterstayedwherehewas.“Doyoualwayswaveyourinsecuritiesaroundforeveryonetosee,or

amIspecial?”

“Whatever,”Kennysmirked.“Youwerethinkingit,too.”
“No,IwasthinkingthatherfaithinyouistheonlyreasonI’mstandinghere.Apparentlyshesees

potentialinyou.”

Thekidwiggledhiseyebrowssuggestively.“Youknowit—”
“Don’tfinishwhateveritisyouthinkissmarttosayrightnow,”Huntersaid.
Thekidsteppedforward.“Why?Jealousshelikesmemore?”
“No,”Huntersaidevenly.“ButIhavearuleaboutknockingteethoutonthefirstday.Itrytoavoid

it.”

Kennyshookhisheadandlaughed,lookingHunterupanddownthistime.“Soyou’rewhatmylast

chancelookslike?Iwasexpectingsomeoneolderandbaldwithabitofabelly.”

“Expecting?Orhopingfor,becauseinyourmindthat’ssomeoneyoucanbeat?”
“Whatever,”Kennysnapped.“Icanbeatyoujustaseasily.”
“Youtalkalot.”
“Solet’sstoptalking,”thekidchallenged.
“Notyet,”Huntersaid.“ThereareafewgroundrulesIneedtolayoutbeforeyoudoyourbestto

punchme.”

“I’mgoingtolayyouout,”Kennysneered.“I’veknockedoutmenbiggerthanyoubefore.”
“Uh-huh.Andwasthatcomingatthemfromthefront,orfrombehind?”
ThewaythekidflinchedgaveHunterhisanswer.Frombehind.Thiskiddidn’tlikeafairfight;he

onlyposturedlikehedid.“HoweverIwant!”

Uh-huh.
Hunterwatchedtheteenforamoment,notingtherigidbiteofhisjawandhishalf-clenchedfists.

Thekid’seyesnarrowedasiftryingtogetareadonHunter ’sangleinthiswholeconversation.Well,
goodlucktohim.Hunterwasstilltryingtofigureouthowhewasgoingtoapproachworkingwith
thiskid.Everyonewasalittledifferent.Therewasnocut-and-drywaytoteachsomeonetobox—
especiallysomeonewhomightmisusetheknowledgehewasbeingtaught.

“Letmeguess,angermanagementissues,”Hunterbegan.“Youliketohitthings.”
“Yeah,”thekidsneered.“AndI’maboutfivesecondsfrom—”
“Stopthere,”Huntersaiddismissively.“Lookatme,man.IoutweighyoubyfortypoundsandI’ve

beenfightinglongerthanyou’vebeenalive.Savetheposturing.It’sembarrassing.”

Kennysteppedforward.“Why?I’makid.Youcan’thurtme.”
Huntersmiled.“Thisisaboxinggym.Icanpunchyousilly.Socananyonehere.Andifyouthink

you’retheonlyoneherewithangermanagementissues,thinkagain.”Hegesturedaroundthegym.
“You’regoingtolearntotreatthisplaceasatemple,becauseit’stheoneplaceyou’llbeabletocome
tounleashalltheangernoonedeservesfromyou.”

Thekidblinked,stilllookingdefiant.
“Youthinkpunchingpeoplemakesyoutough?”Hunterasked,keepinghistonelight.“Youthinkit

makesyoustrong?”

Thekid’schinraisedup.Yes.Hedefinitelythoughtthat.

“Itdoesn’t,”Huntersaidmatter-of-factly.“Itonlymakesyououtofcontrol.Undisciplined.Using

violencetosolveyourproblems—thethingthatalmostcertainlylandedyouhere—onlyprovesthat
youarescaredandweak.That’swhy,whenyoulookaroundthisroom,youseemencarvedofwood.
Thereisn’tasinglemaninthisroomwhocouldn’twipethefloorwithyou,andtheyknowit.And
becausetheyknowtheirpower,theytreadlightlyintherealworldandonlyfightpeoplewhoconsent
tobehitwithinthesewalls.That’swhatstrongmendo,andthat’swhyMissWeekesbroughtyouhere.
Toseeifyouhaveitinyoutoplaybyabasicsetofrules.”

Hunterwasstillgettingnothingbutglaresfromtheteenwhenhepointedtowardthehandwraps

andglovesShaunahadboughtforhim.“Nowgloveup.We’lltalkruleswhileyoudoandthenyou
canhaveyourshotatme.”

Themusclesaroundthekid’snoseflexed,pullinghismouthupintoasnarl.“Ifyou’reso

confident,whydon’twegobarefists?”

“Becausethisisaboxinggym,”Huntersaidcalmly.“And,likeIsaid,wehavebasicrules—

althoughwebothknowyoudon’tthinkrulesapplytoyouyet,right?”

“I’mjustsayingthatifyou’resoconfident—”
“Nuh-uh,”Huntersaid,forcingthekidbackuntilhisbackwaspressedintotheboxingring.“Let

metellyouhowthisisgoingtogo.We’regoingtorundrills,andwe’renotgoingtostopuntil
you’recryinglikeafrustratedbaby.Thenyou’regoingtogohomeandfantasizeaboutkillingme.
Thenyou’regoingtocomebackThursdayandactuallytrytokillme.We’regoingtorinseand
repeatthispatternuntilyoufigureoutonyourownthatyourwayofdealingwithproblemsonly
workswhenyou’redealingwithchildrensmallerthanyouandpeoplewholoveyousomuchthat
they’rewillingtotakeyourhitsinhopesthatacceptingyourharmsomehowmiraculouslyhelps
you.”Huntergesturedtothemenallaroundthem.“Butyouwon’tfindanyonelikethatatthisgym,do
youunderstandme?Thisisn’taplacefortheweak.Soifyougiveupandstoptraining,you’dbetter
ownuptothefactthatit’sbecauseyoucan’thangwithrealmen.Anyquestions?”

Huntercouldseeemotionswarringbehindthekid’seyes.He’dheardhalfofHunter ’swords…

maybe.WhatwasmoreimportantwasthatHuntercouldseeabaselineoffearindicatingthatthiskid
haddefinitelybeenpunchedaroundbysomeonebiggerinhisdays.Theteen’sviolencewasalearned
behavior,notinborn,andthatwassomethingHuntercouldworkwith.

Evenashewatched,somethingintheteen’seyesswitched.“You’dbettergetoutofmyface,man,

orI’mgoingtotelleveryoneyou’rehittingonme.”

Hunterleanedforward,gettingevenmoreintheguy’sface.“Yeah?Goodluckwiththat.”
Thekid’seyesnarrowedcompetitivelyasheturnedhisheadandyelledasloudashecould,and

withimpressivefeigneddistress,“Help!Thismanisthreateningme!”

Onlyafewgymmemberslookedoveratthecry,allofthemshakingtheirheadsandgoingbackto

theirworkoutsafteraquickglance.

Huntersmiled.“Yousee?Weknowyourtypehere,whichiswhywehaverules.Rule#1?Noone

under18inthemen’slockerroom.You’llchange—alone—intheguestbathroomandshowerwhen
yougethome.”

Oh,thekiddefinitelywasn’tafanofthatrule.
“Rule#2?”Huntercontinued.“YouandIwillneverbealone.Ever.Everythingthateverhappens

betweenushappensinfullviewofanyoneinthisroomandonlyduringbusinesshours.That’swhyI
willneverwalktomycaraloneonnightswhenyou’rehere,andallcontactwillbemadethrough
yoursocialworker.Becauseyou’renotthefirstkidtoeverbeabused,andyou’renotthefirstkidto
crywolfeither.”

Fearreplacedangerintheboy’seyes,butonlyforamomentbeforehedoubled-downbackinto

anger.Thekid’sjawwasclenchingsohardthataveinonthesideofhisheadwaspopping.

Good.Thatmeanthewasprocessingatleastsomeofwhathewashearing.
“Rulesprotectyoufrommeinthisspace,”Huntersaid,keepinghisvoiceneutral.“Theruleshere

alsoprotectmefromyou.Yes,rulescansuck,buttheyaredesignedtoprotect.Theycanprotectyou.
Youdon’tbelievethatnow,butyou’llfigureitoutasyoukickandscreamandrealizenoonehereis
goingtotreatyoulikeatoddlerandgiveyouabinkyeverytimeyoubawlforit.You’renottheonly
oneherewho’sbeenwhereyou’vebeen,andthesemenherecansmellaliefromamileaway.”
Hunterpointedtothehandwrapsagain.“Nowgetready.Let’sfindouthowlongittakestomakeyou
crywhenfacedwithsomeoneyoucan’tbeat.”

Chapter13

Joncouldn’thavelookedmoresuaveinhistailoredblacksuitasheleanedagainstthebathroom

andwatchedEsmeapplyfinishingtouchesonhermakeup.Whenshespottedaslysmileonhislips,
shesenthimalook.

“What?”
Hisgrinbroadened.“Ididn’tsayanything.”
“Iknow,butyouhavealookonyourfacethatisdefinitelysayingsomething.”
Jonsentherahelplessshrug,hiseyescaressingherface.“Ilikewatchingyougetready.”
Esmelaughed.“Isthatcodeforyou’remakingthebestofthefactthatI’mmakinguslate?”
“It’safundraiser,”hesaiddismissively.“Theyonlycareaboutmoney.Wecanshowup

whenever…”Hewiggledhiseyebrows.“Ornot.”

Esmegrinnedasshetouchedupherlipgloss.“Oh,we’regoing.Thereareaboutadozenpeople

I’mlookingforwardtofinallymeeting,likeyourbusinesspartner,Abraham.Youtalkabouthimso
much,butIhaven’tevenseenapicture.I’mbeginningtothinkhe’samyth.”

“Unfortunately,tonight’snotgoingtohelpwiththat.Somethingcameupandhewon’tbeableto

makeit.”

Esmecappedherlipgloss.“What?Seriously?”
Jonnodded.“Seriously.Atthispoint,Ithinkyoushouldstarttotakehisavoidancepersonally.”
Esmesenthimaplayfulscowlinthemirror.“Yeah?Whatareyousayingbehindmybacktomake

himavoidme?”

Jonsteppedforward.“Thatyou’reperfectandifheeventriestostealyouaway,Iwillhunthim

downandendhim.”

“Hmm,”EsmemusedasJonmovedinuntilshecouldfeeltheheatofhisbody.“Youthinkmyhead

isturnedthateasily?”

Hetiltedherchinup,lookingintohereyes.“Iturnedyourheadthateasily.”
“Youhaveapoint,”sheteasedasheleanedinforalightkiss.“Thenagain,youareabitofa

specialcase.”

“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
Hesmiled.“Gladtohearit.”
TheirnextkisswasalittlebitmoreinvolvedbutEsmeendeditbeforeitcouldruinherlipgloss.

“Readytogo?”

Jonlaughed.“AmIready?IwasreadywhenIshowedupfifteenminutesago.”
Esmesmiledupathim.“AnddidImentionyoulookincrediblyhandsome?”
“Ithinkthat’sthefirstyou’vementionedit,”heteased,eyeingherlipsagain.
“Well,it’sthetruth.”
“Andyou,mydear,”hesaid,droppingawhisperofakisstoherlips,“areatruenaturalbeauty.”

Chapter14

Ez:
Ithinkthereare
about50single
womenatthefund
raiserI’matright
now.

Hunter:

Andyou’remessaging

mebecauseyouhave

aspareticket?

Ez:
Actually…

Jonhastwospares.

They’reallyoursif
youbringLuke.That
guyneedstogetout
more.

Hunter:

I’llfloattheidea.

Ez:
Tellhimyouneeda
wingman.

Hunter:

IdoNOTneeda

wingman.

Ez:

Pretendorhe’ll
nevercome.

Hunter:

Hewantstosee

apicoftheladies

onthescene.

Ez:
Hedoesn’ttrustme?

Hunter:

Apparentlynot…

Heiscurrently

referencingtheBlind

Dateof2013.

Ez:
OMG.Heneedsto
getoverthat.I
PROMISEshewas
fullynormalwhen
Imetheratbookclub.

Hunter:

Mostserialkillers

appearnormal…

atfirst.

Ez:
Well,therehastobe
atleastonenormal
girlhere.They’reall
beautiful.

Hunter:

JustthewayIlike

them.

Ez:
Duh.

I’llputthetixinyour
nameupatthefront.

Hurry,whilethepickings
arestillgood;)

Chapter15

Hunterownedexactlyonesuit.Esmehadshownupathisapartmentonedayafewyearsago,suit

inhand,andtoldhimheneededit.Whereshehadgottentheblack,classic-cutArmanisuit,Hunter
hadnoidea,buthe’dkeptiteventhoughhecouldcountononehandhowmanytimeshe’dwornit.
Yetashewalkedintothefundraiserinthethreads,heletoutasighofreliefthatheactuallylooked
likehefitin.

Nexttohim,Lukewasrockinghisownpersonalstyle.Theguywaskindofagirlwhenitcameto

clothes.Lukemightwearjeansandarandomteewhileonaworksite,butintheoffhours,hefancied
himselfamalemodel—oratleasthelikedpeopletoconfusehimforone.

Still,foronce,Hunterdidn’tlooklikeaslobnexttohisfriend.Heknewhedidn’t,becauseashe

lookedovertheroomofeligiblebachelorettesinformalgowns,alotofthemwerelookingbackat
him,specifically.Whenatallbrunettewithextremelyfakeboobsheldhisgazeforseveralseconds,
Huntersentherasmallsmile.Shesmiledback.

“Thisisamistake,”Lukesaidunderhisbreath.
“Meetinghotgirls?”
Lukeshookhishead.“FreealcoholandJoninthesamespace.Weshouldgo.”
Hunterrolledhiseyes.“Nothing’sgoingtohappen,man.Don’tmakeitweird.”
“Oh,I’mnotgoingto.That’syourwheelhouse.”
“Igotthis.”
“Yeah?”Lukesaid,stillnotsteppingintotheroom.“LikeyouhadittogetheratthepartyEsme’s

parentsthrew?”

“ThatwasJonbeingweird.Notme.”
“Exactly,”Lukesaid.“Hewasinyourcomfortzoneandhestillcameatyou.”Lukegesturedtothe

room.“Thisishiszone.Themanwillbepeacocking.”

“Soweavoidhim,”Huntersaideasily,confusedwhenLukelaughed.“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing,what?”
Lukecheckedhiswatch.“IjustrememberwhenIwasasnaïveasyou.”
“Naïve?”Hunterlaughed.“YouhangaroundKadeandAliallthetime.Howisthisdifferent?”
Lukecontinuedtosurveytheroomwithanexperteye.“ThedifferenceisthatIalwayshavea

dotinggirlonmyarmwhenI’mwithAli.”

Huntershookhishead.“Afakedotinggirl.”
Lukeshrugged.“It’ssafer.Actualdatesarewaytoounpredictable,andthey’lllikelyseehowyou

lookatEsmeandfigurethingsoutattimesandplacesnotofyourchoosing.Bettertogoforthewin-
winwithallthepartiesknowingwhat’sup.Maybeyouhelpagirlgetherextorethinkabreakup,or
youspendafewweekswithhertohelpgetherfamilyoffherbackaboutnotdating.Doesn’treally
mattersolongasyouarebothcoolwiththetermsofyour‘dating’relationshipandarecomfortable
playingthepart.”

“Dude,”Huntersaid.“Thatissomessedup.”
“Andthisisn’t?”Lukeasked,browarched.
“Pickingupgirls?”Hunterlaughed.“Hardly.”
Lukeshookhishead.“FlirtingwithgirlswhilehopingEsmewatchesandgetsalittlejealous?

You’regoingonthreedecadesofthattacticnotworkingandjustcourtingtrouble,dude.”

“No,I’mshowingJonthatI’mintoothergirls.”
“That’swhythefirstthingyoudidwhenwewalkedinwasfindEsmeinthecrowd,right?”
Huntercouldn’tdenytheaccusation,andtherewasnoreasontowithLuke.Yes,hiseyeshad

searchedtheroomforEsmethemomenttheycrossedthethreshold.Andyes,hehadfoundherin0.2
seconds.Shewasoffathiseleveno’clockwearingabluegownHunterhadneverseenbefore.She
lookedstunning,butHunterhadn’tlookedotherthantospother.Hedistinctlyhadn’tlooked-looked.
He’dsimplyspottedheraspartofgettinghisbearings,thenmovedon.Hewascertainnoonenoticed
besidesLuke,sotherewasnoreasontotalkaboutit.

“Habit,”Huntersaidwithadismissiveshrug.
“Uh-huh,”Lukedrawled.“That’sthekindofthingafiancénotices,Hunter.Rookiemistake.I’m

tellingyou,youcan’tgetawaywiththatanymore.”

Huntermadeitapointtolookbackatthebrunettewho’dcaughthiseyewhenhefirstwalkedin.

Shesmiled.Huntersmiledback.Again.“Thanksforthetip,Third-WheelYoda.”

WhenHunterstartedtostepforward,Lukegrippedhisarm.“Wecanalwaysabort,man.”
“Or,”Huntercountered,“wecouldgooutthereandfindyouanicegirl.”
Luke’sjawclenchedandashadowcrossedoverhiseyesbeforeheswallowedandnodded.“Sure.

I’llseeifanyoftheseladiesareintoaconstructionguy.”

Hunterlaughedatthat.“Ithinkmostofthemaremoreintoreconstructionguys,butI’mguessing

you’llturnmoreheadswithrealestatethanIwillasafireman.”

“Idunno.Chicksalwaysseemdownwiththefiremanthing.”
“Yeah,”Huntersaid,movingintotheroom.“Butwomenlikethisusuallypreferusoncalendarsor

movinginandoutoftheirbackdoors.Ipromisenoneoftheladiesheregotdressedtonighthoping
tolandafireman.”

“Touché,”Lukesaid,hiseyesglancingEsme’sdirection.“Wehaveincoming.”
Hunterdidn’tevenneedtoask.HecouldseewhoitwasinLuke’seyes.
“Ihugherfirst,”Lukesaidsoftlybeforesteppingforwardandflashingthesmilehealways

broughtoutforawkwardoccasions.“Esme!”

“Luke,”EsmesaidfrombehindHunterandhewaitedtoturnuntilLukeheldouthisarmsand

pulledherintoahug.SeeingEsme’smuch-smallerfigureengulfedinLuke’sarmshadHunter ’s
stomachturningabit,asalways.And,asalways,heblewitoffbeforesendingJonaquicknodof
acknowledgmentasthemansteppedbehindEsmeandplacedaterritorialhandonthesmallofher
back.

Therewasnonodinreturn.
“Thanksforthetickets,”Lukesaid,pullingawayandsmilingdownatEsme.“It’sgoodtoleave

workeverysooften.”

“Ofcourse,”Esmesaidinthateffortlesswayofhers,beforeanglingherbodytowardherfiancé.

“Luke,thisismyfiancé,Jon.Jon,thiswasmydatetojuniorpromandoneofmybestfriends,Luke.”

HunterwatchedJondothementalmathtodeterminewhetherornotEsmeandLukehadever

kissedandappeartocomeupwiththecorrectresponse.Theyhad.

Still,JonheldhishandouttoLukeandofferedashake.“Luke.Goodtomeetyou.”
“You,too,”LukesaideasilybeforeglancingEsme’sway.“Youknowyou’vegotawinnerhere,

right?”

Jon’shandcircledEsme’swaistandpulledherin.“Ido.”
InstinctdemandedHuntersmacktheotherman’shandsoffher,buttheimpulseloststeamwhen

EsmeleanedintoJon’sembraceandsmiled.

“Youguysaregoingtomakemeblush,”shesaidbeforegivingJonalookthatevenanidiotwould

interprettomeankissme.And,apparently,Jonwasnoidiot.

Hunterglancedaroundforoneofthosewaiterscarryingdrinksaround.Therewassupposedtobe

freeboozehere.Wherewasit?

HefeltEsme’seyesonhimbeforeshespoke.“Lookingforsomeone,Hunter?”
Yeah.Awaiter.
“Heandthewomanintherosesheathdressarealreadycirclingeachother,”Lukeansweredfor

him.

“Yeah,”Esmesaidwithasmile.“Inoticedher.Shedoesseemlikehistype.”
WasitHunter ’simagination,ordidJonsmirkwhenshesaidthat?And,ifhedid,why?
Theguywasweird.
“Well,weshouldletyouguysdoyourthing,”Esmesaid,hertonechipperasalways.“I’mglad

youcouldputtheticketstousesinceJon’scolleaguehadtobailatthelastminute.”

“Yes,”Jonadded.“Pleaseenjoyyourselves.”Freeloaders.
Thelastwordwasn’tspoken,butitmightaswellhavebeen,anditwasthenthatHunterknewthat

invitingthemwas100%Esme’sidea.Jonhadn’toffered.Nosurprisethere,butmaybeLukewasa
littlemorerightthanHunterwantedhimtobe.

HeneededtowatchhimselfverycarefullybecausehewasonJon’sturf.Hunterheldnoswayhere.

OnewordfromJonandheandLukewouldbeescortedtothefrontdoor.Theguywoulddoit,too.
Hunterhadnoproofofthat,buthefeltitinhisbones.NothingwouldmakeJon’sdaymorethan
humiliatinghim.

“Thanksagain,”Huntersaid,tryingforthesamecordialsmileLukehadpulledoff.“Butdon’tlet

usgetinthewayofyourschmoozing.”

“Yes,”JonsaidbeforeEsmecouldrespond.“Wereallyshouldgetback,hon.Thereareseveral

peopleIstillwantyoutomeet.”

“Ofcourse,”Esmesaid.“Justwantedtosayhiandgladyoucouldmakeit.”ShepokedLukeinthe

side.“Especiallyyou.Huntermaybealostcause,butyouneedalady,myfriend.”

“Oh,Ihaveplentyofladies,”Lukesaidwithasmirk.
Esmearchedaknowingbrow.“Yeah,butI’mtalkingaboutarealone…onewho’sasloyalasyou.”
Lukelaughed.“YouthinkI’mgoingtofindsomeonelikethatamongallthedoctorhuntershere

tonight?”

“Youneverknow,”Esmeteasedwithasmallwink.
PartofHunterwasrelievedthatEsmewasputtingsomuchofherfocusonLuke.Lukewashot—

Esme’stypeofhot,withhisdarkhair,greeneyes,andthree-dayscruff—andhereasyaffectionwith
LukewasproofthatHunterwasn’theronlymalefriend.

Shehadseveral.
ButwhilepartofhimwasrelievedthatsheseemedmoreexcitedtoseeLuke,therestofHunter

sankwithdisappointmentthatshehadn’tneededtobecoachedtogiveLukemoreattention.She’d
doneitnaturally.ShewashonestlymoreexcitedtoseeLuketonightwhilebeingmorethanhappyto
leanintoJon’sterritorialgrip.

She’shappy,Hunterremindedhimself,evenasJon’ssmugsmilegnawedathim.Don’truinit.She’s

happy.

“Wheredowegetdrinkshere?”Lukeaskedpleasantly.
“There’saqueueatthebar,”JonsaidwithequalcivilitybeforelookingdownatEsme.“Shallwe?”

“Weshall,”sherepliedbeforesendingbothLukeandHunteratoodleofawaveandstartingaway.
LukeeyedHunterlikehewasalostcause.“Well,thatwasadisaster.”
“Itwasfine,”Huntersaid,headingforthebarwhileLukekeptpaceathisside.
“Dude.Youhavezeropokerface.”
“Mypokerfaceisfine.”
Lukeshookhishead.“Notwithherfiancépokingyoulikethat.Kadeusedtodothattomeallthe

time.”

“Dowhat?”
“IcemeoutandtrytogetmetosnapinfrontofAlibytouchinghernon-stop,”Lukesaidasthey

steppedintoline.“Allheneedsisyoubeingstupidoncetomakeacaseagainstyou,whichiswhywe
shouldstayanhour—tops—anddefinitelywalkoutofherewithwomenonourarms.”

HunterlikedtoteaseLukeabouthiseternalthird-wheelstatuswithKadeandAli,buthewasn’t

Third-WheelYodafornothing.Lukeknewstuff.Andwhenhespoke,itwasgoodtolisten.

Still,leavinginunderanhourfeltlikehewashandingJonawin.Iftheywantedtostaylonger,they

shouldstaylonger.Theywerealladultshere.WhyshouldJoncallalltheshots?AndwhatifHunter
didn’twanttofindanyonehewantedtoleavewith?Heshouldbeabletoleavealone.

“See?”Lukesaidcasually.“You’realreadytakingthebait.”
“Amnot.”
Lukearchedaskepticalbrowrightastheyreachedthebartender.“Abeer.”
“WehaveStellaArtois,”thebartendersaid.
“That’sfine,”LukesaidandglancedHunter ’sdirection.
“Makeittwo,”Huntersaid,eventhoughhewantedsomethingstronger—hedeservedsomething

stronger.Butwhatever.Hehadtokeephisheadabouthimtonight.Because…Jon.

BecauseofJon,Hunterwouldleaveearly.BecauseofJon,hewouldn’tlethimselflookEsme’s

way.BecauseofJon,he’dsearchforsomeonetowalkoutthedoorwith.AndbecauseofJon,he
wouldn’torderthedrinkhereallywantedtomakesurehecouldstayonhisbestbehavioratalltimes.

Dude.Thisthird-wheelstuffwasstupid.
Whenthetwobeerswerepushedacrossthebar,Huntersnatchedhisupandturnedtotakeasecond

lookatalltheunattachedladiesattheevent.

“Howdoyoudoit,man?”hemutteredunderhisbreathandLukechuckled.
“Ineverhadachoice,”Lukesaid,takingadrink.“Notlikeyou.IneverhadashotatsingleAli.If

she’dspentmonthsatatimebeingsingle,likeEsmehasovertheyears,youcanbetIwouldn’tbe
standingnexttoyourightnow.I’dbewithher.Noquestion.”

TherewasmorethanasubtlejabinLuke’sresponseandHunterfeltit.
“Youknowhowitworks,”Huntershotback.“Itellher,Iloseher.Sameasyou.”
Lukedidn’thaveacomebackforthatandforamomenttheybothjuststood,lookingattheroom.
“So,arewegoingtodothis,orwhat?”
“Yeah,”Huntersaid,andtheysteppedforwardtogether.

Chapter17

WhenHunterglancedacrossthereceptionhalltoseehowEsmewasdoing,hespottedJoncoming

over.Alone.

Whywashecomingover?
HuntersentLukealookandfoundhisfriendalreadylookinghisway.Whentheylockedeyes,

Lukemouthedthewords,Don’ttakethebait.

Hunterhadabetteridea.Whycouldn’tEsme’sfiancéstayoutofhisface?Themanclearlywanted

afightandwasn’tgoingtoletupuntilhegotone.Thegoodthingwasthatmeantthebestwayto
annoyJonwastonotgivehimthefighthewanted,whichwaswhyHuntersmiledandgreetedtheman
likeafriend.

“Jon,”hebeamed.“Goodtoseeyouagain.”
“Ofcourse,”Jonsaid,turninghisattentiontotheladies.“Itlookslikeyou’vefoundsome

wonderfulcompanythisevening.”

“Wehave,”Huntersaid,notlikingtheman’sopener.“ThisisEliseandAnya.”
“Elise,”hesaidsmoothly,lightlyshakingthehandofthewomanacrossfromHunterbefore

repeatingthegesturewithAnya.“Anya.Lovelytomeetyouladies.”

“You,too,Jon,”Elisesaid.
“Dr.Bauer,”hecorrected.“Cosmeticsurgery.”
BothwomenlitupsoobviouslythatHunteralmostfeltembarrassedforthem.
“Ihopemyguestsherehaven’tbeentakinguptoomuchofyourtime,”Jonsaid,hisfacethemodel

ofcivility.

“No,”ElisesaidasAnyasentLukeaflirtatiouslook.“We’vebeenenjoyingourselves.”
“I’msoglad,”Jonsaidwiththatfakesmileofhis.“Whenmybusinesspartnercouldn’tmakeit,

myfiancéofferedhisticketstothesegentlemen.Ifyourhouseiseveronfireorneedsanewkitchen,
thesearethementocall.”

Hunteralmostlaughed.Almost.Talkaboutthemostepicdouchemoveever.Itwasofficial.Esme’s

fiancéwasatotaltoolandHunterhatedhim.

Elise’ssmilefalteredwhenshemetHunter ’seyesagain.“You’reafireman?”
“Guilty,”hesaidwithashrug.
“Whydidn’tyoutellme?”
“Youdidn’task,”Huntersaid.Anditwastrue.Shehadn’t.ButHuntercouldseethatherenthusiasm

fortalkingtohimwentfromsixtytozerowithinasecondofhearingthenews,whichwaswhyhe
gesturedJon’sdirection.“Thisguy,however,doesboobjobsforalivingandisaveryrichdoctor.”

Elise’sshouldersliterallypulledbackatthenews,pushingherbreastsevenfurtherforward.

Hunterhadn’tthoughtthatwaspossible.

“Isthattrue?”Elisesaid,anglingherbodytofaceJonnow.
WhenJonflinchedandglancedtowardthebathrooms,Hunterbitbackasmile.
“It…is,”Jonsaid.

“YousaidyournameisDr.Bauer?HowcomeIhaven’theardofyou?”Eliseasked.“Ionlygoto

thebest.Iwouldhavethoughtyournamewouldcomeup.”

Oh,burn.Hunterliterallybitbackasmileattheslight.AndthebestpartwasthatElisewasn’teven

tryingtodragJon.Shewasbeingsincere.

“I’veonlybeenpracticingalittleovertwoyears,”Jonsaid,hisegounwillingtoletthecomment

slide.“Perhapsthat’swhy.”

“Perhaps,”shesaid,givinghimanappraisingonce-over.
“I’msorry,”Huntersaid,steppingback.“ShouldIleaveyoutwoalone?IfeellikeI’m

interrupting.”

Jonglaredathim.“Hunter,youknowIhaveafiancée.”
HunterlookedatElise.“Butthey’veonlyknowneachothersixmonths.”
“Isee,”Elisesaid,andHunterwassureshedidassheturnedherattentionbacktoJon.“Wheredo

youpractice?”

HuntercouldtellJonwantedtoexittheconversation,buthewasalsolookingatapotential

customerandseemedabitconflictedaboutgivingheratotalbrushoff.Itwastooperfect.

Heclearedhisthroat.“Here.InSanFrancisco.”
Elisesteppedforward.“Imean,specifically.IncaseIwantedtoseeyou…professionally.”
Themanactuallyproducedabusinesscard.“Thisismyofficenumber.”
Eliselookatthecard.“Thankyou,Dr.Bauer.Nowtellme,whatdoyouthinkofmyrecent

mastopexy?Doyouthinkitwaswelldone?”

WhenJon’seyesdroppedtothewoman’sbust,Hunterassumedshewasreferringtoherboobjob.

“Well,ifyouwantmyprofessionalopinionandsuggestions,youarewelcometocallmyofficeand
makeanappointment.”

ItwasalmostperfectthatEsmechosethatmomenttowalkupbehindJon.Sheseemedtoassessthe

situationataglancebeforeslidingaterritorialhandintoJon’s.

“WhatdidImiss?”sheasked,hervoicechipper.
Happily,Lukewastheonewhoresponded.“ElisewasaskingJonforhisprofessionalopinionon

hermastopexy.”

Esme’seyesdroppedtotheotherwoman’sbustaswell,andsheraisedaneyebrow.“Interesting.”
Esme’sresponsegotasmileoutofHunter,butwhentheotherwomanlookedEsmeupanddown

withanexpressionthatsaidIcantakeher,Hunterfelthimselfbristle.HemightnotbeaJonfan,but
havingElisesizeEsmeuplikethatrubbedhimwrong.

Eliseheldupthebusinesscardandgaveitalittleflickwithhernails.“I’llbesuretoschedulean

appointment,”shesaid,hertonealittlelessthanprofessional.Then,afterasmallnodtoAnya,both
womenwalkedoff.Nogoodbyes,nonothing.

HuntersentalooktoLuke,butthemanshookhishead,asmiletuggingatthecornerofhislips.
“Wherearetheygoing?”Esmeasked,seeminglydismayed.ButHunterknewbetter.“Ithoughtyou

allwerehittingitoff.”

Huntershrugged.“Theyfoundoutweweren’tdoctors.”
“AndthatJonwas,”Lukeaddedhelpfully.
“Isee,”Esmesaid,lookingbetweenHunterandJonasifsensingthatshewasmissingpartofthe

story.“Hunter,canItalktoyouforasecond?”

Jontensed,clearlynotafanofthatidea.
“Sure,”Huntersaid,followingheruntilshestoppedabouttwentystepsaway—stillinsightofher

fiancé,butoutofearshot.

Shesenthimacriticallook.“WhatwereyousayingbeforeIwalkedup?Areyouplayingnice?”
“Nicerthanyourfiancé,”Huntermuttered.“Idon’tknowwherehishead’sat,buthespecifically

cameovertochasethosewomenaway.”

Esme’snosewrinkledinconfusion.“Thatmakesnosense.”
“Hemakesnosense.HetriedtothrowmeandLukeunderthebusandprettymuchjustendedup

dragginghimselfinstead.Ihatetobreakittoyou,Ez,butyourfiancéhasthesocialIQofawhippet.”

TheexpressiononherfacetoldHunterthanmaybehe’dgonetoofarwiththatone.“Areyou

sayingIhavebadtasteinmen?”

Huntergesturedhelplessly.“Maybe?Eitherway,ournighthereisdone.PrettysureLukeandIare

goingtotakeoff.”

“SoareJonandI.That’sprobablywhyhedroppedbytotalktoyoutwo.”
“Uh-huh,”Hunterdrawled.“Becausehewantedtomakesuretosaygoodbye.”
“Isthereanotherreason?”
Hunterrolledhiseyes.
“Useyourwords,Hunter.”
“Idon’tthinkyouwantmeto.Justknowthatthemysteryofhowmenlikethatcharmwomenlike

youisprobablygoingtokeepmeupallnight.Imaynotgetanysleep.Sothanksforthat.”

Sheshrugged.“Hey,whateverIcandotoputanewwrinkleinthatstubbornbrainofyoursisawin

inmybook.”

Whenshestartedaway,hetouchedherarmtostopher.“NowIhaveaquestion.”
Sheglancedoverhershoulder,hereyesreflectingtheblueinherdressinawaythathadhim

catchinghisbreathinsurprisebeforehecomposedhimself.“Um.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Doesit
reallynotbotheryouthatwomenlikeElisearetakingtheirtopsoffforJonallday?Doesthat
seriouslynotfazeyou?”

“It’shisjob,”shesaidwithoutsomuchasablink.“Heactuallyhatestalkingaboutitwhenhe’snot

atwork.”

Hunterdidn’tbuyit.“ButEliseclearly—”
“Trustme,Hunter.Jonisn’tinterested.”
Hunterlaughed.“Areyoukidding?HehasanMDinI’mInterested,Ez.Literally.Hewentto

collegeforlikethirteenyearsfortheexpresspurposeofgettingajobthatallowshimtolookat
boobsallday,everyday.He’sinterested.”

Esmeshookherhead,buthecouldseetheannoyanceunderthesurface.“Jon’sovertheteenage-

boyresponsetohisjob,Hunter.Youcantrustmeonthat.”

“Henolongerfindsbreaststitillating?”
Shedidn’tmeantosmile.Hecouldtell.Butshedid.“Howlonghaveyoubeenholdingthatone

back?”

“PrettysureI’vehadsomeversionofthatoneinmypocketsinceIwastwelve.”
Esmeletoutalittlelaughinspiteofeverything.“Well,I’mgladyouwerefinallyabletoletit

loose.Butbeingfunnydoesn’tchangethefactthatyouneedtostartplayingnice.Ireallyneedyou
andJontogetalong.”

“Hmm.Magic8-Ballsay:OutlookNotSoGood.”
Sherolledhereyes.“Well,that’sthebeautyoftheMagic8-Ball.Youcanalwaysshakeagaintosee

ifyougetadifferentanswer.”Ah,man.Shewasusingthedoeeyesonhim…whippingoutthebig
guns.“Please?”

“I’lltry.Butthewhippethastotry,too.Iambutaman;notadogwhisperer.”
Shetensed,clearlyannoyedathowhewastalkingaboutJon,butshelimitedherresponseto,“I’ll

talktohim.”

“Yeah,youdothat,”hesaidandtheybothwalkedbacktothepeopletheywouldbeleavingwith.

Chapter18

ThefreewayhummingunderthewheelsofthecarwasthesoundtrackforEsme’sdrivehome.Jon

hadoptednottoturntheradioon,andhehadn’tspokensincethey’dleftthefundraisereither.

Theeveninghadclearlyendedonabadnote—anoteEsmehadmissedforthemostpart.Shewas

stilltryingtopieceittogether,butonethingsheknewforsure:Jonwasn’thappywithhowthings
playedout.Afterabouttenminutesofmutualsilence,shedecidedtopokethebeast.

“You’rebeingquiet,”Esmesaid,easingintothetopic.
Jonkepthiseyesontheroad,waitingabeatbeforehegaveanodofacknowledgment.“Iam.”
Notagoodstart.“Becauseyoudon’twanttosaysomething,orbecauseyou’retryingtofigureout

howtosayit?”

“Doornumbertwo.”
Yep.Definitelynotagoodstart.WhateverhesaidnextwasgoingtobeaboutHunter.Sheknewit.

“Look,Idon’tknowwhatHunterdidtonight,butIpromisethat—”

“Isheusuallyajerk?”
Esmebitherlip.“Hecanbe,butI’mnotquitesurewhathappenedsoIcan’ttellyouifitwas

classicHunterornot.”

Thereitwas,aninvitationforJontotellhissideofthestoryforwhateverhadhimwhite-

knucklingthesteeringwheel.

“Aftertonight,it’sprettyclearwhyyoutooksolongtointroduceus,”wasallhesaid.
“Hecanbebrash,”Esmesaid.“Buthe’sareallygreatguy,Jon.Youreallyneedtogivehima

chance.”

“Idon’tthinkso,”Jonsnappedbeforeglancingherway.“Whyareyoufriendswithhim?”
Uh-oh.Theywerebackhereagain?She’dthoughtthey’dcoveredthisalready.“Wegrewup

together.”

“Thatexplainswhyyouwerefriendsaschildren,butyou’readultsnow,”hesaid,eyesontheroad.

“Whydoyoukeepincontactwithamanlikethat?”

Esmeopenedhermouthtoanswer—togushabouthowHunterwasareallygreatguy—butnothing

cameout.Thereweredefinitelywordsshecouldsay…reasonstogive,butsheknewhowtheywould
soundtoJon.Nothingshewantedtosayrightnowwouldbeanythingthathelped.Hewastoojealous.
Ofallthemenintheworld,she’dlandedoneofthefewguyswhohadnoproblemacknowledgingthe
factthatHunterwasattractiveandconsideredhimathreat.

That’swhatshegotforfallinginlovewithacosmeticsurgeon,shesupposed.Somehowshe

neededtoletJonknowthatHunterwasn’ttheproblemhethoughthewas.

Buthow?
Nexttoher,Jontookadeepbreath.“IthinkyoushouldstopspendingtimewithHunter…Ithinkit’s

timetodialthatfriendshipbackandleaveitinthepast.”

Whoa.Thatwasdefinitelynottheanswer.
“That’sanoverreaction,Jon.Youjustmethim.Youdon’tknowhimyet.”

“Idon’twanttoknowhim,”Jonsaid.“He’srude.Hewasdisrespectfulatyourparents’dinnerparty

andinappropriatewithhowhepresentedmetothosewomentonight.Idon’tseeasinglereasonto
associatewithhim,whichmakesmewonderwhyyou’restickingclose.”

“Because…”Esmealmostdefendedherselfuntilsherealizedtherewasnoreasonto.Itwasn’t

Jon’scallwhoherfriendswere,anymorethanitwashercalltodictatewhohesocializedwith.
“Look,it’sprobablybestifwedon’tstartcrossingthelinesofchoosingeachother ’sfriends,
wouldn’tyousay?Imean,IknowHunterisamalefriend,butIthinkit’sclearthatwe’renot
interestedineachotherromantically.”

“Whatisclearisthatwhenyousawsomethingwasoff,yougothissideofthestoryfirstandI

don’tlikethat.”

“BecausewewereallleavingandIwasn’tgoingtoseehimagain,”shesaid.
TheflexofJon’sjawletherknowhewasn’treallybuyingthatexplanation.
“Flipthisaroundandseethesituationfrommyperspectiveforaminute,”hesaid,eyesstayingon

theroadashekepthisvoicecoolandrational.“Let’ssaytonightyoumetachildhoodfriendofmine
whohappenedtobeawoman.Let’ssaythisfemalefriendofminelookslikealingeriemodeland
everytimethetwoofyouruffleeachother ’sfeathers,Ipullherasideandtalktoherfirst.Howmuch
wouldyoulikethat?Wouldyouwantmehavinglunchesintheparkwithherorinvitingheroverto
barbecueatmypool?”

Well,crap.Hehadapoint.Agoodone.
Esmesatinsilence,consideringthescenariohe’dpresentedandhadtoadmitthattherewasexactly

zerochanceshe’dbecoolwithJonbeingalonewithawomanlikethat.

“You’rebeingsilent,”hesaidafterawhile.“It’smakingmenervous.”
Esmeshookherhead.“I’mnotmad.I’mrealizingyouhaveavalidpoint.Iwouldwantthesame

thingyou’reaskingofmeinthatsituation.Distance.”

Henodded,butwaswiseenoughnottosaymore.Ithadtobethatdoctortrainingofhis.Heknew

whenhe’dmadethesaleandwhentoleaveaclientwiththevisionhehadsketchedout.

Well,he’dsketchedoutascene,allright,andEsmedidn’tlikewhatshewasseeing.
IfHunterhadbeenawoman,likeGrace,noproblem.EsmewouldtellJonexactlywherehecould

filehisrequest.ButJondidhavetherighttoweighinonhowhefeltaboutEsmespendingtimewith
othersinglemen.

Crap.
Jonmusthavesensedthatherthoughtswereinhisfavor,becausehecontinuedtodriveinsilence,

evenwhensecondsofsilenceturnedintominutesofthoughtfulreflectiononherpart.

Whycouldn’thesaysomethingstupidandgivehersomeammunitiontodeflectawayfromthe

topicathand?

Buthedidn’tdoherthatfavor.Shewasgoingtohavetogetusedtonotbeingthesmartestonein

theroomwithJonintheroom.Whentheydisagreed,shewasn’tgoingtobetheonetowinallthe
debates…startingwiththisone.

EsmecertainlyhadnoplanstocutHunteroutofherlifepermanently,butitwasfairtodialthings

backuntilJonfeltmoresecureaboutthefactthattheyreallywerejustfriends.Andwhentheday
camewhenHunterwasinaseriousrelationshiphimself,thenshecouldarguethatitwassafeto
reintegratehimintotheirsocialcalendarinawayJoncouldbecomfortablewith—notthatanyofthis
nonsensewasnecessary.Esmewasn’tacheaterandHunterwaswaytooproudtobeamanontheside.
Neitherofthemwerebuiltforaffairs,butthatdidn’tmeanthattheycouldn’tagreeonhavingalittle
lesscontactuntiltherewasnoroomtoobjecttospendingtimetogetherascouples.

Ifnothingelse,itwasonemorereasonforHuntertobuckledownandfinallyfindsomeone.When

hewasn’tchasingwomenawaywithhispessimism,hereallywasagreatguy.Therewerehislooks,

sure,buthewassomuchmorethanthat.Hewasatotalman,abletobuildanythingandeverything.
Andasurprisingbenefittohisdyslexiaanddysgraphiawasthathewassurprisinglypatientwith
strugglingchildrenbecauseheunderstoodtheirfrustrations.Butaboveall,Hunterwasaguywho
showedup.Ifhesaidhe’ddosomething,hedidit.Noexcusesandnothinghalfway.Hiswordwas
moneyinthebank.

Whatwomandidn’twantthatqualityinherman?Amanwhowashonest…whocouldbuildorfix

anything…whonevergotfrustratedbychildren?

Seriously,howwashesingle?Itliterallybaffledthemind.
“Ithinkthisisarecord,”Jonsaidfromnexttoher.
Sheglancedhisway.“Arecordforwhat?”
“Thelengthoftimeyou’vebeensilentwhenyouweren’tasleep.”
Esmenarrowedhereyesathim.“Watchitthere,buddy.You’llundosomeoftheprogressyou’ve

made.”

Heglancedawayfromtheroadtogiveherasearchinglook.“SoyouseewhereI’mcoming

from?”

Shenodded.“Ido.”
“And?”
“And…”Thiswasit—themomentshewouldn’tbeabletotakeback.“I’lltalktoHunterand

explainthatthingsneedtochange.Nomoredoinglunchorhangingoutwhenyou’renotaround.”

Hefrowned.“AndnotsomuchwhenIamaroundeither.Idon’teverforeseeHunterandmebeing

friendlywitheachother.”

“Butyou’llstillseehimaround,”Esmesaid,notbudgingonthispoint.“He’llbeatourwedding

andothereventslikethat.Iwon’tbecuttinghimoutentirely.Ijustwon’tbehangingoutwithhimor
talkingtohimwithoutyouknowing.Notanymore.”

Jondidn’tlooktotallypleased,buthenodded.“Okay.Thanksforthat.”
“You’ddothesame,”shesaid,eventhoughshewasn’tsure.Maybemoretothepointwasthefact

thatshehopedhe’ddothesame,andsherefusedtobeahypocriteonthematter.

“Iloveyou.”
“Loveyou,too,”Esmesaid,thenlookedoutherwindowandwatchedthelandscaperushby.“I’ll

talktoHuntertomorrow.”

Man,tomorrowwasgoingtosuck.

Chapter19

Ez:
Goodseeingyou
lastnight.

Hunter:

Wasit?

Ez:
Haha.Ofcourse.
Always.Sorryyou
didn’tfindanyone
worthyourtime.

Hunter:

Silverlining:Ilearned

whatamastoplexyis

andthefoodwas

good(ish).

Ez:
Canwetalksometime
today?I’mmeetinga
clientattheFerry
Terminal@noon.Want
tomeetmethere@11:30?

Hunter:

Ruh-roh.Thisdoesn’t

soundgood.

Ez:
No.Itwon’tbefun.Sorry.

Hunter:

Ilovehowyousugar

coatthings.

Ez:
Youknowme.TheQueen
ofSweet.So11:30work?

Hunter:

Sure.Seeyouinafew.

Chapter20

HunterstaredatEsmelikealienshadsnatchedbodyherduringthenightandreplacedherwitha

doppelganger.“Seriously?You’regoingtohandhimthiswinwithoutafight?”

“Weneedtopickourbattleshere,Hunter.AtleastuntilJongetsusedtoyou.”
Heleanedforward,clearlyannoyed.“Andwhatbattlearewewinningbynotseeingorcontacting

eachotherfortheforeseeableweeks…ormonths,orwhatever?”

“We’relettingJonseethatwehaveseparatelivesandhecantrustustogether.”
Helaughed.“Why?Becausethetwotimeshe’sseenustogetherweweresoclingingandintoeach

other?”

Hunterhadapoint.They’dbarelyevenspoken.
“AreyoubannedfromtextingLuke,too?”
“No,”Esmeadmitted.“Justyou.”
Heleanedbackinhisseatandshookhishead.“Thisisridiculous.Jon’sbeingridiculousand

you’relettinghim.”

“He’sbeingterritorial,andI’mtryingtoshowhimthathedoesn’tneedtobe.”
“Byrollingonyourbackandgrantinghimhisterritory?Nicetactic,Ez.Thatworkforyouinthe

businessworld?”

Okay,nowhewaspushingbuttonsandheknewit.“Thisisn’tbusiness,Hunter.Youdealwith

heartsdifferentlythanyoudealwithmoney.”

“Huh,”hedrawled.“Maybethat’swhatI’vebeengettingwrongthiswholetime.”
Sherolledhereyes.
Heleanedforwardoverthetableandlookedherintheeyes.“Whataboutmyheart,Ez?Orinthis

situationamIsupposedtopretendIdon’thaveone?”

Thattookheraback.“I…youknowwherewestand,Hunter.Ourfriendshipisn’tinquestion.”
“Butyourengagementis?”
“No.”Wasit?
Hearchedabrowather.
“Maybe?”sheoffered.“Idon’tknow.Thisisnewgroundforme,too.AllIknowisthatJonis

irrationalwhenitcomestoyouandthisisthesolutionthatcalmshimdown.”

Hunternodded,hiseyeshard.“SonoimmersiontherapyforJon?Heboohoosandgetswhathe

wants,justlikethat?Soundslikethebeginningofabeautiful,maturerelationship,Ez.”

Shegroaned.“You’renotmakingthiseasy,Hunter.”
“Mybestfriendiscuttingmeout.AmIsupposedtomakethateasy?”
“I’mnotcuttingyouout.”
“Really?Howwouldyoudefine:nocalls,notexts,andnocontactfortheforeseeablefuture?”
“Asuckycompromise?”
Huntershookhishead.“Showmethecompromise.”
Esmeleanedbackinherseatatthesmalltable,almostrunningherhandsthroughherhairin

frustrationuntilsherememberedthatshe’ddoneitupnicefortheclientshewasabouttomeet.She
rubbedthemdownherfaceinstead.“Hunter,Ineedyoutobethebiggermanhere.”

“Iamthebiggerman.That’sjustscience.”
Gah.Hecouldbesofrustratingsometimes.“Imeanfiguratively.”
“Ofcourseyoudo,”hesaid,thenlookedaway.Forseveralmomentstherewasonlysilence

betweenthem,andEsmeregrettedschedulingtomeethimat11:30insteadof11:00.Theyreally
neededanhourtohashthroughthis.Atleast.Thensheneededatleastthatlongtorecover.

10:00.Sheshouldhavesaid10:00,butallshecoulddonowwasmakethebestwithwhatshehad.
“Useyourtimeawaytofindanicewomantodate,”shesaidsoftly.“Youwon’tscareJonasmuch

ifyou’reinacommittedrelationship.”

“AnythingIcandotomakeJon’slifeeasier.”
“C’mon,”shesaid,reachingacrossthetabletogriphishand.Thewarmheatofhishandfeltgood

underherpalm.Reassuring.Likeallthetimeshesomehowconvincedhershe’dbesafeonazipline
orclimbingupamountainsolongastheywereconnected.Sure,thatwasdifferentthantaking
enforcedtimeapart,butifsheandHuntercouldjumpoutofaplanetogetherwithoutEsme
hyperventilatingandpassingout,theycoulddoanything.“Wecandothis.”

Heeyedtheirentwinedhandsforamomentbeforepullingaway.“Thewhippetwouldprobablyadd

‘notouching’tohislistifhesawusnow.”

“Probably,”Esmeconceded,pullingherhandback.Thedistancefeltwrong,butshecouldn’tadmit

that.Notnow.

Forseveralminutes—oratleastwhatfeltlikeit—Huntersatinsilence,processingeverything

she’dsaid.Andshelethim.Hehadarighttobefrustrated.Shewasn’tgoingtodenyhimthat,butshe
couldn’treallyseeanalternative.Jonneededtoknowhewasthenumberonemaninherlife,justlike
sheneededtobenumberoneinhis.

“Fortherecord,”Huntersaidatlast.“Iwouldneverdothistoyou.IfawomanIwasdatinggave

methisultimatum,she’dgetmyanswerintheformoftaillightsleavingherfrontdoor.”

Esmebitherlipattheadmission,knowingitwastrue.
“You’refamily,”hesaidsoftly.“Familyisnon-negotiable.”
Man,sometimesHunterknewrightwheretoaimwhentakingashot.“Butyou’renotfamily.Not

—”

“Technically,”hefinishedforher.“Iknow.Yadayada.”
Esmeglancedattheclockonherphone.Itwas11:52andtherewaseverychanceDeborahwould

beafewminutesearly.Shehadtofinishthingsup…eventhoughtheyweremilesfrombeingonthe
samepage.

“Iknowthisisalllessthanideal,”shesaid.“Butbeingengagedisalittledifferentthandating.If

thesituationswerereversed,I’dwantJontodothesameforme.”

Hisfacewasunreadableashestaredather.“Sowe’redone?”
“Forawhile.UntilJonstopsfreakingout,okay?”
Hunter ’sjawclenchedandhisnostrilsflared,buthesaidnothing.
“Thegoodnewsisthatthiswillgetyououtofdoingthingsatalltheengagementpartiesandthe

wedding.Ithinkwe’llstillhaveyoudothetoastattheengagementpartymymomisthrowingnext
weekwhereallourfriendsandfamilyofficiallymeetJon,butafterthatyoucanlaylow.That’sawin,
right?”

Notaccordingtothelookonhisface,itwasn’t.ButEsmechosetoignorethat.
“Untilthen,I’llaskyourmomtopassonanyrelevantmessagesfromme.Shewon’tmind.”
Hunter ’sresponsewastolookatthetableandsaynothing.
Whywouldn’thesaysomething?

“Hunter?”
“Sure,”hesnapped,voicedevoidofinflection.“Soundslikeaplan.”
Shereachedforhishandagain,thenstoppedherself.Notouching.“Don’tbemad.”
Helaughedatthat.“Aren’tyoutheonewholikestosaythatyoucanchoosetheactionbutnotthe

consequence?Well,youchosetomakeJonhappybygivinghimeverythinghewantsfortheasking,
Ez.Ihopethatworksoutwellforyou,butyoudon’tgettochoosehowIrespondtoyourchoice.”

Ashestood,hethrewatwentyonthetabletopayfortheirdrinks,thenheadedtowardtheexit.

InstincthadEsmechasingafterhim.

“Hunter,”shehissed,tryingnottomakeascene.“Don’tleavelikethis.Itdoesn’thavetobelike

this.”

“You’reright,”heagreed,stillwalking.“Itcouldgetmuch,muchworse,andwewouldn’twant

thatclientyou’rewaitingfortowitnessanythinglikethat,wouldwe?”

Hehadapoint,andpartofherwasgratefulthathewasweighingthatintohisreaction.Butshestill

wasn’treadytoseehimleave.Notlikethis.

Unfortunately,twostepslater,shespottedDeborahwalkingtowardtherestaurantthey’dagreedto

meetat.TheotherwomanspottedEsmeinthesamemomentandflashedherasmile.

“EsmeTaylor?”
Onreflex,Esmewentintoprofessionalmode.“DeborahManning.”
Thewomanheldoutherhand.“Please,callmeDeb.”
“Debitis,”Esmesaid,takingherhand.“Pleasuretomeetyou.”
Hunterlookedbetweenthem,thenfocusedonDeb.“Aren’tyougoingtointroduceme,Esme?”he

askedwithahintofflirtinhisvoice.

“Ofcourse,”Esmesaid,raisinganeyebrowathistone.He’dcertainlyswitchedgearsfast.“Deb,

thisismygoodfriend,Hunter.Heisalocalfireman.Hunter,thisisDeb.She’saPRManagerfora
firmoutofChicago.”

“It’sapleasure,”Huntersaid,takingthewoman’shand.
Esmetookthemomenttolookattheotherwoman—reallylookather.Shewasafewyearsolder

thanHunter,maybeearlythirties,butshedefinitelywasn’thardontheeyes.Shehadsomemixed
ethnicityinher,givingheranexoticlookandhairwithsomuchshineitalmostqualifiedasaglare.
Shewasdressedprofessionallywhilealsoshowcasinglong,tonedlegs,andthesmileshesentHunter
wasdefinitelyafewshadeswarmerthantheoneEsmehadreceived.

DebwassingleanddefinitelyattractedtoHunter.
Well,good.Thatwasagoodthing.Ifonlyshedidn’tliveinChicago.
“Thepleasure’smine,”Debsaidtohim.“Willyoubejoiningustoday?”
“I’mafraidnot,”Huntersaid,lookinghonestlydismayed.“ButperhapsIcouldjoinupwithyou

later,afteryou’redonewithworkfortheday?”

Deb’slipspartedinsurpriseattheinvitation.SheglancedatEsmetogetareadonherreaction

beforeresponding.“Thethreeofus?”

“No,”Huntersaid.“Esmehasplans,butsaythewordandI’llopenmyeveningrightupforyou.”
Hereitwas:theclassicHuntercharmthatseemedtoworkonallthingsfemale.Assoonashe

turnediton,hecouldprettymuchsayanystupidthinghewantedandleavewithavalidphonenumber
inhispocket.

IfthelightinDeb’seyeswasanyindication,Hunterwasdefinitelyabouttogethers.
“Well,”thewomanstammered.“I’mnotsurehowlongEsmeandIwillbeworking…”
ThatwasEsme’scue.“Weshouldbedoneby5:00.”
Hunterbeamed.“Howabout7:00then?ThatwillgiveyoutimetodecompressabitbeforeIpick

youup.I’llmakereservationsforusat7:30.”

Deb’smouthopenedandshutasifshewantedtoplayhardtogetbutrealizedjustasquicklythatit

wasawasteofbreath.Shewasonlyintowntwodays.PuttingHunteroffwouldmeannodateatall.
“Areyoualwaysthisforward?”sheasked.

“OnlywhenIseesomethingworthbeingforwardabout,”Huntersaid,holdingeyecontactwith

her.

WhenDebvisiblyblushed,Esmefoundherselflookingawayandcheckingthetime.Their

reservationswereatTheSlantedDoorinfiveminutes.SheshouldprobablyheadoverandletDeb
joinherafterHunterfinishedworkinghisabsurdmagic.

“Youthinkyou’reprettycharming,don’tyou?”DebsaidasEsmelookedbackattheflirting

couple.

“Charming?”Hunterscoffed.“Notsomuch.ButIcantellyouthatifIhadadollareverytime

someonecalledmeugly,Iwouldhavezerodollars.Ihaveafeelingthat’ssomethingwemighthave
incommon.”

Debthrewbackherheadandgavehimafullybellylaughbeforelookingathimagainand

bringingafingeruptotesthisstubble.“You’readangerousone,aren’tyou?”

“Ileavethatforyoutodecide.”
Thatwasit.Esmewasout.WhilesheacceptedthatHuntercouldindeedpickupanywomanhe

wantedwiththeworstpickuplinesknowntoman,thatdidn’tmeanshehadtostickaroundtowatch.
ShesentbothHunterandDebthelargestsmileshecouldmusterandpointedtowardtherestaurant.

“I’llletyoutwofigurethingsoutwhileIgocheckinwiththehostess.”
“Perfect,”Huntersaid,keepinghiseyesonDeb.
Thewomanblushedevendeeper.“I’llberightwithyou.”
Esmekeptthepleasantsmilegluedtoherfaceuntilshereachedtherestaurant.Whenthegirlatthe

frontgreetedhershesimplysaid,“Taylor,fortwo.”

“Wehaveyourtablereadyandyourpre-orderswillbedeliveredtoyourtablewithinthenextfive

minutes.”

“Perfect.Thankyou,”Esmesaid,glancingbackatDebandseeingherstandingwithherarm

brushingagainstHunter ’sasheputhernumberinhisphone.

“Arewestillwaitingforyourguest?”
“She’srightthere,”Esmesaid,noddingherheadinDeb’sdirection.“She’llbewithusina

moment.”Andshewas.Thirtysecondslater,Debwasstandingnexttoher,alopsidedsmilepullingat
thecornersofherlips.

“Rightthisway,”thehostesssaid,andbothEsmeandDebfollowedhertotheirtableoverlooking

thebay.BythetimetheysatdownDebwasstillmooningabit,soEsmefiguredshemightaswell
addressthedistractionthatwasHunter.

“So…lookslikeyouandHunterhititoff.”
Debfannedherselfwithherhandinresponse.“Yourfriendcanturnonthejuicewhenhewantsto,

can’the?”

Esmemusteredupaplayfulsmile.“Onlywhenhewantsto.”
“Areyousureit’snotaconflictofinterestformetogooutwithhimwhileI’mhere?”Deborah

asked.“Icanabsolutelycancel.”

“Ofcoursenot,”Esmesaid,lookingatthemenu.“YouandIdobusiness;youandHunterdo

personal;andneverthetwainshallmeet.”

“SoundslikeaplanIcandefinitelylivewith,”shesaid,thenleanedforward.“Buttellme,what’s

hisfatalflaw?I’mprobablynotgoingtobeherelongenoughforittomatter,buthehastohaveone.”

“Nofatalflaw,”Esmesaid,busyingherselfwithhermenueventhoughshealreadyknewwhatshe

wasgoingtoorder.

Deb’seyebrowarchedskeptically.“No?Thenwhyaren’tyoualloverthat?”
Esmebroughtupherlefthandandwiggledherleftringfinger.“I’mtaken.”
Aslysmilepulledatherlips.“Thenyouhavemoreself-controlthanIdo,woman,becauseman!

Godwasn’tmessingaroundwhenheformedthatclay,amIright?”

“Definitelynot,”Esmesaid,herlaughfeelingalittlemoresincerethistimearound.Therewasno

pointindenyingthefactthatHunterwasabeautifulman.Itwastheveryissuethatwascausingthe
troublewithJon.

Debpickeduphermenu.“SoI’mnotsteppingontoesifIlethimshowmearoundtown?”
“Notatall,”Esmesaid,maybetoofastandalittletooloud.Shecouldn’ttell,andDeborahdidn’t

seemtonotice.

“Excellent,”Debmurmuredastheirserverbroughtoverthepre-orders.

Chapter21

HunterhadnoideawhyheheadedtothePalaceofFineArtsafterescapingtheFerryTerminal.

Therewasnothingtodobutwalkinacirclesurroundedbyaseaofmemories.

Nothelpful.
ThelittleAsianladywasbackatitagainwithhercookiecart,givingawayhercookiestomixed

reactions.Somecustomerssnarfedhercookiesdownwhileothersdiscreetlydepositedtheminthe
nearesttrashbin.Itwaskindoffascinatingtowatch…whichwasgoodbecauseitwasprettymuchthe
onlythingtowatch.

FromwhatHuntercouldtell,MissPearlknewacouplehundredwordsinEnglish,allfocused

aroundcookiesandaskinghowtheytasted.She’daskpeoplehowthecookieswereand,afterafew
effortsoftryingtoexplaintheirthoughts,mostpeopleendeduppantomimingtheirreactionsuntil
theygotaknowingnodfromMissPearl.

Hunter ’smouthsalivated,rememberingthelastcookiehe’dhadfromhercart.Hewantedanother

one.Theoldladywasstubborn,yes,butHunterhaditinhimtobecharmingwhentheoccasion
required.

Andtheoccasiontotallyrequiredit.Ifanyonedeservedacookietoday,itwashim.
HewaiteduntiltheflowhitalullbeforeapproachingMissPearl’scookiecart.Hesentthepint-

sizedwomanasmileandwasmetwithanabruptshakeofherhead.

“Nokiss,nocookie!”MissPearlbarkedwhenhewasstilltenstepsaway.
“Ah,c’mon,”hesaid,holdingoutatwentydollarbill.“Anexception?Forme?I’vehadarough

day.”

Sheturnedhernoseupatthemoney.“Nokiss,nocookie.”
“HowaboutIkissyou?”heoffered.“Doesthatcount?”
Thefacethelittleladypulledwasalmostcomical,andalittleinsultinginitsdisdain.“Thatcookie

notastegood.”

“Hey,ifittastesanythinglikethelastcookie,itwillbeamazing,”Huntertried,butMissPearl

wasn’thavingit.

“Lastcookiespecialbecausekissspecial,”shesaidinchoppyEnglish.“Cookietastelikekiss.Kiss

isfinalingredient!”Shegesturedouttotherandompeoplestrollingthroughthepark.“Thatwhy
somepeoplelikecookieandsomethrowaway.”

Hunterfoughttokeeptheskepticismoffofhisface,butwasprettysurehefailedbasedonthe

scowlMissPearlsenthisway.

“Toyou,mycookieonlygoodwhenyoukisscutelittleblonde,”MissPearlsaidwithauthority.

“BringherandIgiveyounewcookie.”

Well,thatwasn’thappening.Notafterthetalkthey’djusthad.
Hunterheldupthetwentyagain.“SureIcan’tbuyone?”
MissPearlcluckedhertongueandshookherhead.“Ifonlyyouthispersistentinlove.Thenyouno

needcookie.Youhavesoulmate.”

Hunterrolledhiseyes.“Idofineintheromancedepartment.”
Thelittleladycluckedhertongueagainbeforehereyesmovedtoacoupleapproachingbehind

him.

“See?Youwatch,”sheurged.“Thiscouplenotlikecookiebecausetheyhavenolove.Loneliness

bringthemtogether,socookietastesad.”

“Or,”Hunteroffered.“Maybeyourcookiesjustdon’ttastegoodtoday.”
MissPearlshookherhead.“Youstay.Youwatch.”
Thewordswerelessaninvitationandmoreofademand,whichwasnormallysomethingthatgot

underHunter ’sskin.Buttherewasalsosomethingendearingabouthowhardshewastryingto
communicate…andhewascurious.Sohestayed.

Theguywalkingtheirwaywascheap.Huntercouldseethatfromastone’sthrowaway.Therewas

zerochancehewantedtobuyacookie,butMissPearlluredthecoupleoverwithasimplelookand
accompanyinghandgesture.Likemagic,themanseemedtoforgethisreluctanceashelethisdate
leadhimovertothecart.

“Howmuch?”theguyasked,lookingatthecookies.
“Onekiss,”MissPearlannounced.
Theguyandgirllookedateachotherself-consciously.
“Akiss?”thegirlasked.“That’sit?”
MissPearlnodded.“Onekissandmycookiesshowyoutheflavorofyourlove.”
Whoa.Thatwasnew.Hunterdidn’trememberthatdisclaimerwhenheandEsmehadbeenhere

before.Itwaspuresilliness,ofcourse.Acookiecouldn’ttastelikelove.Thatwasn’thowcookies
worked.Thenagain,thecookiehe’dgottenwithEsmehadbeenamazing.AndEsmewasamazing,so
hecouldn’texactlycalltheladyoutonfalseadvertising.

TheprimkissthecouplesharedremindedHunterofthekisseshismomusedtogivehimbefore

sendinghimofftokindergarten—aquickcontactofacknowledgmentbeforemovingontoother
things.Definitelynopassiononeitherside.

WhenMissPearlhandedthemeachacookie,theybothacceptedthemgraciously.
“Youwatch,”shesaid,lookingatHunter.
Thecouplestartedaway,bothbitingintotheircookiesandpausingbeforethegirlspitherbiteout

intoherhandwhiletheguychokedhisdown.Theydidn’tlookback.Theydidn’tcomment,butthey
didbothheadforthetrashcan.

“Yousee?”MissPearlsaid.“Notagoodmatch.Theybreakupverysoon.”
“Oryourcookiesaregrosstoday,”Hunteroffered.
“Cookiesperfect!”MissPearldeclared.“Cookiesalwaysperfect.”
Huntershookhishead.“Howisthatpossiblewhenyoudoanewrecipeeveryday?”
MissPearlleanedin,asifsharingasecret.“Samerecipe.Newpeople.See?Youwatch!”
Thistimeshebeckonedawomanpushingastroller,andforamomentHunterwasworriedthatshe

wasgoingtoaskHuntertokisstheyoungmom.Hemightnotbethemostmoralmanontheplanet,
butkissingamarriedwomanwasn’thisthing.

Hisfearsdisappearedasthemotherandtoddlerapproachedandthekidheldouthishand,crying,

“Cookie!”

MissPearlsteppedoutfrombehindhercartandapproachedtheboyinthestroller.“Youwant

cookie?”

“Cookie!”
MissPearlsmiled.“Kissmommyandyougetacookie.”
Odd.MissPearlsuddenlyhadbettergrammarandlessofanaccentwhenspeakingtothechild.
“Oh,no,”themothersaidquickly.“Wecanpayyou.”

“Don’teventry,”HuntersaidbeforeMissPearlcouldreply.“Akissisthegoingrateforher

cookies.Shedoesn’tacceptanythingelse.”

“Really?”thewomanasked,givingHunteraquickonceover.
“Yeah,”hesaid,takingnoteoftheringonherfinger.“Trustmeonthis.”
ThemomsentHunteraquick,almostshy,smile.“Okay,then,”shesaid,squattingdowninfrontof

herboy.“Givemommyakiss?”

Thelittleboyknewthedrill,quicklyleaninginandlandinghispuckeredlipsonhismother ’s.
“Nowyougetacookie,”MissPearlsaid,handingonetothesonandtheothertothemother.
“Thankyou,”themomsaidbeforebitingin.Hunterwatchedashereyesgrewbigandherhand

flewtohermouth.“Oh,mygoodness.”

MissPearlsentasneakysmileHunter ’sdirection.“Youlike?”
“It…ittastesliketheorangedreamsiclesIrememberfrombackwhenIwasakid,”themomsaid

withabigsmilewhilehersonchoweddownonhiscookiewithoutcomment.Thefactthathewas
tryingtofittheentirecookieinhismouthinonegohadHunterguessingitdidn’ttasteexactlygross.

“Gladyoulike,”MissPearlsaidwithconfidentsatisfaction.
“Like?”themomrepeated.“Howdidyoudothis?Howdidyougetaflavorlikethisintoacookie?

It’sunreal.”

“Secretingredient,”MissPearlsaidwithaknowinglooktoHunter.“Enjoyyourwalk.”
Itwasclearthatthemotherwasn’tdonetalking,butthesimplesuggestionfromMissPearlthatshe

movealongseemedtodothetrick.Afewsecondslater,HunterwasalonewithMissPearlagain.

“See?”MissPearlsaid,asifeverythingshouldmakesensenow.“Cookietastelikekiss.Your

cookietastelikekissfeels.”

“Yeah…stillnotbuyingit,”Huntersaid,eventhoughpartofhimwas.
“Cookiefree!Noneedtobuy,”MissPearlsaid,clearlymisunderstandinghim.“Butcookieonly

tastegoodwhenloveadded.”

Itwasn’twortharguing,notwhenMissPearlprobablyonlyunderstoodeverythirdwordhesaid.
“Cookietastelikekissfeel,”MissPearlrepeatedandHunterblinkedasheconsideredthat.
Theconceptwastotallyimpossible,ofcourse.Butacoolthought—especiallysinceEsmeloved

thecookieshegotwithhim.Hadn’tshesaidshe’dthrownawaytheoneshegotwithJon?Esme
wasn’tonetoeatthingsthatweresubpar.Herparentshadtrainedheroutofthatatayoungage.

ButEsmehaddefinitelyeatenthecookieshegotwithHunter,whichbyMissPearl’slogicmeant

kissinghimhadn’tweirdedherout.She’dlikedit.Infact,she’dsaidthecookiedefiedsuperlatives,
anddescribedtheoneshegotwithJontobesomethingakintoavanillawafer.

Hunterfelthislipscurveupabitunkindlyatthethoughtofboringvanillawaferkisses.The

thoughtthatEsmeandJonmightbeabitlacklusterinthechemistrydepartmentdidn’thurthis
feelingsonebit.Infact,itwasasmallpieceofsanityinallofthis.Heavenknewhewasgoingto
watchEsmeandJondotheirfairshareofkissingoverthenextfewyears—afterhisbanishmentwas
lifted—andimaginingdowningadryvanillawafereachtimetheirlipsmetwasanicecoping
mechanism.

Forthefirsttimethatday,Hunter ’smoodwasalittlebitbrighter.
“Youlazy,”MissPearlaccused,pullingHunteroutofhisthoughts.Whenhelookeddownonthe

muchsmallerwoman,shewasscowlingathim.“Youwillingtofightmeforrecipe,butnotwillingto
fightforgirl.”

Huh.MaybethewomanknewmoreEnglishthanHunterhadassumed.“It’snotmyplacetofight

forher.Esmeisperfectlywillingtochoosewhatshewantsforherself.”

Whyhadhesaidthat?WhyhadhesaidEsme’snameandallbutconfessedhisloveforherbetween

thelines?He’dspenthisentirelifeavoidingslipupslikethat,butonesnidecommentfromMiss

Pearlandhewassuddenlyanopenbook?

Itwastimetoleave.
“Shecan’tchooseyouifyounevermakeoffer,”MissPearlsaidsagely.
“Yeah?ButwhatifIofferanditruinseverything?”
Why.Had.He.Said.That?
Heseriouslyneededtoshuthismouthandleave.
“Whatifyouofferanditfixeverything?”MissPearlcountered.
Huntercouldn’tbelisteningtothis.Notnow.Notwheneverythingwassoprecarious.Esmeneeded

hissupport.Hisblessing.Hiscooperation.Anythinglessandredflagswouldpopupandthings
wouldgetweird,atbest,orhewouldbebanishedeternally,atworst.

NowwasthetimetoplaybythebookifhewantedtokeepEsmeinhislifeasatokensister.
Hecouldn’tmessthatup.Andtomakesurethatdidn’thappen,hehadtoputasmuchspaceMiss

Pearl’share-brainedideasandhimselfashumanlypossible.

Chapter22

EsmespunherphoneinherhandasJonturnedthechickenonthegrill.
DebandHuntercertainlywerepackingintheirtimetogetherbeforesheflewout.Twodatesintwo

days.

Esmehadn’taskedDebhowthepreviousnight’sdatewentwhenshe’dshownupglowingearlier

thatafternoon.They’dkepteverythingtopicalasthey’dworkedthroughtheday,butDebhadbeen
eagertogetoutthedoorthemomenttheclockstruck5:00.SheandHunterweredefinitelyonanother
date,andEsme’sfingersitchedtotextHuntertoaskhowitwasgoing.Butshecouldn’t.

Notexts.Nocalls.Nocontact.
Thoseweretherules.Shehadn’ttextedHunterinthepast31hours,andtheurgetoreachoutwas

likearashbeggingtobescratched.

Jonwouldapproveofthatsimile:TheurgetotextHunterwaslikearash…
Yes.ThatwoulddefinitelymeetJon’sapproval.
Shecouldn’tstopherlegfrombouncingorresisttheurgetocheckherphoneeveryminuteortwo

toseeifHunterhadsentheranything.

Hehadn’t.Atherrequest.
Thiswasthenewnormal.
“Lemonandpepper?”JonaskedherfromthegrillandEsmesenthimabrightsmile.
“Soundsperfect.”She’dlearnedmonthsagothatJoncouldseasonchickenexactlytwoways

withoutruiningit:lemonandpepper,orteriyaki.Shepreferredtheformer,whichmeantJonnow
thoughtthatwasherfavoritewaytoeatit.

“How’sthesaladcoming?”hesaid,flippingthechicken.
“Onthetable,readytogo,”shecalledback,herthumbtappingonthemessengerappbefore

closingitagain.

No.Notexting.
Herlegkeptbouncingandshetriedtorollawaythetensioninhershoulders.
WherewouldHunterhavetakenDeb?Whatweretheydoing?Shehadtheappsinstalledonher

phonetofindout.OneoftheappswasdesignedtohelppeoplefindalostphonebyshowingitsGPS
coordinatestootherauthorizedphones,butEsmeusedittoseethelocationsHunterwascalledto
whileatwork.ShecouldchecktheappnowandfindoutwhereDebandHunterwere…

No.ThatwasalittletooclosetostalkingforEsme’scomfort,soshesatwhereshewasandwilled

themeattocookquicklyasshereplayedDeb’sgiddybehaviorbackfromearlierthatday.Thewoman
hadbeenexcited,sotheyhadtobegoingsomewherefun.ItwasjustsoweirdnottohaveHunter
givinghertheplay-by-play.Hunteralwaystextedherduringdates.Always.

Esmetookabreath,rolledhershouldersagain.“It’sfine,”shesaidassheexhaled.Becauseitwas.

Itwasfine.Yetevenasshetoldherselfthat,herthumbfoundthemessengerappagainandtappedit.

EsmehesitatedforamomentbeforeselectingGrace’sname.

Esme:

Helpme!Distractme!

Itwasonlyamatterofsecondsbeforeshegotaresponse.Thankfully,Gracewasasgluedtoher

phoneasEsmewas.

Grace:
From?

Esme:

Myself

Grace:
Vaguemuch?

Esmehesitatedasshechosehernextmessage.

Esme:

Hunter’sonadateand

Ican’tmessagehim.

Grace:
Whynot?

Again,Esmepickedherwordscarefully.

Esme:

Momentarybanfrom

Jon.ButI’musedto

gettingtheplay-by-

playswhenHunter’s

out.Ikeepalmost

textinghimtosee

howit’sgoing.

Grace:
¿¿¿You’rebannedfrom
textingHunter???

Esmesighed,alreadyknowingwhereherfriendwouldstandontheissue.Still,therewasno

reasontoavoidtellingher.

Esme:

Notexts,nocalls,

nocontact.

Grace:

Ummmmm??????

Esme:

Iknow.It’stemporary

untilJoncalmsdown

aboutHunter’shottie

factor.

Grace:
Ridiculous.

I’mhot.Canyoustill
talktome?

Esme:

Duh.Ofcourse.

Grace:
WhataboutAsh?He’s
majorlyhot.

Esmerolledhereyesbeforetypingback.

Esme:

He’salsoyourhusband.

Grace:
Doesn’tmakehimany
lesshot.

Esme:

Fact.

Grace’snexttexttookalittlelongertoarrive.

Grace:
Idon’thavetotellyou
thatJon’streadingin
redflagterritory,right?

Esmegroaned,glancingupasJonpepperedthechicken.

Esme:

It’snotlikethat.

Grace:
That’swhatallthe

keptwomensay…

TheaccusationrubbedEsmemorethanalittlewrongbecauseJonwasn’tbeingirrational.Not

really.Gracehadtoseethat.

Esme:

AndifAshasked

younottohave

contactwithan

attractiveand

availableman?

Grace:
PhilipandIwere
ENGAGEDonceand
Ashstillletsushave
lunchnowandthen.

Esme:

Well…Jonisn’tthere

yet.Hopefully,soon.

Grace:
Ifyousayso.But
it’smyjobasyour
friendtopointout
thathelosesmajor
pointswithme
overthis.

Esmesmiledatherfriend’sever-presentfire.

Esme:

Noted.Gladtohave

youwatchingmy

back.

Grace:
Always.

“We’relookingataboutfiveminuteshere,”Jonsaidfromthegrill.
“Perfect,”Esmerepliedandlookedbacktoherphone.

Esme:

Canyoudistractme

for5moreminutes?

Grace:
Whatarefriendsfor?

“Whoareyoutexting?”Jonasked,suddenlybesideher.Whenhadhewalkedover?
“Grace,”Esmesaid,tiltingthescreenawayfromhim.
“Yeah?TellherIsayhi.”
“Willdo,”Esmesaid,eyeingthegrease-coveredtongshewasholdingoverthecarpet.“Maybe

keepthoseoutside,andnotinthelivingroom?”

Heglancedatthetongs.“Ofcourse.IguessIwasdistracted.”
Thecommentwasbait,butEsmedecidedtotakeit.“Distractedby?”
Hewaiteduntilhewasbackoutonthepatiotorespond.“IthinkIshouldtalktoHunter.Iknowyou

alreadydid,butthemoreIthinkaboutit,themoreIthinkeverythingwouldbebettercomingfrom
me.”

“No,”Esmesaidwithouthesitation.“Thatwouldbeaverybadidea.”
“Why?”
“Becauseit’salreadybeendone,”Esmesaid,tryingfortact.“Yourepeatingitallwon’thelp

anything.Ifanything,itwilljustmakeHuntermad.”

Jonflippedthechickenandcheckeditscook.“I’msureyou’vesaideverythingthatneedstobe

said,butIthinkhemighthearitbetterfromanotherman.”

Okay,thatwasoutrightoffensive.“Jon,you’retreadingonthinicehere.Hunter ’smybestfriend.

I’mprettysureIknowhowtotalktohim.”

HetensedatheruseofthetermbestfriendandEsmementallychastisedherself.Sheneededtostart

usingthatphraseonlywhenreferringtoGrace.

“Butstill…”hehedged.
“I’msayingno,Jon,”Esmesaid,sendingonelastmessagetoGrace.“NothingyousaytoHunter

willmakeanythinganybetter.”

“Ijustthink—”
“Jon,”shewarned.“Letitgo.It’sdone.”
Hetookabreaththenmovedthechickenoffthegrillandontoaplate.“Ifyousayso.Dinneris

ready.”

Andnonetoosoon.Esmequicklychangedthesubjecttosomethingtheybothagreedonand

focusedonhavingagoodnight.

Chapter23

Hunterdidn’tlikehowShaunawaslookingathimastheysatinLou’sofficetotalkaboutKenny’s

progress…orlackthereof.Shelookedinsightful,andthatcouldn’tendwellforhim.

“Everythingokaywithyou,Hunter?”
“Yep.”
Hewouldloveitifthatcouldbetheendofthat,butonceagain,thelookinShauna’seyestoldhim

thatshewasn’tdoneprobing.“Areyousure?”

“Uh-huh.”Onlyaconversationchangecouldsavehimfromherfemaleintuition,itseemed.“So

what’stheupdateonKenny?”

“Well,hehatesyou.”
“Obviously.”
“Obviously,”sheagreedwithasmallsmile.“He’salsoinformedhislatestjudgethatyoushouldbe

investigatedforchildabuse.”

Hunterperkedupatthat.“Whichone?”
“Andrews.”
“Nice,”Huntersaidwithrelief.“Ibetthatwentoverwell.”
“Yeah.Kennyisnowcourtorderedtocomeheretwiceaweekforaslongasyou’rewillingto

havehim.”

Huntershookhishead.“It’slikethatkidisonlycapableofbackfires.Howcanhethinkhe’sso

smartwhennothingevergoeshisway?”

“Becausetheworldisagainsthim,”Shaunasaideasily.“He’sdoingeverythingright.It’stheworld

thatwon’tstoppickingonhim.”

“Thatdarnworld,”Huntergrumbled.“Suchabully.”
“Youknowit,”Shaunaagreed,matchinghisplayfultonebeforegettingbacktobusiness.“But

that’swhyI’mhere.Areyouupfortwotimesaweek,maybeallthewayupuntilKennyturns
eighteen?”

Huntershrugged.“PrettysureI’mnotgoinganywhere.”
Shefidgetedwithherfolder,avoidinghiseyes,whichwasoddforher.“Still.It’squiteatime

commitment,andIknowyoucometothegymbecauseyouwantyourownworkouts.”

“IcancomeotherdaysorworkoutbeforeorafterseeingKenny,”Huntersaid.“It’sallgood.I’m

sorrythatthedayscan’tbeconsistentbecauseofmyworkschedule.Iknowhowimportantthatiswith
fosterkids—predictability.”

“Yeah,buttwiceaweekisagoodplacetostart,andhealreadyknowsyou’reafiremanwitha

variableworkschedule.Heck,heprobablyknowsyourschedulebetterthanyoudonow.”

“Probably,”Hunteragreed.
“SoIcanreportbacktoJudgeAndrewsthatyou’rein?”
“ForaslongasthetwoofyouthinkI’mdoinggood,sure.”
Shaunachuckledtoherself.“Well,Kenny’sattitudecertainlyhasn’tchangedany,butIthinkhe’s

tootiredandsoreafteryourworkoutstogethertogetintomuchtrouble.Hedoesn’tsayanything,
but…”

“He’sfeelingit,”Huntersaid,knowingitwastrue.Hewasworkingthekidhard,andKennywas

toostubborntostretchbeforeorafteraworkout.Unlikeotherhumans,hedidn’tneedtodosilly
thingslikestretchingsoHunterhadnodoubtthekidwassoreforatleastadayaftertheirworkouts.
Probablylonger.

“Okay,”Shaunasaid,lookingrelieved.“Ifyou’llsendmeyourscheduleforthenextmonthand

highlightthedaysyoucanmeetwithKenny,I’llreportthattoAndrews.I’llalsotakecareofthe
reportsonhisprogress.Noneedforpaperworkfromyou.”

Hunterhesitatedbeforeanswering,wonderingifShaunaknewhewasdyslexicandwhatapain

writtenreportswereforhim.Heletitgo,though.Intheend,hedidn’thavetodopaperworkandthat
totallyworkedforhim.

“I’llgetyoumyschedulebyendofdaytomorrow,”hepromised.
“Perfect,”Shaunasaid,standing.“Ifnoone’stoldyouyettoday,you’reamazing.”
Huntershookhisheadashestoodandwalkedwithhertothedoor.Ifsheonlyknew.“Shockingly,

you’rethefirstpersontoday.”

Sheactuallyblushed,whichwasweird.Butagain,heletitgo.“Well,it’strue.”
“Thanks.Youtoo,Shauna.IfthingsturnaroundforKenny,itwillbeallbecauseofyou.You’re

makingadifference.”

“I’mtrying,”shesighed.
“Whichismorethananyoneelseontheplanetisdoingforhim,”hesaid,givinghershouldera

squeezeastheyreachedthedoor.“Youcareandthatmatters.”

“Areyougoingtomakemecryagain?”sheasked,notentirelylookinglikeshewasjoking.
“Ihopenot,”Huntersaid,releasinghershoulderandopeningthedoorforher.“I’maboutas

comfortingasadoorstopwhenitcomestotears.”

“Nottrue,”shesaidsoftly.
“Yeah?Well,youdon’tknowmeverywell.Ipromiseit’strue.”Hegesturedoutthedoor.“See?

AllyouhadtodowasbringthemupandI’mshowingyoutheexit.”

Thatgotasmileoutofher.Good.Shaunahadenoughthingsinherlifetomakeherfrown.Ifhe

couldmakehersmilealongtheway,Hunterconsideredthatawin.

Atleastsomebodydidn’tthinkhewasajerktoday.
“Oh,onemorething,”Huntersaidasshewasmakingherwaydowntothemainlevel.“Canyou

tellmeKenny’sbirthdaywhenyouhaveachancetolookitup?”

“October27th,”sherepliedwithouthesitation.“Justoveramonthout.”
“Thanks,”Huntersaid.“I’llseeifthere’ssomethingtobedoneaboutthat.”
Shegavehimaquicknod.“Thanks,Hunter.”ThensheleftandHuntercouldn’tshakethefeeling

thatshe’dleftsomethingunsaid.

Chapter24

Steppingfromahotter-than-averageSeptemberafternoonintothevineyard’sreceptionroom

broughtasighofreliefoutofEsme.Theoldwinecellarwaslikeacave,somehowmagically30
degreescolderthantherestoftheworldaroundit.Andclassier.

Thewinebarrelsanddisplaysusedtoattracttouristsduringthedaymadeforarusticsettingthat

wasnowfilledwithtablesandelegantsettings.Itwasmaybealocationmoresuitedforawedding
dinner,butEsme’sparentshadneverbeenonestogosmall.NeitherwasJon.

Ifyou’regoingtodosomething,doitright,wasoneofhisfavoritemantras.Itwasoneofthetopics

heandherparentscouldtalkaboutendlessly,whichmadethevineyardaperfectspottointroduceJon
toeveryone.MaybeEsmemighthaveoptedforsomethinglessformalifshe’dbeengiventhechoice,
butwhatwasdonewasdone.

Shemightaswellenjoyit.
“Oh,honey,you’rehere,”hermomsaid,exitingthemembers-onlytastingarea.“I’msogladyou

plannedtobeaheadoftraffic.Ijustgotanalertthatthere’sbeenanaccidentcausingdelays.That’s
goingtosetusbackabitonourtimeline,sowe’rejugglingabithere.”

Esmelookedaround,notseeinganyoneelse.“We?”
Rightthen,Jonsteppedoutofthewinetastingarea.“LookslikeIfinallybeatyousomewherefor

once,”hesaid,steppingforwardandpressingakisstoherlips.

“Don’tgetusedtoit,”sheteased,kissinghimback.“Sowhatarewethinking?”
“Well,wehavefoodandwinecovered,obviously,”hermomsaid.“Butpeoplewillgetrestlessif

wehaveadelayedstartwhilewewaitfordetainedguests.”

Jonslippedhishandintohers.“Yourmomwasthinkingthatwecouldsetupsomethingforpeople

tolookat,andIthoughtmaybewecouldcompileabunchofpicturesfromourphonesandfinda
projector.Thenpeoplecanlookatpicturesofustogetheroverthepastfewmonthsandburnsome
timethatway.”

“Suchagoodidea,”hermomsaid.“Weweregoingtostartcallingaroundtoseeifwecould

sourcetheequipmentlocally.”

“I’vegotitcovered,”Jonsaidwithconfidence.“Youtwoseetoallthethingsyouwereoriginally

planningondoingrightnow.I’lltakecareofthepicturesandprojector.”

“You’readream,Jon,”hermothercooedasJonsentEsmeacovertsmilebeforepressinganother

quickkisstoherlips.

“Catchyouladiesinafew,”Jonsaidbeforeheadingbackoutintotheafternoonheat.
“Imeanit,Esme,”hermomsaid,givingherarmanapprovingsqueeze.“You’vehookedyourself

adreamcometruewiththatone.Iwaswarywhenyouintroducedus,butJonreallyisacatch.”

Esmesmiled.“Iknow,Mom.Youraisedmetohaveexcellenttaste.”
“Didn’tI,though?”hermompreened.“WhichiswhyIneedyoutohelpmedouble-checkour

pairings.It’snottoolatetomakeadjustments,ifyouwantto.”

“I’mcertaineverythingyouchoseisperfect,Mom,”Esmesaid,glancingtothedoor.“Ifyoudon’t

mind,IthinkI’llactuallygotalktoJonforasecond.Heprobablyneedspicturesoffofmyphonefor
whateverhe’sdoing.”

“Excellentpoint,”hermomsaid,headingbacktothetastingroomandtheemployeesthatwere

helpingherthere.“Youknowwheretofindmewhenyou’redone.”

“Ofcourse,”Esmesaid,headingbacktothedoor.
Theglareofthesunblindedherforamomentasshewalkedintotheunwelcomelate-afternoon

heat.ShetookthestairstoherrightandfoundJonstandingbythefountaintalkingonhisphone.
Whenhesawher,hecutthecallshort.

“Heythere,”shesaid,comingtohisside.“Waytocharmmymom,buthowareyougoingtogeta

wholemultimediasetupinthereinthenexttwohours?”

Hisgrinwasmorethanalittlesly.“Becausethisisn’talast-minuteideaandIhaveallthestuff

readytogoinmySUV.”

Esme’smouthfellopen,impressed.“Youslydog.”
“Guilty,”hesaid.“And,fulldisclosurebetweenmeandyou,mysecretaryactuallyputitall

together.Itwasheridea.Shegotmarriedlastyearandhasthisbacklogofideasofallthethingsshe
wishedshehaddone.”

“Well,tellherIsaythankyou.”
Jonhelduphisphone.“Iwascallinghertotellherthisideawasatotalhomerun.”
“I’llsendheraThankYounoteaswell.”
“She’dlikethat,”Jonsaid,givingheranimpulsivekiss.“That,andoneofyourfamouspintsofice

cream.”

“Icanarrangeavarietypackofthose,Ithink,”Esmesaid,glancingtoJon’sMercedesinthe

parkinglot.“Sowhatareyougoingtodonow?Burntimewhileyoupretendtogathereverything?”

“IfiguredIcouldmakealittleruntogetarefreshingbeverageyourmomtrulylovesbutnever

indulgesin.”

“Doublingdownonthebrowniepoints,arewe?Someone’sanoverachiever.”
“Yeah,”hesaid,pressingakisstoherforehead.“Getusedtoit.”
“Well…sinceyou’retwistingmyarm,”shesaid,gazingathislipsandhetookthehint.Thenext

kisswasalittlemoreinvolvedandEsmelovedtheslightlyhazylookinJon’seyesashepulledaway.

Heclearedhisthroat.“SowhatshouldIgetforyourmom?”
“Aguiltypleasureavailablesomewhereinthiscity?”
“Yep.”
Esmesmiled.“Iknowjustthething.”

Chapter25

ThetrafficbetweenSanFranciscoandNapaValleywasprettymuchridiculous95%ofthetime,in

Hunter ’sopinion.Hecouldn’trememberasingletimehe’dmadethetrekwhenhehadn’tbeenforced
todosoatacrawl.He’dplannedonbeinganhourearlytotheengagementpartyinthehopesof
findingtwominutestocheckinwithEsme,buttraffichadconspiredagainsthim.Asalways.Bythe
timehepulledintotheparkinglot,hewastwominutesawayfrombeinglate.

“Abouttime,”Esme’scousincalledoutfromwherehewasstandingpostatthedesignatedentry.
Hunterlockedhistruckandwalkedtowardthekid.“Hey,Tyler.Havetheystartedyet?”
“Nah,”hesaid.“You’renottheonlyonewhogotstuckingridlock.Audraisswitchingthingsupso

there’sgoingtobeathirtyminuteminglewithhorsd’oeuvresbeforethedinnertogivepeopletime.
You’refine.”

“Good,”Huntersaid,movingpasthimtowardthemainbuilding.
“Hey,”Tylercalledafterhim.“Where’syourpresent,man?”
Hunterpaused.“Areyouserious?I’mgoingtobegoingtodozenofthesestupidthingsifAudra

hasherway.I’mnotbringingapresenttoallofthem.”

Tylerrolledhiseyes.“Tellmymomthat.She’stotallygoingoverboard.She’smakingmeweara

suitandeverything.Nofairthatyougettowearjeans.”

ForasplitsecondHunterfeltselfconscious,butthenhedecidedtoownhisattire.Armaniwasabit

overstatedfortheoccasion,allthingsconsidered,sojeanswithadressshirtandtieitwas.Ifthere
wasanyonewhocouldgetawaywithcasualpantsateventlikethis,itwashim.Hehadn’treally
trainedpeopletoexpectmorefromhim.

“Freedomcomeswithbeinganadult,”Huntersaid,pattingtheteenonthearm.“Yougettomake

yourowndecisionsandlivewiththeconsequences.”

“Well,mymomistotallygoingtoside-eyethosejeans,”Tylerwarnedhim.“Shemademechange

threetimes.”

“Icanlivewithside-eye,”Huntersaidashestartedtowardthevineyard’scellar.He’dalmostmade

ittothestairswhenhespottedJonwalkingoutofthemen’sroom.Theywereonacrashcourseto
meetatthestairwayatthesametimeandtherewasnowaytoavoiditwithoutbeingtotallyobvious.

Great.Justgreat.He’dbarelygottenoutofobnoxioustrafficandnowhewassupposedtoplaynice

withhisleastfavoritepersonontheplanet?

WhenheandJonmetupafewpacesawayfromthestaircase,HuntergaveEsme’sfiancéaquick

nodofacknowledgement.“Jon.”

Jondidn’tgreethimback.Instead,theman’shandplanteditselfinthecenterofHunter ’schestto

stophimfromheadingdownthestairs.Huntercouldhavepushedpastit,butitwasclearJonwanted
himtostop.

Thiswasgoingtobefun.
“Iwantyouawayfrommyfiancée,”Jonsaid.
Hunterletoutabelaboredsigh.“Stillleadingwiththatbrokenrecordschtick?Youneednew

material,man.”

“Don’tplaydumb,”Jonsaid,hisvoiceonlyashadeaboveawhispereventhoughtherewasnoone

aroundthemtohearwhathewassaying.OnlyTyler,andhewasatleastfiftyfeetaway.

“Howaboutyoudon’ttouchmewhileyou’retryingtoinsultme,”Huntersuggested.
“HowaboutyoustoppretendinglikeyourEsme’sbrotherwhenwebothknowthat’snotwhat

you’reabout?IseeyouHunter.Iknowwhatyou’rethinking.”

Atthat,HunterforciblyremovedJon’shandfromhischest.
Seriously,wheredidthisguygetoff?HeandEsmehadn’ttalkedortextedoranythingforovera

week.TheywerebothtoeingJon’sstupidlineandtheguywasrespondingbylaunchingintothis
stupidspeechagain?Thedudewasabrokenrecord.

Barelyholdingontohistemper,Huntereyedtheotherguy.“IthoughtEsmewasdonedatingguys

withGodcomplexes.Guessnot.”

“Yeah?”Jonsneered.“Well,Idon’thavetobeGodtoseethattheonlypersonbuyingthewholeact

thatyou’reabrothertoEsmeisEsme.EveryoneelseseeswhatIsee.”

“Andwhat’sthat?Auniversewithyouatthecenterofit?”
Jonshookhishead,nopartofhimbaitedbytheinsult.“Amantrippingattheheelsofawoman

whobarelyevennoticeshim.”

Man,itwouldfeelgoodtopunchthisguy.Hunterlethisfistclenchandreleasebeforereplying.

“Thanksfortheinsightfulassessment,Dr.Phil.Nowaren’tyoutheguestofhonor,orsomething?
Shouldn’tweheaddown?”

“NotuntilImakesomethingabundantlyclear.”
“Abundantly?”Hunterquipped.“Pleasedon’toverextendyourselfonmybehalf.”
“Trustme.Iwon’t,”Jonsaid.“I’llkeepthingssimplesothereisnoroomtomisunderstand.You’re

inlovewithmyfiancée.Youknowit;Iknowit;andI’mprettysureallyourfriendsandfamilyknow
it.Apparently,upuntilnowyou’veallhadtheunspokenagreementtonottalkaboutit.Thatends
todaybecauseI’mnotgoingtositaroundandwaitforyoutocomebetweenmeandEsme,like
you’vesomehowgottenhertocallthingsoffwithallthemenshe’sdatedbeforeme.”

“Man,ifthatwastrue,you’dthinkyouwouldbegratefultome.”
“Sure.Whynot?”Jonsaidwithashrug.“ThanksforkeepingEsmesinglelongenoughformeto

meether,Hunter.Idoappreciatethat,butI’mnotgoingtomakethesamemistakeallthoseothermen
didandkeepyouaround.That’swhyI’mheretotellyouthataftertonight,you’renotinvitedtoany
moreparties.Anywhereweare,you’renotwelcome.Andwhileproprietydemandsweinviteyouto
thewedding,knowthatyourpresenceisn’ttrulyrequested.Isthatabundantenoughforyou?”

Foramoment,Hunterwasspeechless.Allhecouldthinkwas,ThisiswhoEsmeismarrying?This

isherdreamman?Thenheswallowedbackallthethingshewantedtosayanddidhisbesttostickto
thehighroad.

“Youspeakprettyconfidentlyforamanwhocanstillcountononehandthenumberofweekshe’s

knownallthepeoplehe’sdealingwith.Youdon’tgettorewritedecadesofhistorybecauseyouhave
yourpantiesinatwist.”

“Idon’tneedto,”Jonsaidwithconfidence.“Esmeseesthingsmyway,whichmeansherparents

won’tbethatfarbehind.Oncethey’reonboard,everythingwillfalllikedominoesfromthere.”

ThatbroughtHunterupshort.“ThereisnowayEsmeisdownwitheverythingyoujustsaid.”
Jondidn’tflinch.“ThenwhyamIsayingittoyou?”Hesteppedtotheside,motioningdownthe

steps.“Goahead.Askheraboutit.Bemyguest.She’llbeupsetthatItalkedtoyouandnother.She
wantedtodragthisalloutalittlelonger,butwe’remen.We’drathercutrighttothechaseandskipthe
wastedtime,wouldn’twe?”

Suddenlytheworlddidn’tfeelright—asiftheaxisitrotatedonhadcomeloose,causingajarring

quakeunderHunter ’sfeet.Hetriedtokeephispokerface,hereallydid,butitwashardwhenhis
stomachsuddenlydidn’tfeelright.

TherewasnowayEsmecouldbeonboardwithuninvitinghimtoalltheparties…tothewedding.

Foraslongasthey’dknowwhatmarriagewas,EsmehaddeclaredthatHunterwouldbeherManof
Honor.He’dalwayslaugheditoff,butitmeantsomethingthatshewantedhimintheweddingparty.
Thegroomwasnegotiable.Hewasnot.

Thatmeantsomething.Right?Somethinglikethatdidn’tchangeovernight…right?
Apparentlynot.
“IthinkIwillaskher,”Huntersaidasevenlyashecould.Hewouldn’tgiveamanlikeJonthe

pleasureofseeinghimoffbalance.Theguywasatool,andHunterwasabouttofindoutwhetheror
notEsmewasawareofthatlittlefact.

NotgivingJonanotherlook,Huntermoveddownthestairsandcrossedovertothelargewood

doorsthatledintothecellar.Hisbreathingfeltoffandhisheadfeltalittledizzy,butheignoredall
thatandfocusedonmovingforward.

WhenAudragreetedhimrightinsidethedoor,Hunterdidn’teventryforasmile.“Hey,where’s

Esme?”

Audracastacriticalglanceathisjeansbeforegesturingtoherleft.“She’swithDavisandBetteat

thetastingtable.”

“Thankyou,”Huntersaid,spottingherandcrossingtheroominseveralquicksteps.Whenhe

arrivedatherside,hegrippedherarmtogetherattention.

“Hunter,”shesaidwithsurprise.Hedidn’tlethersaywhatevershehadplannednext.
“MindifIborrowEsmeforasec?”hesaidwithyetanotherplasticsmileandwhenDavisandBette

respondedwithconfusednods,heledherofftotheside.

“Hunter,”shehissed.“Whatareyoudoing?”
“I’maskingyouaquestion,”hesaid,keepinghisvoicedownaswell.“Ijusthadalittlechatwith

yourfiancé.”

Sheblinkedanddroppedeyecontact,glancingtothedoorwhereJonwasnowwalkingin.When

shemadeeyecontactwithherfiancé,shehelditandmuttered.“Didyounow?”

“Yeah,”Huntersaid.“HehadsomeinterestingthingstosayaboutwhereIamandamnotinvited

aftertonight.Knowanythingaboutthat?”

Thewayshesighedandlookedatthegroundinresponsewashisanswer.Shedid.Sheknew.
Jonhadn’tbeenlying.
Iftheworldhadfeltunbalancedbeneathhisfeetafewmomentsago,itwascompletelyofftherails

now.

“Thisisn’tthetimeortheplace,Hunter,”shesaidsoftly.“Canwetalkaboutthistomorrow?Just

youandme?”

IfEsmehadpulledabaseballbatoutofthinairandsluggedhimwithit,hecouldn’thavebeen

moresurprised.

Shewantedtowaituntilafterthepartytonighttodroptheknowledgebombonhimthattheir

friendshipwasofficiallyover?Thatthiswasthefirstandonlyengagementpartyhewasinvitedto?
ThatnowthatEsmehadaringonherfingershedidn’tneedhimanymore?

Ofcourseshewantedtowait,alittlevoiceinsidehimwhispered.You’regivingoneofthetoasts

tonight.Sheneedsyouongoodbehavior.

Esmewashandlinghimlikeoneofherstupidclients.Why?Didsheseriouslythinkhe’dflyoffthe

handleandruinherpreciousnight?

“Hunter?”Esmesaid,restingherhandonhisarm.Hejerkedawayfromhertouch.
“Sure,”hesnapped.“Whateverworksforyou,Esme.”

ThenhewalkedoffandletDavis,Bette,andEsmefinishtheirpreciousconversation.

Chapter26

WhileeveryonearoundHunterateanddrank,Hunterswirledtheliquidinhisglassandwatched

hisfriendsandfamilyinteractwithJon.

Themanwassuavewhenhewantedtobe;Hunterwouldgivehimthat.Heworetherightsuits,said

therightwords,andcharmedtherightpeople.

Whatahero.
HewasalsoseveralinchesshorterthanHunter,whichmeantEsmefitneatlyagainsthisshoulderas

theystoodandspokewithalltheirguests.EsmelookedsocontentasshereclinedagainstJon,and
Hunterwasn’ttheonlyonewhohadnoticed.ThelastpersonwhohadcommentedonJonandEsme
withinHunter ’searshothadcalledthem“twopeasinapod”asiftherewereawardstobewoninthe
category.

Well,thereweren’t.
Inthatmoment,Hunterwasverygladhehadn’tbeendrinkingthatnight,becauseotherwisehe

mighthavegonesofarasannouncingthatfacttoeveryone.Therearenoawardsforbeingtwopeasin
apod,everyone.Oh,andbytheway,youshouldmeetthisguywhenheisn’ttryingtoimpressyou.He’s
abitofaprick.

But,ofcourse,noonewantedtohearthat.NoonewantedtohearanythingfromHuntertonight

exceptforaglowingtoastendorsingthegoldencouple.

Hestillhadn’twrittenanything,althoughhehadgoogledagenericspeechandprinteditout.Itwas

inhispocketnow,buthehadn’tpracticeditandreadingtheprepackagedspeechwasprettymuchout
ofthequestionnow,thankstohisdyslexia.Readingonthebestofdaysusuallydidn’tgothatwellfor
Hunter,butwhenhewasseethingmad?

Yeah,thatwasn’thappening.
Sohesatandswirledandwatchedandtriedtoimaginewhatintheworldhecouldsaythat

wouldn’tearnhimmorefrownsthanhisjeanshadalreadyearnedhim.

Thenithithim:Whytry?Whynotbehonest?
Therewasn’tafaceatthispartythathehadn’tknownforthebetterpartoftwentyyears—well,

exceptJon.HissmugmugwasasnewasitwasunwelcomeinHunter ’sbook.Buteveryoneknew
Hunterandthey’dknowifhevomitedsomefake,glowingspeechtheirdirection.

Sowhyshouldhe?
Whynotbehonest?
TheideagrewonHunterasthenightwentonandthepraiseforJonbecamemoreandmore

abundant.TheclincherwaswhenJon’sbestmanstoodupandgaveaspeechthatprovedhe’d
probablymetEsmeallofonce,andeveryoneinattendancenoddedandbeamedastheguypraised
Esmeinthemostgenericofterms.

Accordingtowhateverthebestman’snamewas,Esmewaskindandcompassionateandajoytoall

thosewhomether.

Seriously?TheguyhadclearlyneverbeenwithinearshotofEsmewhenanicecreamtruckpassed

inJulyplayingChristmasmusic.Thatwouldredefinetheguy’sdefinitionof“joytoallthosearound
her.”YeteveryoneooohedandahhhhedandclappeduntiltheguysatandJongavehisbestiean
appreciativeslaponthebackwithalookthatsaid,Welldone.

TheneveryoneinthefutureweddingpartylookedatHunterexpectantly.Itwashisturn.
Inthatmoment,Hunterhadachoicetomake.Hecouldeitherrepeatthesamelamepufferythebest

manhad,orhecouldgivethespeechthathadbeenbuildingupinhimlikeasneezeallnight.

Benicenowandfreakoutlater,orletitallhangout?Thatwasthequestion.Andonequickglance

atJon’sarrogantfacegaveHunterhisanswer.

Hunterstood,alleyesonhimexpectantlywhilehismomgavehimasmileofencouragement.In

thebackofhismind,thewordsofthecrazycookieladyloopedinhisheadabouthercookiestasting
likeloveandcomparingvanillawaferstoheavenlyflavors.Whenthecookieladywasn’ttalkingin
hismind,Luke’svoicetookover,tellinghimwhataloserhewasfornoteventryingtobeaman
Esmecouldchoose.Shewasn’tmarriedyet,anditwasprettyclearthatbeingathirdwheelwasn’t
somethingthatwasgoingtohappen.

Sowhatdidhehavetolose?
Nothing.Notasinglething.
WithJon’sthreatthatthiswasthelasteventHunterwaswelcomeatandEsme’sunbelievable

agreementtonotcontacthimuntilJonfeltgoodaboutit—whichwouldbenever—Hunterhad
absolutelynothingtolose.

Well,maybesomedignity,butwhatever.He’dneverreallyheldthatinhighregardanyway.
Decisionmade,Hunterpickedhischampagneglassupoffthetable.“Asyouallknow,we’re

gatheredheretocelebrateEsme’sengagementtoDr.JonBauer.”

TherewereafewHere-heresandcongratulatorylookstowardthecouple.
“Whatislesswellknown,butprobablyprettypredictable,isthefactthatEsme’sfiancéhatesmy

gutsandhasinformedmethatthisisthelastsocialgatheringI’mwelcometoattendwithEsmein
attendance.”

Theroomgrewstill.Ifamousesneezed,theyallwouldhaveheardit.
“Hunter,”Esmewhisperedsoftly.
Heignoredher.“NormallyIwouldtellJonexactlywherehecouldfilehisrequests,butasitturns

out,Esmeisonboardwithhisdemandssothattiesmyhandsabit.”

Twoseatsdown,Jonstood.“Thisisnotappropri—”
“Notappropriate?”Hunterlaughedoverhimbeforegesturingtotheguests.“Youmaybemeeting

allofthesepeopletonightforthefirsttime,Jon,butthepeopleherearebasicallyfamilytome.They
haveeveryreasontoknowwhyIwon’tshowuptothenextparty.Orthenext.Becauseifyouhonestly
thinkthepeopleherewouldn’tnoticemesuddenlydisappearing,thenyouhavealottolearnaboutthe
friendsandfamilygroupyou’remarryinginto.”Helookedoverthegroup.“We’renosyandwe’re
honest,amIright?”

AfewsmilesandnodsmetHunter,butalmosteveryoneseemedabittooonedgeforacasual

response.ThatwasbecausetheyknewHunter,andtheyknewhewasn’tdone.

“SowhilethisisatoasttoEsme’shappinessandtocelebratethemanshewantstospendtherestof

herlifewith,thisisalsoatoastofconfession.”

“Hunter—”Esmehissed.
Hekeptignoringher.“FulldisclosureisthatJonthinksI’vespentmyentirelifebeingEsme’s

friendsothatIcanlureherintoanaffairassoonasshegetsmarried.Apparently,I’vebeenwaiting
alltheseyearsfortheopportunitytobeahomewreckerandruinEsme’shappilyeverafter.”

JoncrossedbehindEsmeandputhishandonHunter ’sshoulder.“Ithinkit’stimeyousatdown.”
“Ithinkit’stimeyoutookyourhandsoffmeandsatdownyourself,”Huntersaid,lettingtheman

knowwithhiseyesthathewas100%willingtopunchhim.“Aftertonight,youhavethingsyourway,
sowhydon’tyouletmetalktomyfamily?”

Itcouldn’thavebeenclearerthatJondidn’twanttositdown.ToHunter ’ssurprise,itwasactually

Esme’sdadwhogotJontocomply.Hedidn’tsayanything.Hesimplylookedathisfutureson-in-law
andgesturedforhimtomoveaway.

Stuckbetweenpleasinghisfather-in-lawandgoingrogue,JonchosetodoasGaryrequested.
SmartJon.
Hunterlookedbacktothegroup.Allthesmilesweregone,andthethicknessintheairhadnothing

todowiththecool,dampairofthecellar.

“Look,”Huntersaid.“IknowthatalotofyouthoughtEsmeandIwouldenduptogether.Pretty

mucheveryonehashintedatitovertheyears,butthetruthisthatitwasnevergoingtohappen.There
isadifferencebetweenloveandbeinginlove,andIhaveneverbeenEsme’stype.”HegesturedJon’s
direction.“Hertypeisbothintelligentandeducated.Heissociallyandpoliticallyactive.Hedoes
goodintheworldandisamanshecanbeproudof.”

Crickets.Noonewasgivinghimahintofareactiononewayortheother,whichwasalittle

unnerving,butwhatever.Inforapenny?Inforapound.

“Truthis,she’snotevenattractedtome.Neverhasbeen.She’salwayssaidthatifshewantedtosee

blondhairandblueeyes,she’dlookinamirror.”HegesturedtoJonagain.“Andasyoucansee,
she’sfoundeverythingshe’salwayswantedinthemanyou’vemettonight.He’sadoctor.He’sa
philanthropist.He’stall,dark,andhandsome.AndI’llpromiseyouthatIdidmyversionofthebestto
getonhisgoodside,buthehasexactlyzerointerestinpretendingtobemyfriend,becauseJonandI
haveexactlyonethingincommon:WebothloveEsmeTaylor.”

Thatearnedafewsmallreactionsfromthecrowd.Allfemale.
HunterturnedandlookedatEsme,whoseexpressionwasanunreadableblankslate.“Esme,Iswear

thatIplannedtosupportyourmarriageandremainyourfriendtowhateverdegreeyouwouldletme
untiltheendoftime.WhatIneverexpectedwasthatyouwouldagreetocutmeoutentirely.Buthere
weare—”

“Hunt—”
“Andsincewe’rehere,Imightaswellleaveeverythingoutonthetable.”Outofthecornerofhis

eye,Huntersawhismomstarttopanicabitandwhispersomethingtohisdad.Hunterdidn’tletitstop
him.“Jonwantsmetodisappearbecausehe’sconvincedI’minlovewithEsme.”

“Son,”hisdadsaid,clearinghisthroatashestood.
“Noonehereshouldbesurprisedtohearmesaythatthisaccusationis,ofcourse,totallytrue.”He

turnedandlookedEsmeintheeye.“OfcourseI’minlovewithyou,andhavebeensincebeforeI
evenknewmyownname.Butit’snevermatteredbefore,andIhatethatitmattersnow.Ihatethatthe
factthatIcan’thidemyfeelingfromthemanyouloveisgoingtokeepmefrombeingaroundyou
fortherestofourlives.Infact,therereallyaren’twordstoexpresshowmuchthatpissesmeoff,but
whatever.Itiswhatitis.”

Turningtotheroom,Hunterraisedhisglass.
“Sohere’smytoasttothehappycouple!”hesaidwithmockcheer.“Myweddingpresenttothemis

thattheywillhavetodealwithmeaslittleaspossibleinthefuture.I’llavoidthemliketheplague,at
theirrequest—”

Esmetouchedhisarm,hervoicesoftasshesaid,“Hunter,thatisn’twhatweasked.”
“Notwhatyouasked,”hesaid,plentyloudforeveryonetohearashepulledawayfromthecontact.

“Butit’swhatheasked,andyouhavehisback,soit’swhereweare,isn’tit?”

InalltheyearsHunterhadknownEsme,he’dneverseenalookonherfaceliketheoneshehad

now.Hedidn’thavetimetostudyordecipherit,butshewasn’thappy.Thatwasforsure.Helooked

backoutatthegroup.

“NowIdon’twantyouallblamingJonforcallingaspadeaspadeinallthis,”hecontinued.“I

mean,ImaynothavegoneaboutthingslikehehasifIwereinhisposition,butIgetit.I’masexy
fireman.Iprobablywouldn’twantmearoundeither.Sotonight,inlieuofatoast,I’mgoingtomake
apromise.”

Hunterraisedhisglass.Hewastheonlyone.
“JonneverwantsmetoseeEsmeagain,soI’mgoingtogivehimareasonformakingthatdemand

thatallofyoucangetbehind.”HeturnedandsentasoursmiletoJon.“Fromthisdayforward,I
promisethateverytimeIseeEsme,I’mgoingtotellherIloveherandtochooseme.Ontopofthat,
ifshelooksevenhalfwayopentoit,I’mgoingtokissher.”

Thatgotafewsurprisedgaspsfromthepeanutgallery.Finally.Areaction.Anythingwasbetter

thansilence.

“Imean,let’sbereal.I’vewantedtokisshereverydayofmylife,butneverwantedtoriskour

friendshipoveranunwelcomekiss.Butnowthatwe’renotfriendsanymore,there’snothingtolose,
right?”

Heraisedhisglassalittlehigher.“Soatoasttothehappycouple.Maytheygettheirwishofnever

crossingpathswithmeagain.Becauseiftheydo,wellthen,thingsaregoingtogetawkward,aren’t
they?”

Nooneraisedtheirglass.Hunter ’sdadlookedmortifiedand…washismomcrying?Yeah.Hewas

prettysureshewascrying.Atleastsomeonewas.Onceuponnot-too-long-agoHunterwouldhaveput
moneyonEsmecryingatthethoughtofnotseeinghimagain,butthatwasclearlyaloadofcrap.

ShehadJonnow.Boring,vanilla-waferJonwiththeseven-figureincomeandthefancymedical

degree—thekindofmanHunteralwaysknewhecouldneverbe.

“ToJonandEsme,”Huntersaidthendownedthechampagnebeforeheadingtotheexit.
Noonefollowedhim.Notevenhisownmother.Itfeltwrong.He’dneverfeltmorealoneinhis

life,andthesensationhadhimwaitingbyhistruckforafewminutestoseeifsomeone—ideallya
certainsomeone—wouldfeelcompelledtofollowhimandtalk.

Butno.Noonefollowedhimout.Theywereallstillinsidewiththehappycouple.
Astheyshouldbe.
“Idiot,”hemutteredtohimself,thengotinhistruckanddrovehome.

Chapter27

How.Dare.He?
Everyonewasgone—eventheemployees.Onlytwocarswereleftinthevineyardparkinglot,but

Esmewasstilltoomadtodrive.

“It’sdone,”Jonwassayinginthatcalmdoctorvoiceofhisasshepacedthepavement.“Andasyou

cansee,it’sallforthebest.Iwasn’twrong.”

Esmedidn’tknowwhoshewasmoremadat,HunterorJon.ButJonwastheonestandinginfront

ofheratthemoment.“Itoldyoutoletmehandlehim,Jon.”

“Well,thatclearlywasn’tworking,”hedrawled.
“Itwas!”shesnapped,barelyabletolookathim.“We’ddialedeverythingback.Weweredoing

everythingyouasked,andhewasn’tfightingit.”

“Becausehewantedtostayclosetoyou,”Jonargued.
“Hewassteppingback!”sheallbutyelled.“Wehaven’tcalledortextedinoveraweekbecauseof

you.Doyouknowhowbigofadealthatis?HunterandIhavetextedeverydaysincetextingwas
invented.Hestoppedoutofrespectforus.Andthenyourespondbycorneringhimandmakinga
demandIspecificallytoldyounotmake?”

“Iunderstandwhyyoufeelthewayyoufeel,Esme,butIhadtodowhatIfeelisbestforus.”
Esmeforcedherselfnottoscreaminfrustration.“MyandHunter ’sparentsareinseparable,Jon.

Theydoholidaystogether,andyoujustmadeitsonowtheyhavetochoosewhichoftheirkidsget
invited,orwhethertheyhavetosplittheirholidaysupnow.”

“Forgoodreason,”Jonsnappedback.“YouheardHuntertonight.”
Yeah.Yeah,shehad.Partofherstillfellintovertigowhenthewordsloopedinhermind,butshe

couldn’tthinkaboutthatrightthen.Shehadafiancétochastise.

“Itdoesn’tmatter,”shesaid.“Wewouldhavefiguredthatout.Whatyoudidwasincrediblyselfish.

Notonlythat,youdiditafterIspecificallytoldyounotto.Thatdoesn’tshowmeawholelotof
respect,Jon.”

“Itneededtohappen,”hesaidfirmly.“Itwastherightthingtodo.”
Esmesquaredoffacrossfromhimandlookedhimintheeye.“Isanythingthatbreaksmytrustthe

rightthingtodo?”

Heshookhishead.“Ishouldhaveknownyou’dtakehissideonthis.”
Esmebarelykeptagriponhertemper.“Hisside?Whatsideisthat,Jon?”
“Thesidewhereyoudragthisoutforeveruntilitnevergetsdone.”
“Itwasgettingdone,”shesaidbetweenherteeth.“AsmuchasIhatedit,andaswrongasitfelt,it

wasgettingdone.Iwashandlingit.”

“NotfromwhereIwasstanding.You’vebeenactingweirdallweek.”
Forthefirsttimesinceshe’dmethim,EsmewantedtochokeJon—literallychokehim.“Iknow

thatyourtrainingasadoctorencouragesyoutomakeboldchoiceswithconfidence,buthandling
delicatesituationsismywheelhouseandI’mtheoneinallofthiswhoisfamiliarwithallthe

dynamics.Ineededyoutotrustmeonthis.”

“Allthedynamics?”hecountered.“HowmanytimesdidyousweartomethatHunterwasn’tin

lovewithyou?”

Esme’smouthopened,butwordsdisappearedasherheartgaveanunevenkickinherchest.
“See?Youdidn’tknow,didyou?”
Hadshe?She’ddefinitelythoughtaboutitmorethanonce,andtherehadbeenmonthsandyearsof

herlifewhenshe’dhoped.Buthadsheeverknown?

“Personally,Idon’tevenknowhowit’spossiblethatyoudidn’tknow.Thatwouldtakesome

seriousblinders,andfromwhatyoutellmeaboutyourjob—”

“Stop,”Esmesaid.“Ifyou’reabouttoinsultmyabilitytodomyjobbasedonHunter,thenyou

needtostoprightnow.”

Jonshrugged.“AllI’msayingisthatit’syourjobtoseethingslikethiscoming.Sopardonmeif

I’mconfusedthateverythinghappeningwithHunterrightnowissomesortofsurprisetoyou.”

Thisfightisover.Getawaybeforeeitherofyoucrossesaline,avoiceinthebackofherheadkept

repeating.

Ifclientsweretalkinglikethis,Esmewouldbequicktostepinandde-escalate.Thatwasoneofthe

purposesofathirdpartywithnostakesinthegame.Whenwordsstartedflyinglikethisbetweenher
clients,Esme’sjobwastoanchorthemallbackdownintorelevantpointsthatcouldbediscussed
rationally.

ButsheandJondidn’thaveathirdpartyaroundtointervene,whichmeanttheonlyotherwayto

de-escalatewhatwashappeningbetweenthemwasforoneofthemtoconcedeorleave.

AndEsmereallydidn’tfeellikeconceding.
Yes,doingsowouldkeepthepeace,butsheandJonhadn’tearnedthatquiteyet.
“YourealizeIhavetotalktohim,”Esmesaid,sendingJonasearchinglook.“ToHunter.”
Hegrewverystill.“Areyouserious?Aftertonight?Aftereverythinghesaid?”
“Yes,”Esmesaidwithoutapology.“Youcanthankyourselfforthat.Ifwewouldhavedonethismy

way,theclosurewouldhavehappenedorganically,butnowwe’redealingwithablunt-forcetrauma
instead.”

“Hunterisabigboyandhecanworkthroughthatwithotherpeopleathisside.Hedoesn’tneed

you.”

“HaveyoueverthoughtthatIneedtoseehim?”Esmesaidcarefully.“Haveyoustoppedtothink

thatthisismybestfriendwe’retalkingabout,andthatI’mnotthekindofpersonwhocansleepat
nightknowingsomeoneishurtingbecauseofme?”

Jon’sexpressionsoftenedashereachedout.“Iknowit’shard,but—”
“Butnothing,”Esmesaidoverhim.“Youmadeanexecutivedecisiontodosomethingdespiteme

specificallyaskingyounotto.Youdon’tgettochoosehowIreacttothat,andyoudon’tgettochoose
whatIdonext.Doyouunderstand?”

“No,”Jonsaid,shovinghishandsinhispockets.“Ifyougoseehimnow,Esme,he’sgoingto

propositionyou.”

“Areyousayingthatyoudon’tthinkIcanhandlemyselfifhedoes?”
“No—”
“Thenwhat?”Esmechallenged.“Believeitornot,I’mlesshappywithhimthanIamwithyou

rightnow,andIthinkwebothknowthatifyoupropositionedmerightnowtheonlythingyou’dget
isasolidslap.”

Thatpointseemedtohithomewithhim,soatleastthatwassomething.
“Iknowthisisallcutanddryinyourmind,Jon,butHunterwasrightaboutonething.There’s

twenty-sevenyearsofhistoryhere,andhedeserveswaymorethanaharshcut-offdeliveredbyyou

behindmyback.Idon’tcarehowyoufeelaboutHunter,hedeservesbetterthanthat.”

“Solethismomconsolehim—”
“No!”Esmeallbutyelled.“You’renothearingme.Ineedthis.Me.NotHunter.Me.Ineedtotreat

myfriendsbetterthanthis,andyouneedtolearnthataboutmebeforeyoudecidethatLukeneedsto
goorAshneedstogo.”

“Thoseguysaren’tinlovewithyou,”hearguedandEsmeshrugged.
“That’swhatyouthinktoday,butmaybesomedaydowntheline,you’llchangeyourmind.Then

what?AmIgoingtoseearepeatofthisdisaster,orareyougoingtotrustme?”

Whenhehesitatedinhisresponse,Esmeshookherhead.
“See?Youdon’ttrustme,andthat’saproblem,Jon.Abig,bigproblem.”
“Itrustyou.”
“Youdo?”
Hesighed.“OfcourseIdo.”
“Proveit,”shesaid,grabbingherkeysandherpurse.“GohomewhileIgotalktoHunter.”
“Esme—”
“I’mnotaskingyourpermission,”shesaidfirmly.“I’mtellingyou.I’mgoingtofindHunterand

we’regoingtotalk—notkissorstartdating—talk.BecauseIneedit.Understand?”

Itcouldn’tbemoreclearthatJonwasn’tdonearguing,butheseemedtobecatchingontothefact

thatshewasn’tnegotiatingonthis.Hefidgetedwithsomethinginhispocketforamoment,jawset
andeyesnarrowed,asheprocessedwhatshewassaying.Thenhepulledouthiskeysandwalked
aroundtoopenthedriversidedoor.

“IguessIcan’tstopyou,”hesaidbeforegettinginandpullingoutofthevineyardwithoutanother

word.

Well,thathadendedaboutaswellaspossible,consideringthecircumstances.
Esmetookseveralslow,calmingbreaths,waitinguntilhistaillightswerelonggonebeforegetting

inhercaranddrivingawayherself.

Chapter28

DARYL

Esme:

Sorrytobugyou

solate,butanyclue

astowhereIcan

findHunter?

Daryl:
Haven’tseenhimtoday.
Gym?

Esme:

Iwentby.It’sdark.

Daryl:
ThenI’vegotnothing.
Goodluck!

LUKE

Esme:

Hey,Luke.IsHunter

withyou?

Luke:
Keepingitreal?I
don’tknowifIshould
respondtothis.

Esme:

Soyouknowwhere

tofindhim?

Luke:
Ipleadthe5th.

Esme:

Ineedtotalktohim.

Luke:
…That’snotagoodidea
rightnow.

Esme:

Please?

Luke:
Hesaysthetwoofyou
havenothingtotalkabout
andhehopesyouenjoy
eatingvanillawafersforthe
restofyourlife.(???)

Esme:

Ishedrunk?

Luke:
No.Justreally,reallymad.
It’snotagoodtime.Isay
thatasyourfriend.

Esme:

Objectionnoted.That

said,Irepeatmyrequest.

WherecanIfindhim?

Tellme,orI’llhaunt

youallnight.

Luke:
Fine.

Hesaysyouknowwhereto
meethim.

He’llbetherein10.

Chapter29

HunterwassittingontheedgeofthegrassatthePalaceofFineArts,histrucktenorsofeetbehind

himasifhewasreadytomakeanescapeatanymoment.Esmewasstillawaysoffwhenhespotted
hercoming,buthedidn’tmoveoracknowledgeherinanyway.Hejustsatthere.

Itshouldn’thavebeenawkwardtositnexttohim.Itwas.Still,sheactedlikeitwasanyotherdayas

shebreathedouta,“So…”

“So,”herepeated.
“Thathappened,”sheadded.
“Itdid.”
Esmeshookherhead.“Whatamess.”
Huntershrugged.
“Whydidn’tyouwaittoreallytalktomeaboutwhatJonsaid?Youhadtoknowitwashim

oversteppingandoverreacting.I’dnevercutyououtlikethat,Hunter.”

Hekepthiseyesonthegrass.“Youhadhisbackoneveryoverreactionuptothatpoint.”
Hehadapoint.Still…“Soyoudecidedtopickupeverythingyoucouldfindandthrowitintothe

metaphoricalfantocreateamaximummessoutofallofthis?”

“Rufflingfeathersismygift.”
Esmedidn’twanttochuckle,butshedid.Alittle.“Well,yououtdidyourselfthistime.”
“Thanks.”
“Itwasn’tacompliment.”
“Idon’tcare.”
Forseveralawkwardsecondstheysatnexttoeachotherinsilencebeforeshestatedtheobvious.

“I’mmadatyourightnow.”

“Yeah?Soundslikeapersonalproblem.”
AclassicHunterbrush-off.Esmeknewhowtodealwiththose.Youplowedrightthrough.“We

needtotalk.”

“No.Wereallydon’t.I’vesaidallIneedtosay.”
“Isthatwhyyouwon’tlookatme?”Esmeasked,leaningforwardtocatchhiseye.Hekepthiseyes

lockedonwhateverbladeofgrasshecurrentlyfoundfascinating.

“Idon’tregretit,”hesaidafterawhile.
“Regretwhat?”
“Thetoast.SayingIloveyou.Anyofit,”Huntersaidbeforetakingadeepbreath.“I’msomadthat

Ican’tevenlookatyou,butI’mgladthatatleastnowyouknow.”

Thevertigowasback,twistingherstomachasshegrippedontothegrasstoanchorherself.Shelet

outashakybreath.“You…meantthat?”

“OfcourseIdid,Ez.Iwouldn’tlieaboutsomethinglikethatjusttobedramatic.”
Ofcoursehewouldn’t.Sheknewthat.But…love?Sheblinked,fightingbackthelightheadedness

thatseemedtowashoverher.“Howcomeyounevertoldme?”

Hunterchuckledbitterly.“Areyoukidding?AreyouforgettinghowwellIknowyou,orthe

infinitenumberoftimesIhadtositthroughyouandAliandStaceyandGraceorwhoeverelse
talkingaboutyourdreammenandyourhearththrobs?”

Yeah.Actually,shekindofdid…butmaybefordifferentreasonsthanHunterdid.
“Youlikemenwhoarewell-read,”Hunteroffered.“I’mdyslexic.Youlikemenwhoareeducated;

Ibarelysqueakedthroughhighschool.Youlikemenwhohavemoneysotheywon’tmarryyoufor
yours;I’mafireman.Youlikedarkandmysteriouslooks;Ihaveblondhairandblueeyes.ShallIgo
on?”

Yes,Esmehadsaidallthosethings.Andyes,she’dsaidthemtogetunderHunter ’sskinbecausehe

wasalwayssuchacockypain.Heneededsomeonetotakehimdownafewnotchesandremindhim
thateverygirlwasn’thisforthetaking.Neveroncehadheappearedtotakeherwordstoheart,
though.He’dalwaysusedwhateverEsmesaidtogettheleverageonanothergirlinthegroupwho
wouldcoylydeclarethatshepreferredbrawnoverbrainsanddidn’tcareifamancouldreadornot.

Thenhe’dgomakeoutwiththatgirlwhileEsmepretendedshewastotallyfinewithit.
Itwastotallycool.WhoeverHunterkissedwasnoneofherbusiness.That’swhatshealwaystold

herselfwhenevershesawHunterwithaflushed-facedgirl.

“Hunter…”
“Youwantamanwithan8-to-5job,”hecontinued.“Somethinglow-riskwhereheclocksinand

clocksout,andyoudon’thavetoworryifhe’scominghomeornot.Youwantamanwhohas
traveledtheworldandmaybeevenspeaksacoupleoflanguages.Youwantamanwhoseideaofa
vacationisaleisurelytourofFrance’swinecountrywhereyousipandloungeandrelax.Youwantan
equal,andthatisn’tme,Ez.”

“Hunter,you’reagreatguy!”shesaidoutofreflex.
“Sure,”heagreed.“Justnothingyouwant.Sowhatareyoudoinghere,Ez?Joncan’tbehappy

you’reheresinceheknowsI’mgoingtotellyouIloveyouandtochooseme.”

Okay.Maybeshehadbeenlessreadytohearthosewordscomeoutofhismouthagainthanshe’d

anticipated.Suddenlyitwaslikeshecouldfeelherheartbeatinherbrainandherthroatwasdry.She
didherbesttoignoreit.

“Areyoukidding?”shesaid,tryingforalightheartednessshedidn’tfeel.“Ican’tletwhat

happenedatthevineyardbehowweend.”

“Whynot?”heasked,anditwasbizarretoherthathesoundedsincere.
“Hunter…we’vebeenbestfriendsfortwenty-sevenyears.”
Heshrugged.“So?Ifwe’redone,we’redone.Jon’srightaboutthat.Whydragitout?”
“No,”Esmesaid,shakingherhead.“It’snotlikethat,Hunter.”
“Really?Becauseitseemslikeit’sexactlylikethat.”
Thatsparkedhertemper.“Andyou’dbeokaywithitifweleftthingshowtheyare?”
“It’sthesameformeeitherway,”hesaid,hiseyeslookingatanythingbuther.“IswearIdidn’t

wantittobelikethis.”

“Iknow,”shesaid.“Jon…”
Huntershookhishead.“Imean,Igethowhe’ssuckedyouin,but…”Heshookhisheadagain.
“But?”sheprompted.
“Butit’snoneofmybusiness,”hesaidquickly.“Notanymore.You’llfigureitout.Iguessthe

luckythinginallthisisthatIwon’thavetobesittingtheretalkingyouthroughallthespatslikeI
thinktheguyisworththeheadache.AtleastnowIcanremindyouthatyouhaveoptions.Lotsof
options.Justbecausethatguygotaringonyouinrecordtimedoesn’tmeanyouhavetokeephim.”

“Yeah,I’mnotgoingtherewithyou,”Esmesaid,ignoringthefirstpartofwhathe’dsaidentirely.
“You’renotgoinganywherewithme.That’skindofthepoint.”Hesparedheraquickglance.

“Becauseeventhoughyouweren’ttheonewhopulledmetothesideandlaiddownthelawtonight,
youhaveJon’sbackinallofthis.Idon’tforgiveyouforthat,Esme.Idon’tforgiveyoufortossing
meoutlikelastyear ’sshoes.Itdoesn’tmatterifyou’resadtoseemegoorifyoureminisceaboutthe
goodtimesbeforeyoutossme.You’restilltossingme,andIreallythoughtweweremoretoeach
otherthanthat.”

“Weare.”
Hestoodandbrushedhimselfoff.“Youractionssayotherwise,soyouknowwhat?I’mnotgoing

toendthisconversationbyaskingyoutochooseme,becausehonestly,Ideservebetter.Ideservea
womanwhowillfightforme.ButIwillsaythatIloveyouandthatIwishthatwomanwasyou.”He
lookedoffinthedirectionoftherotundaandshookhishead.“Butit’snot.SogohometoJonand
haveagoodlife.”

Panicking,Esmestoodupandtriedtograbhishand.Hemovedoutofherreach.
“What’sdoneisdone,Ez,”hesaid,backingaway.“Andyes,youbrokemyheart.Butthetruthis

you’vebeenbreakingitforyears,somaybeallthisisagoodthing.MaybeIcanfinallyletyougo
andfindsomeonewhodoesn’twanttobreakmeanymore.”

Ifhe’dpunchedherinthechest,Esmewouldhaveunderstoodthefeelingcrushingherribs.Asit

was,thesuddeninabilitytobreathehadherpanickingabitandstolehervoiceasHuntercoveredthe
shortdistancetohistruck.

“Haveagoodlife,”hesaidashewalkedaroundtothedriver ’sside.“Anddon’tworry.Iwon’ttry

tokissyouthenexttimeIseeyou.Ithrewthatinthereintheheatofthemomentbecausesomepartof
mehopedyoufeltthesameway,but…yeah.Don’tworryaboutthat,okay?Ifwemeetagain,I’ll
behave.”

“Hunter,”shechokedout,butheignoredherandgotintohistruck.
Fivesecondslaterhewaspullingaway,andallEsmecouldthinkwas,Thatwasn’thowthingswere

supposedtogo.Atall.

Thenshegotbacktotryingtorememberhowtobreathe.

Chapter30

Oneoftheperksofbeingafireman:sometimesyougottostartthefireinthenameoftraining

exercises.Sure,thefireswerealwayscontrolledburnsdonefortrainingpurposesonly,butthatdidn’t
meanHuntercouldn’tgetcreativewiththefuelheprovided.

And,oh,didHunterhavesomefuel.
FirstintotheburnpilewereadozenorsopicturesHunterhadbeenstupidenoughtoprintoutover

theyears.Esmeandhimonacruise.EsmeandhimbungeejumpinginSouthAfrica.Astupidtourist
picturewithadolphindowninMexicoandashotonarollercoasteratSixFlags.Anotherpicture
fromthesummerwhenhe’dactuallygothertotryrockclimbing,followedbyaboutsevenother
pictureshedidn’ttakethetimetolookat.

Whatwasthepoint?Theywerepartsofthepastthatdidn’tbelonginthepresent—justlikethe

stupidracet-shirtsthey’dacquiredovertheyears.WasthereanythingmoreobnoxiousthanRagnar
shirtsandstickers?Huntercouldn’tthinkofanythinginthatparticularmoment,andyethehadsix
shirtsandsixyearsofself-importantstickershe’dletEsmetalkintoputtingontohistruck.

Well,theyweredousedingasolinenow,alongwithaboutahundredotherthingsthatmadehim

thinkaboutEsme.

“Hey,Chase,”Andysaid,comingupbehindhim.“IsthedummywearinganArmanisuit?”
“Isthatwhatthetagsays?”
Theguyhesitated,asifwonderingwhetheritwasatrickquestion.“Yeah.”
“ThenIguessitis.”
Andy’sbrowfurrowed.“Anythingwrongwithit?”
“No.Ijusthateit.”
“Um,we’realmostthesameheight…”
Hunterpretendedtoreviewthechecklistinhishandeventhoughhiseyescouldn’tfocusona

singleletter.“Savethedummy’slifeandit’sallyours.”

“It’llsmelllikesmoke.”
“Soundslikeyoumighthavetofindoutwhydrycleanersareathing.”
Andyshiftednervously.“Can’tweskipallthatandtakethesuitoffhimnow?”
Hunterfinallyturnedandlookedathisfriend.“Iwantittoburn,andyouwanttokeepit.Youwant

it?Savethedummyanddon’tletitburn.”

“Gotit,”Andysaidandsteppedoff.
Hunterdoubled-checkedthebagshe’dcartedallofEsme’sstuffoverintomakesuretheywere

empty.Thenhethrewtheminthecar ’strunkjusttobesure.Itwasonlythenthathenoticedhe’d
missedonething—thestupidFitBitonhiswrist.

Howcouldhehavemissedthat?Hemightaswellwearapinkrhinestonecollararoundallday

insteadofthedaintylittlebraceletthatreportedhisstepstoEsme.

Herippeditoffandtosseditinthebackseat.
Manythingswereuncertainanygivenday,butonethingthatwasdefinitelynotwasthefactthat

thiscarwasabouttobecomealiteraltorch.Bythetimehismenputitout,therewouldn’tbeasingle
salvageablethinginside.Hunterwouldmakesureofthat.

MaybeAndywouldgetthesuit.Maybe.Ifso,goodforhim.Buttherestofitwastotallygoingto

burn.

“Allright,men!”Huntercalledouttohisteam.“Let’ssaveafakelife.”
Thenhelittheleadandletthefiregotowork.

Chapter31

Hunterfinishedstowinghisgearfromtheirmostrecentcallandheadedtothebreakroom.The

callswererollinginoneafteranothertoday.Noactualfiresyet,butplentytokeepthedayinteresting.
Hunterwasglad.Thelastthingheneededwasdowntime.

Hehadnodesiretobealonewithhisthoughts.
“Nah,”AndywassayingasHunterwalkedintothebreakroom.Everyoneseemedtohaveheaded

forabunktorestupbesidesAndy,Daryl,andDave.“IfthatcallwouldhavebeenaTVshow,
somehowthegaslinewouldhavebeencutwhenthecarhitthetelephonepole.Thenthedownedline
wouldhavelandedinitandstartedafire.”

“Onlyifitwasneartheendoftheepisode,”Darylargued.“Ifitwerethebeginningoftheepisode,

itwouldbeahotwomandrivingthecarandwe’dcontrolthewirewithoutincident.Thenshe’dbring
usaThankYoucakeforsavingherlifeafterthefirstcommercialbreakandconfesshercrushonone
ofus.”

“Obviouslyme,”Davesaid,ploppingdownonthecouchwithamagazine.
Hunterlaughed.“Weallknowwhoshe’dhaveacrushon.”
Darylnodded.“Me.”
“Dreamon,Mr.May,”Huntersaid.“Mr.JulyisonthecoveroftheFiremanFundRaisercalendar

forareason.”

“Becausehecan’tsellanythingwithhispersonality?”Darylasked.
“Correct,”Huntersaid.“Myjobistobepretty,whichiswhyallloveinterestswillalwayscrushon

mefirst.”

“Untilthewomangetstoknowyou,”Andyjabbed.
Huntershrugged.“That’slongenoughformetohaveathree-episodearcwithher.You’dneeda

five-episodearcofpiningtojustgettotheawkwardfirstdate.”

“Unfortunatelytrue,”Darylagreedwithanod.
Andygrabbedacoffeemugandfilledit.“Yeah?Well,someofusdon’tneedsixpackstogetthe

girl.”

“Someofusdon’tusetheexcuseofhavingapersonalitytoavoidputtingintheworktohaveasix

pack,”Hunterretorted.

Andy’seyesnarrowedatthechallenge.“IcouldhaveasixpackifIwantedto.”
EvenDavelaughedatthatone.“Tellthattothedonutyou’reabouttopickupandeat.”
“Ineedmyfuel,”Andysaid,reachingforachocolatecakedonut.“Theshift’snotevenhalfover

andwe’vebeenoneightcalls.Adonutiswarranted.”

“Uh-huh,”Hunterdrawled.“Howmanyisthattoday?Five?”
Andyshookhishead.“Dude,ifIwantedsomeonetomonitormyfoodintake,I’dhavea

girlfriend.”

“Butyou’dratherhavedonuts,”Darylsaidsagely.
“They’vegotyouthere,”Davesaid,notlookingupfromhismagazine.

“Whatever,”Andychallenged.“Icandomorepullupsthanallofyou.”
Everyonegrewstillatthechallenge.
“Ihopeyou’rereadytoeatthosewords,donutboy,”Darylsaid,walkingovertothepull-upbarin

thedoorway.“Loserbuysdonutsfortherestofthemonth.”

Andytookabigbiteofthedonutbeforesettingitdownonthetablewithhiscoffee.“You’reon,

man.”

Withoutanotherword,theyallstartedemptyingtheirpocketsofexcessweight.Keys,phones,

pocketknives…theyallwentonthetableastheygatheredon-by-oneatthepull-upbar.

“Thecountstopswhenyouletgoofthebar,”Darylsaid,andalltheguysnodded.“Good.I’ll

start.”

Wastingnotime,Darylgrippedthebarandstartedpumpingoutpullups.Andyimmediatelystarted

countingthemoff.

“One,two,three…”
Hunterlettheotherguysworryaboutkeepingcountwhilehestretchedhisarmsinpreparationfor

histurn.He’dendupgoingsecond.HeandDarylalwayswentfirstorsecondtosetthebarforthe
otherguystobeat.Itwasanunspokenrule.Andylikedtotalkbig,buthedidn’tstandachance.It
wouldbeabattleforlastplacebetweenDaveandAndy,andifithadbeensixmonthsagoHunter
wouldhaveputhismoneyonDavelosing.Theguyhadbeenuppinghisgame,though,soitcouldgo
eitherway.

Whenthecounthittwenty,Hunterheardhisphonebuzzwithatextonthetable.Heignoredit.Only

onepersontextedhimatwork,andhewasn’trespondingtohertextsanymore.

Darylstartedgassingoutattwenty-fourpullupsbutmanagedtomusclethroughtotwenty-eight

beforedroppingoffthebar.HeturnedtofaceHunter.

“Let’sseeyoubeatthat,Mr.July.”
“Inmysleep,bro,”Huntersaid,grippingthebarashisphonebuzzedwithanothertext.
Hunterbenthiskneestolethimselfhang,thenstartedhisreps.One,two,three,four—hisphone

buzzed—five,six,seven…

Hekeptgoing,ignoringhisphonewhenitbuzzedyetagain.ButAndydidn’t.
“Someonenamed,uh,NOTTODAYSATANisblowingupyourphone,Hunter.”
“Leaveit,”Huntersaid,stillgoingstrong.
“Anotherpsycho?”Andyguessed,clearlytryingtodistracthim.
“Basically,”Huntersaid,earninganarchedlookedfromDarylinhisperipheralvision.Heignored

itashepoweredpastthirtypull-ups.Nowayhewasbuyingdonutsfortherestofthemonth.

Atthirty-fivehisarmsstartedfading,butyetanothertexttohisphonegavehimasecondwind.
WhodidEsmethinkshewas?Hewasgivinghereverythingshewanted.Shesaidnocalls?He

wasn’tcalling.Shesaidnotexts?Hewasn’ttexting.HewasleavingheralonelikeherpreciousJon
demanded.Whycouldn’tshedothesame?

Inhisfume,he’dstoppedcountinghispullups.Allheknewwasthathisarmswereonfireandthat

pureangerhadfueledthelastthree.HetriedforonemoreandheardDarylcallout,“Forty-seven!”

Forty-seven?Thatwasalmostapersonalbest.Knowinghedidn’thaveanymoreinthetank,

HunterdroppedoffthebarandeyedAndy.“Let’sseeyoubeatthat,doughboy.”

“Notyet,”Andysaid,feigningconfidence.“Dave’snext.”
Huntershrugged.Itdidn’tmattertohimwhowentnext,onlythathedidn’thavetowastemoneyon

donuts.

WhenDavewalkeduptothebarforhisturn,Darylsteppedupnexttohim.
“C’mon,Dave,”Huntersaidasthemangrippedthebar.WhenAndystartedcountingthepull-ups

off,Daryldecideditwastimeforaconversation.

“So,”Darylsaidsoftly.“HowarethingsgoingwithEsme?”
HunterkepthiseyesonDave.“SheandJonaredoinggreat.”
Darylnodded,takinghistimewiththenextquestion.“AndyouandEsme?”
Huntersenthisfriendahardlook.“JonaskedEsmetoneverseemeagain,andEsmedidn’targue.

That’swhereweare.”

“…nine,ten…”Andycountedoff.
“Esmewouldn’tagreetothat,”Darylsaidwithconfidence
“…eleven,twelve…”
“Well,Esmedidagreetoit,sowe’redone.”
Darylfrowned,lookinglikehewantedtoargue.“Justlikethat?”
“Justlikethat.”
“Thirteen.C’mon,Dave,”Andywastaunting.“Youknowyouwanttogiveup!”
Bythelooksofit,Davewasn’treadytogiveupandneitherwasDaryl.Themankepttalking.
“SoifIlookatthattextyoujustgot,isitgoingtobefromEsme?”hesaid.
“Doesn’tmatter.”
“Itdoesn’t?”
Huntershookhishead.“Shedoesn’twanttofightJonformeandIdon’twanttofighttostayinthe

friendzone,sothisistheendoftheroad.”

Daryl’seyebrowsshotupatthat.“Youtoldheryouwanttobewithher?”
“Yep.”
“AndshechoseJon?”
“…fourrrrteeeeeeen…”
Hunterfoughttokeepthestingoftheansweroutofhisvoice.“Yep.”
“Areyousure?”
Forthefirsttime,Hunterturnedandlookedathisfriend.“Ihavearoomfullofaboutforty

witnesseswhowilltestifythatisindeedthecase.”

“Whoa,”Darylsaid.“Definitelywouldn’thavecalledthatone.”
“Idid,butImadeafooloutofmyselfanyway.”
“…fiffffteeeeeen.C’mon,dude,”Andytaunted.“Youknowthat’syourlastone.”
“I’msorry,man,”Darylsaidsoftly.
“Yeah,butwhatever,right?”
“Iguess,”Darylsaid,notsoundingconvinced.“Butyoushouldtalktoher.”
“Aboutwhat?”
“Abouteverything.YouandEsmeareliketwohalvesofthesamepersontome.Ican’timaginethe

twoofyouquittingeachothercoldturkey.”

“Well,therereallyisn’tanotherway,”HuntersaidasDavehitsixteen.“AndJoninsists.”
“Yetshe’stextingyou.”
“Notmyproblem.”
“I’mjustsaying…youshouldtalktoher.Hashthingsout.”
“OrIshouldmoveonwithmylife,”Hunterbitout.“ShehasJontohashthingsoutwithnow.

Whateveritisshewantstosaytome,shecansaytoJon.”

Darylshookhishead.“That’smessedup.”
“That’smarriage.”
“They’renotmarriedyet.”
Huntershrugged.“Mightaswellbe.Doesn’tmakeadifferencetome.”
“…sevennnnteeeeeen,”Andycalledout.“C’mon,man!You’regettingweak!”
DarylwasquietforaminuteasDavepsychedhimselfupforpull-upnumbereighteen.“Sono

moreinvitingheraroundthestation?”

“Nope.”
“Butyou’recoolifIstayfriendswithheronsocialmediaandstuff?”
“Jon’stheonewholikestocontrolwhoshetalksto,”Huntersaiddismissively.“Askhim.”
“Butyou’recoolifIstayfriendswithher?”
“Askedandanswered,man.”
“Justchecking.”
DavedroppedfromthebarandlookedatAndy.“Eighteen.Beatthat.”
Smiling,Andybrushedhishandsoffonhispantsandreachedforthebar.DarylwaiteduntilAndy

wasdoinghisrepsandDavewascountinghimofftospeakagain.

“IwanttomeetthisJonguy.”
“He’sapeach.”
“Yeah,I’llbethejudgeofthat.”
“Judgeaway,butI’mdonetalkingaboutit.”
“Okay.”
ThentheybothwatchedinsilenceasAndygassedoutafterfourteenpull-ups.

Chapter32

NOTTODAYSATAN

NOTTODAYSATAN:
FYI-Idon’tlikehow
weleftthings.

Really?Noresponse?
Webothknowyousaw
thatlasttext.Callme,
Hunter.

Weneedtotalkabout
Saturdaynight.

C-a-l-lm-e.

Areyouseriouslystone-
wallingme?We’re
betterthanthat.

Hunter,callmeorI’m
goingtoshowupat
yourwork.It’snotlike
Idon’tknowwhere
tofindyou.

Wow.Yougotthewhole
firestationtoignoreme
whenIrangthebell?Real
mature.

Fine.Youwanttoleave
thingsthewaytheyare?
Haveityourway.

Hunter:

DoesJonknowyou’re

sendingthesetexts?

NOTTODAYSATAN:
Don’tbeajerk,Hunter.

Hunter:

I’lltakethatasano.

Bye,Esme.

Chapter33

ThePalaceofFineArtshadneverfailedEsmebefore,butitwasadayoffirsts,apparently.After

gettingsnubbedatthefirestation,she’dneededaplacetocooldownbeforeheadingbackhometo
work.Unfortunately,she’donlygrownmoreupsetsincearriving.

Sheneededanswers.
Thismorningaftershewokeupandstartedhermorningrun,she’dnoticedshehadonelessFitBit

friend.Fromthere,allEsmehadtodowasclickontheotherappssheandHuntersharedincommon
tofindouthe’dremovedhimselffromeverythingelseaswell.Hewasinvisibleoneverythingbut
Facebook,whichwasprobablyonlybecauseHunterhadn’tbeenonthatsiteforacoupleofyears.He
probablyforgotheevenhadanaccount.

Butoneverythingelse,shewasblocked.
Esmecouldnolongertrackhislocationwhenhewascalledtoafireorverifythathewasokayby

watchinghisupdatingsteps.Shecouldnolongerseehisdailyrunorpinghimtocheckinaftera
particularheinouscallthatmadetheradiosgocrazy.

Partofherdidn’twanttoadmitthatshe’dvisitedthePalaceinhopesthatfatewoulddrawHunterto

thesamespotandtheywouldserendipitouslymeetup.Joncouldn’tbemadifsheandHunter
accidentallycrossedpathsfromtimetotime,right?

Buttheyhadn’t.HunterwasnowheretobeseenandtherotundaheldnoinspirationforEsmetoday.
Whatamess.
Shekeptgoingoverthesituationagainandagaininhermind,wonderingwhereithadallfallen

apart.Jon’sjealousy?NotaddressingHunter ’sconcernthemomenthebroughtittoher?Something
else?

Allsheknewwasthatthiswasn’tthefootshewantedtostartherengagementoffonanddefinitely

notthetermsshewantedtogetmarriedunder.EverythinghadbeensogoodbeforeJonmetHunter.

Howcouldintroducingtwopeoplechangesomuch?
Asshestrolledthepatharoundthelake,EsmespottedMissPearl’sKissingCookiescartandsent

herawave.Thetinywomanwavedbackand,eventhoughEsmewastotallyupforsomecomfort
eating,sheknewbetterthantoaskforacookie.Therewasnoonetokisstoday,andshedidn’treally
feellikepuckeringupanyhow.

Nocomforteatingforheruntilshegothome.
Esmekeptwalking,onefootinfrontoftheother,whilehermindseemedtomullovereverything

andnothingallatonce,untilshenearlywalkedintothepint-sizedcookielady.

“Youlooksad,”thewomansaidwithnopreamble.Shehadnoaccentthistime,likethefirsttime

Esmemether,anditcaughtEsmebysurprise.

“Just…thinking,Iguess,”shesaid,surprisedatthethoughtfullookinthewoman’seyesasshe

watchedher.

MissPearlgesturedtowardanearbybench.“Needtotalkaboutit?”
“Oh,no,”Esmesaidquickly.“I’llbefine.”

Thelittlewomanarchedaskepticaleyebrowinresponse.
“Maybe,”Esmeamendedandthecookieladyneedednootherencouragementtotakeaseatonthe

bench.

Esmejoinedher.
“Sotellmewhatisbotheringyou,”MissPearlsaid,givingEsmeherfullattention.“I’veseenyou

twiceherebefore.Thefirsttimeyougotengagedandthrewawaymycookie.Thesecondtimeyou
wereherewithafriendanddeclaredmycookiessublime.Nowyouareherewithnoman,onlya
frown.Soundslikeyou’vehadabusyfewweeks.”

“Youcouldsaythat,”Esmeagreedwithalittlelaugh.
“Sowhatistheproblem?”thewomanaskedandEsmewasshockedtorealizethatshewantedto

answer.Shewantedtotellthiscookievendoreverything.

But,ofcourse,shecouldn’tdothat.
“Ijustlostmybestfriend,”Esmesaidinstead.“TheblondeguyIwasherewiththesecondtime.”
MissPearlnodded.“Thehandsomefireman.”
HowdidsheknowHunterwasafireman?
“Yourblondfriendcomeshereoften,”thelittlewomanadded.
Oh.Well,thatmadesense.Esmeclearedherthroatandcontinued.“Myfiancéseeshimasathreat

andaskedmetocutbackonmycontactwithhim.”

MissPearlnoddedsagely.“YourfiancéseesthatyourconnectionwithHunterisstrongerthanhe

haswithyou.Jealousyisnotanunusualreaction.”

Theresponsedidn’treallysitrightwithEsme,butshedidn’tknowhowtorefuteiteither.
“Oftenwedecidewhatwewantwithoutstoppingtoaskifitiswhatistrulybestforus,”thelittle

womanmused.“Wemayenjoycookies,butifweeatthemeverydaywecanbecomeunhealthyand
overweight.”

“Notyou,”Esmejoked,lookingoverthepetitelady.“Idon’tknowhowyoudoitwithhowgood

yourcookiestaste,butyou’retiny.”

AknowingsmiletuggedatthecornerofMissPearl’slips.“Nosybusybodiesarenaturallyfit.”
ThatgotalaughoutofEsme.“Well,sometimestheworldneedsnosybusybodies,doesn’tit?”
“Sometimes,”MissPearlagreed.“Doyouknowwhatthisnosybusybodyseeswhenshelooksat

you?”

Esmeshookherhead.
“Awomanwhowillbehealthyandhappywithonemanandacookiemonsterwiththeother.”
Esmeconsideredthatandrealizedthewomanmightberight.WithHunter,Esmehadbeenacookie

hog,butwithJonshe’dhadtheselfcontroltosaynototheemptycalories.

Unfortunately,realizingthatdidn’tmakeherfeeleventheslightestbitbetter.Shehadn’tsleptatall

lastnight,Hunter ’swordsloopingthroughhermindandmakingitspintothepointwhereshe’d
wishedshe’shadanoffswitch.

Helovedher.
Themerethoughtmadeherhandssweatandherheartpoundandherheadloseitscompass.She

hadnoideahowtoprocessthatrevelationaftersomanyyearsofhimblowingheroff.Allsheknew
wasthatthethoughtofbeingwithHuntermadeherfeellikeadeerinheadlightswhilebeingwithJon
feltgood…orhadfeltgood,upuntilrecently.

Whenshethoughtaboutitlogically,sheandJonreallywerecompatible.Theyneverfought,they

likedallthesamethings,andtheyevenfeltlazyonthesamedays.She’dneverdatedsomeoneso
perfectforher,andyetsomehowthathadalldisappearedafterintroducingHuntertoJon.

HowdidsheandJongetbacktothathappyplace?
“Ineedtofindawayforthemtogetalong,”EsmemutteredmoretoherselfthantoMissPearl.In

truth,she’dforgottenthewomanwaseventhere.

“Oh,thatwillneverhappen,”MissPearlsaidwithoutapology.“Youhaveonemanwholovesyou

andonewhowantstopossessyou.Twosuchmenwillnevergetalong.Theywillwaruntiltheendof
time.Believeme.Ihaveseenitmanytimes.”

“ButhowcanIkeepthemboth?”
MissPearleyedherthoughtfully.“Maybethequestionyoushouldbeaskingyourselfiswhether

youreallywanttokeepbothofthem.”

“OfcourseIdo!”
Again,theskepticalbrowraised.
“Imeanit,”Esmesaid.“Ido.”
“Isee,”thelittlewomansaidinsuchawaythatEsmewonderedwhatthewomanwasactually

seeing.Whateveritwas,Esmewasn’tsureshewascomfortablewithit.

“They’rebothsogreat,”EsmesaidhelplesslyasMissPearlstudiedher.
“YouknowwhatIthinkyouneed?”thelittlewomansaidatlast.“Distance.Perspective.Ithinkit’s

timeforabusinesstripthatwillgetyouawayfrombothmensoyoucanseethembothmoreclearly.”

ThethoughtofgettingawaysentawaveofreliefcoursingthroughEsmeevenasshepushedthe

thoughtaway.“Thatwouldbenice,butthat’snotreallyhowmyindustryworks.Idon’tgettopick
whenItakeabusinesstrip.TripsonlyreallyhappenwhenIhaveaclientincrisis.”

“Interesting,”wasallMissPearlhadtosayaboutthat.
“Butgettingawaywouldbegood,”Esmeagreed.“Maybeagirls’triptoTahoeorVegasor

something.”

“Tooshort,”MissPearlsaidwithashakeofherhead.“Youneedtimetogiveyouperspective.”
“Jonwon’tlikethat,”Esmesaidbeforerealizingthewordscameoutofher.
“Well,thiswouldn’tbeatripaboutdoingwhatJonwants,”MissPearlsaid.“Thiswouldbeatrip

forlettingyoustepbackfromyourlifetoseeallthethingsyouwant.”

Thewomanmadeagoodpoint.Thetripwouldneverhappen,ofcourse,butitwasanicethought.
MissPearlwasabouttosaysomethingelsewhenacouplewalkeduptohercookiecartandpulled

outtheirwallets.Whatevershewasabouttosaywasreplacedwith,“RememberwhatIsaid,”before
shescurriedbacktohercart.

Esmethoughtthelittlewomanmightcomebackandjoinheronthebenchagain,butasaqueue

formedinfrontofthecart,Esmerealizedwaitingwasalostcauseandstoodagain.

Maybesheshouldlookintotakingalittletrip…aweekendtrip.
Esmestartedbacktowardhercar,mentallyreviewingpossibilitieswhenherphoneranginher

purse.Pullingitout,shecheckedthecallerIDandsawitwasoneofherclientsinWashingtonDC.

“Hello,Roger,”shesaidasshepickedup.
“Esme,”themanontheothersideofthelinesaid,histonestrained.“Wehaveaproblem.How

sooncanyoubeinDC?”

Esmestoppedinplace,hereyesglancingbackatMissPearlstandingatthecookiecart.Ithadtobe

acoincidence.

“Whendoyouneedmethere?”
“Twodaysagowouldbegreat,butI’lltrytomakedowithtomorrowmorning.”
Esmedoubledherpacetohercar.“LetmecheckflightsandI’llgetrightbacktoyou.”
“Ialreadyhadmysecretarydothat,”Rogerreplied.“We’llpayfortheflight,ofcourse.I’llhave

hersendyoutheoptions.Letherknowwhichoneyoucanmakeandwe’llsendyouaticketand
confirmation.”

“Soundsgood,”Esmesaid,pullingoutherkeys.“I’llgetbacktoyouassoonasIcan.”
“Thankyou,Esme.Thismeanstheworld.”

Shesmiled.“It’swhatyoupaymefor,Roger.I’llseeyoutomorrow.”
“Seeyoutomorrow.”

Chapter34

Hunterhatedbars.Everyonewassohappyandchatty.Andcuddly.Thechoicetotakeaboothover

atablewascurrentlycomingbacktobiteHunterasDarylandKambrinestledintoeachotherand
pressedkissestoeachother ’slipseverytimeoneofthemsaidsomethingcute…whichwasabout
everytensecondsbyHunter ’sestimation.Heknewthey’dinvitedhimalongbecausetheythoughthe
neededtogetout,butHunterwasprettythird-wheelsensitiveatthemoment.

Hedidn’tneedtobeanycouple’splus-one.Nottoday.Notforawhile.
Tappinghisfingeragainstthesideofhisglass,Huntereyedtheexitandtriedtodecidewhetherhe

wasfeelingpoliteenoughtothinkupanexcusetoleave,orifheshouldjusttakeoff.Itwasn’tlike
DarylandKambriwouldnotice.Notreally.Theywerewaytoointoeachother.

Hewasabouttostandandgivehisfriendstheshortversionofanexitspeechwhenahandtapped

himlightlyontheshoulder.

“Hunter?”afamiliarvoicesaidfrombehindhim.
WhenHunterturned,hehadtoblinkbeforeherecognizedthewomanbehindhim.Herblackhair

wasstyledinflawlesscurlsandhermakeupwasmuchmorecontouredthanhewasusedtoseeing.
Thentherewasthedressshewaswearing.Heknewbetterthantolookatherfigureforaslongashe
wantedto,choosinginsteadtokeephisgazeonherchocolateeyes.“Shauna?”

Shebeamedinresponse,notlookingatallliketheoverworkedsocialworkerheknewhertobe.

“I’veneverseenyouherebefore.”

“I’venevercomeherebefore,”hesaid,standing.
Shaunaimmediatelysteppedbackandwrappedherarmaroundamanwhowasdressedfartoo

casuallytopassasherdate,butHunterdecidedtotrustherbodylanguageandassumethathewas.

“ThisisAaron,myboyfriend,”shesaidwithabigsmile.
Hunterheldouthishand.“Goodtomeetyou,man.I’mHunter.ShaunaandIworktogether.”
Theothermantookhishand,squeezingmuchharderthannecessaryastheyshook.“Goodtomeet

you,Hunter.Shauna’snevermentionedyou.”

“That’snotsurprising.Wedon’tseeeachotherallthatmuch.”
“Huntervolunteersataboxinggym,”Shaunafilledin.“SometimessomeofthekidsIworkwith

endupworkingoutthere.”

WhenAarondidn’tlookhappyatthenews,Hunterdecidedtheintroductionswereover.Itwas

definitelytimetogo.

“Anyway,”Shaunasaidbrightly.“WewereontheothersideoftheroomandIwastryingtodecide

ifIwasreallyseeingyouornot,andAaronaskedwhoIwaslookingat.Sohereweare.”

Hunterpulledouthiswallet.“Well,youcaughtmerightasIwasleaving.Buthey,itwasgoodto

seeyou.”

“Yeah?”Aaronsaidinatonethatdidn’tmakeHunterfeelveryaccommodating.“Whereareyou

headed?”

Hunterglancedupatthemananddidhisbestnottoscowl.“Prettysurethat’snoneofyour

business,man.”

Shauna’ssmilefaltered.IfHunterdidn’tknowanybetter,hewouldhavethoughthesawabitof

panicinhereyes.

Aaronsteppedforward.“What?Youdon’twantShaunatoknowyou’vegotwomenontheside?”
“Aaron,”Shaunahissed.“It’snotlikethatandyouknowit.”ThensheglancedupatHunter.“Sorry.

Ishouldhavecuthimoffafewdrinksago.Hegetslikethissometimes.”

Sometimes?WhydidHuntergettheimpressionthatwasanunderstatement?
Behindhim,HunterfeltDarylslideoutoftheboothandstandbehindhim,creatingawallof

solidarity.

“Hey,Shauna,”Darylsaid.“Everythingokayhere?”
“It’sfine,”shesaidinatonethatindicatedthatitdefinitelywasn’t.
“Youknowwhatpissesmeoff?”Aaronsaid,steppingforward.“Goingoutwithmygirland

watchingherogleanotherman.Thatreallypissesmeoff.”

Huntercouldn’thelphimself.“ThenmaybeyoushouldupyourgamefromaLacostepoloandten-

year-oldsneakers.Thereisn’tamaninthisbarwhodoesn’tlookbetterthanyourightnow.Don’t
blameShaunawhenyou’renoteventrying.”

Whenthemancrankedhisarmbacktogoforapunch,Darylwassuddenlybetweenthem,pushing

themapart.

“Youneedtobackoff,”DarylsaidtoAaronbeforeglaringatHunter.“Andyouneedtoshutup.”
ButHunterwastoobusywatchingShauna’sreactiontopayattentiontohisfriend.Shelooked

embarrassed—likesheshouldhaveseenthiscomingandstoppedit.HerreactionmadeHuntercertain
thatthiswasn’tthefirsttimeAaronhadlostitlikethis.

WhenDarylpushedHunterbacktowardsthebooth,hewentwithit.“WhatisitwithwomenIknow

andtheirterritorialboyfriends?IworkwithShauna,Aaron.That’sit!”

“Andyoureallyexpectmetobelievethat?”Aaronsnarled.
“Uh,yeah,”wastheonlyresponseHuntercouldthinkofasShaunagothermanundercontroland

ledhimtowardtheexit.

“I’msorry,”shemouthedoverhershoulderbeforeshedisappearedandHunterwasleft

dumbstruck.

Shaunawasliterallytrainedtospotandaddressabuseonaprofessionallevel,butfromwhathe

couldtellshewasstandinginaminefieldofitwhenitcametoherpersonallife.Herboyfriendwasa
powderkeglookingforanexcusetoblow.HowdidagorgeouswomanlikeShaunahookupwitha
controllingmanandconvinceherselfshewasinlove?

Itmadezerosense.
“Youokay,man?”DarylsaidtoHunter,stillstandingnexttohiminsolidarity.
“Yeah,”Huntersaid,fightingtogethisbreathingbacktonormal.“Butweneedtogetthatdude’s

address.Ifafireeverhappensathishome,we’regoingtotakethelongwaytohisfrontdoor.”

“Copythat,”DarylsaidastheywatchedAaronandShaunawalkdownthesidewalkthroughthe

windows.

“Idon’tgetchicks,”Huntersaidwhentheydisappeared.“Howcanshegohomewiththatdude?

Whatintheworlddoessheseeinhim?”

“Idon’tknow,”Darylsaidoverhisthoughts.“Butnothinggoodishappeningthere.He’snotavery

stableguy.”

“AndShaunahasasoftspotforspecialcases,”Huntermused.Outoftheblue,hethoughtofMiss

Pearl’scookiesandwonderedhowtheywouldtastetoShaunaafterkissingAaron.Probablylikea
runnyduckturd.

“Someoneshouldtalktoher,”Kambrisaid,speakingforthefirsttimesincethemessstarted.

“Mmhmm,”HuntergruntedhisagreementbeforerealizingKambrimeanthim.“Wait,me?”
“Youknowher,”Darylsaidinsolidaritywithhisgirlfriend.
“Barely.”
DarylwrappedhisarmaroundKambriandshehappilyleanedintohischest.Itwasasharpcontrast

tothedynamicbetweenShaunaandAaron.DarylandKambrimightbenauseatingtogether,butitwas
inthebestway.

“YouknowShaunabetterthanme,”Darylsaid.
“Whichiswhyyoushouldbetheonetotalktoher,”Hunterargued.“Youhavethemoreobjective

eyeinthis.IfIsaysomething,sheorherboyfriendmightthinkI’mbuttinginbecauseI’mmakinga
move.Thingswillonlyescalate.”

ItwaslikehewaschannelingEsmeallofasudden.He’dmanagedtogotheentireeveningwithout

thinkingabouther—kindof—andnowhewastalkinglikeherandsubconsciouslycomparing
Aaron’sbehaviorwithJon’s.

“Youmighthaveapoint,”Darylconceded.“Fine.NexttimeShauna’satthegym,letmeknow.I’ll

talktoher.”

Hunternodded.“Untilthen,IthinkI’mdonehavingfunforthenight.”
“We’vegotthetab,man,”Darylsaid,wavinghimoff.“Takeoff.Stayoutoftrouble.”
“Nopromises,”hesaid,givinghisfriendapatonthearmandsendingKambrianod.“Takecare

ofeachother.”

“Ithinkwecanhandlethat,”DarylsaidandHunterturnedbeforeDarylandKambrikissedforthe

hundredthtimethatevening.

MaybeLukeneededhelpatthetownhouse.Ifnot,Hunterhadakey.Hecouldlethimselfin.

Chapter35

ItwasEsme’sthirddayinDC,andthingswerestillamess.Aswithmostcrises,whatshouldhave

beenstraightforwardwassomehowconvoluted.

Roger ’scurrentcrisisstemmedfromthefactthattwelveyearsagohehadgoneintobusinesswith

hisbestfriend.Aspartners,theyhadverycomplementaryskillsets.Rogerwasthefaceandoversaw
managementofthecompanywhileCraigwasoversourcingandsales.

CraigtrustedRogertodohisjob,andRogertrustedCraigtodohis.
Thereinlaytheproblem.
PartofRoger ’sbrandandalargeportionofhismarketingfocusedonthefactthattheircompany

wasanAmericanbrandcreatingAmericanjobs.Manufacturingandassemblyalltookplacein
America.OrsoRogerthought.

Unbeknownsttoanyoneelseinuppermanagement,Craighadbeengettingcreativewiththe

manufacturingsideofthings.ThelabelstillsaidMadeintheUSA,butthathadn’tbeentrueforyears.
Threeyearsandfourmonths,tobeexact.

Lookingatthecompany’sfinancialsduringthattimeshouldhaveadmittedlysetoffsomeredflags

inRoger ’smind.Butapparentlyhe’dthoughthisbestfriendwasalsotheonlymaninAmericawith
thenegotiationskillstogetthecompanypartsanddomesticlaborforalmostahalfofthepriceall
theircompetitorsmanagedtonegotiate.Theirbusinessmodelandprofitmarginshadseemedtoo
goodtobetrueinrecentledgers,andforgoodreason.Theywere.

Hindsight,asalways,was20/20;EsmecouldtotallyunderstandhowRogerhadbeentakenin.But

sympathywasnosubstituteforsettingthingsright,andthat’swhatRogerneededtodonowthathe
hadallthefacts.

Butafterdaysofarguing,RogerfinallyhelduphishandtobringbothEsmeandDane,the

companylawyer,tosilence.

“Okay.Okay,youtwo.Igetit,”Rogersaid,soundingexhausted.“I’mprettysureIunderstand

wherebothofyoustandandwhy.Ineedtothinkforaminute.Canwetakefifteen?”

“Sure,”Danesaidashestoodfromtheconferencetable.Esmenoddedheragreement.
“We’llberightoutsidethedoorwhenyou’reready,”Esmesaid,followinghercolleagueout.
Withoutaword,Daneheadedforthemen’s’room,leavingEsmeinthehallalone.Shetookadeep

breathtosettleherself.

AsmuchasDaneannoyedher,hewassmoothandhadapersuasivewayabouthim.Therewasno

doubtingthat—especiallyafterthelastthreedays.Itdidn’thelpEsme’scaseanythatDanewasaman
citingcontractsandfriendship,whileshewasawomancitingethicsandsocietalresponsibility.She
didn’tliketoadmititoutloud,butthedeckwasstackedslightlyinDane’sfavoroutofthegatein
swayingRogerawayfromhercrisisplan.

Butsuchwasoftenthecase,andEsmewasusedtoit.
PRrepresentativesandlawyerswerethecatsanddogsoftheprofessionalworld.Ifitlookedlike

theyweregettingalong,giveitafewminutes.Thingscould,andoftendid,fliponadime.

Iflawyershadtheirway,everybusinessinacrisissituationwouldstaysilentandwaitforthingsto

blowover…iftheyblewoveratall.AsaPRspecialist,Esmeadvisedtheflip-sideofthat:controlthe
narrativebyspeakingfirstandspeakingtruth.Thenusethatfoundationtomaintainorevenbuild
trust.

Shewasyintoalawyer ’syang.Dogtotheircat.Merlottotheirorangejuice.
Butattheendoftheday,lawyerslikeDanestillhadtodotheirbesttoconvincemenlikeRoger

thattheirroadwastherightroad,justlikeEsmedid.NeithershenorDanegottomakethefinalcall.
Theycouldonlypleadtheircases.

Rogerdefinitelyhadadoozyofadecisionaheadofhim.Hisright-handmanhadbetrayedhimin

exchangeformoney.Itwasataleasoldastime,butRogerhadbeentrulyblindsidedandnowhehad
torespond.Shedidn’tenvyhimthat.

Leaningagainstthewall,Esmetookseveralslowbreathsasshestretchedherneckand

decompressedforamoment.Shelethereyesdriftshut,mentallysearchingforsomethingshe’dleft
unsaidtoRoger…apointshe’dleftunmade.

Onceuponafewweeksago,shewouldhavetextedHunterandaskedhisopiniononthematter,but

thatwasoffthetable.She’dbeenfightingsohardnottothinkabouthimsincethiswholemessstarted,
butthetruthwasthat,jealousfiancéaside,everythingalwaysseemedsomuchcleareraftershe
bounceditoffofHunter.Hermindtendedtoovercomplicatematterswhilehiskeptthingssimple.
Morethanonceshe’dbabbledtohimforfive…ten…evenfifteenminutes,onlytohavehim
summarizeeverythingshe’djustsaidinonesentencethatwassomehowtheanswershe’dbeentalking
aroundthewholetime.

ShemissedthataboutHunter.Shemissedalotofthingsabouthim,butatthemomenthisstraight-

to-the-pointmindwasatthetopofherlist.

He’dknowhowtoswayRoger.He’dknowwhattosay.
Butshecouldn’tcallhim.Shejustcouldn’t.
She’dtriedtouseJonasasoundingboardthenightbefore,buthisfeedbackhadbeenthathe

agreedwithDaneandwouldfollowhislegalcounsel.

Nothelpful.
Theclockwascountingdown,andEsme’sguttoldherthatRogerwasmakinghisfinaldecision

rightthen.Hergutalsotoldherthatdecisionwasgoingtobetoprotecthisbestfriend.

Howcouldshefixthat?Shehadtofixthat.
ShehadnoideahowlongherexhaustedmindwrestledwiththatquestionbeforeDaneemerged

fromthemen’sroomandwalkedovertostandnexttoher.

“Roughday?”
Shegroanedheragreement.
Hesmiled.“Iappreciatethefightyou’reputtingupinthere,butwebothknowI’mrightonthis.”
Esmeshookherhead.“Youarecatastrophicallywrong.”
Hechuckled.“Ialmostbelieveyou.”
Shelookedathim.“Myonlyquestionis,whenthisallblowsupinyourface,willyoustillrefuse

toseehowitallcouldhavebeenavoided?Orwillyoustandbyyouroriginalclaimsandusethe
copoutofblamingsomethingoutsideofyourselfforthefalloutandrepeatyouradvicetothenext
client?”

Hegaveheraonce-overandsmiled.“Asalways,you’readorable.”
Shedidn’tsmileback.“Asalways,youpatronizeeveryonewhodoesn’tagreewithyou.”
“Oooh,”heteased.“Someoneisfeelingfeisty.”
Esmepushedawayfromthewall.“Feisty?Adorable?Arethesewordsyou’duseifIwereamanin

myposition?”

Herolledhiseyes.“Obviouslynot.Butpleasedon’tthinkI’moneofthosesexistguyswhowould

ratherbeworkingwithaman.You’realotmorefuntolookat.”

Esmeopenedhermouth,readytounleashaless-than-professionalresponsewhenRogeropened

thedoortotheconferenceroomagain.“Comebackin.”

EsmeandDanesharedalookbeforewalkingbackintojointheirboss.
ShesawRoger ’sdecisionbeforeshefinishedhersecondstepintotheconferenceroom.Roger

wouldn’tmakeeyecontactwithherandsoughtDaneoutinstead.

“I’mgoingtowaituntiltheendofthecontract,thenswitchvendors,”heannounced.
Esme’smouthfellopen.Thatdecisionwasaboutfiftystepsbackwardfromwherethey’dbeenten

minutesago.

“Roger,”Esmesaidcarefully.“Imuststronglyadviseyouagainstthat.”
“AndIthinkthat’syourbestoption,”Danesaid.“Itsavesyouthepenaltiesofbreakingyour

contract.”

“Thecontractbuiltonliesthatnoonewantstotalkaboutunderoath,”Esmeargued.“Therewillbe

nosuitforbreachofcontractbecausesuingyouwouldrevealtheirfraud.”

Roger ’shandsignaledforsilence.“Iunderstandyourarguments,Esme,butIhavetoagreewith

Dane.It’shighlyunlikelythatanythingwillhappentoputusinthenewsinthenexteightmonthsifwe
ridethisout.ThatwillputCraigintheclear,andthat’sbestforeveryoneandthecompany.”

Esmesteppedforward.“Roger,ifyoudothis,itwillbethefirstirresponsibledecisionI’veseen

youmakeasaCEO,anditwillbeveryhardtoprotectyoufromit.”

Rogerletoutatiredsigh.“Well,ifthingsplayoutright,youwon’thaveto.”
“That’sabigif,Roger.”
“Youmadetherightdecision,”Danesaidfromnexttoher.“I’llsetthingsuptogivetherequired

noticefordiscontinuingtherelationshipaftertheendofthecurrentcontract.”

“Thankyou,Dane.I’llalsowantyoutorecommendathird-partyinspectortodoublecheckashort

listofnewvendorswe’llbelookingtopartnerwithtomakesuretheyarereallywhotheysaythey
are.”

“Icanarrangethat,”Danesaid.
“BeforeIleave,”Esmesaid.“Ineedtodosomeduediligenceofmyown.”
Roger ’seyeswereashadepastexhaustedwhenhisgazefinallymethers.“Verywell.Layitoutfor

me,MissTaylor.”

Shedidn’tlethisslumpedshouldersfazeher.Shedovein.“Youbroughtmeherebecausean

anonymoustipsterprovidedyouwithinsiderinformationthatrevealedfraudwithinyourown
company.”

Rogersighed.“Yes.”
“Thatfraudinvolvesyourbestfriendofthirtyyearsandbusinesspartneroftwelveyears.”
“Yes.”
“Andnotonlyiswhathedidillegal,butitisagainstthevaluesofyourcustomersand

stakeholders.”

Anothersigh.“Yes.”
“Itmadeyourpackagingalieandsupportedchildandslavelaborforthepastthreeyears.”
Rogeractuallyflinchedatthatone.“Yes.”
“Andnowyouwanttobelievethatthistipster—whomyoudon’tknowandhavenocontrolover—

isgoingtokeeptheirmouthshutandrevealnothingofwhattheysenttoyoutothemediainthenext
eightmonthswhileyoufinishoutyourcontract?”

Rogersaidnothingtothatone.
“Anywhistleblowerrevealingwhatwesawtothemediawouldbesuedintotheground,”Danesaid

forhim.“Almostalloftheevidencewasillegallyobtainedandshared.Nooneisgoingtotakethe
riskofbeingtheonetogopublicwithit.”

Esmeleveledaglareathim.“Ifnoonewaseverwillingtotakethatrisk,weliterallywouldn’t

havethetermwhistleblowerinourvernacular.”

“It’sachanceIneedtotake,”Rogersaidsoftly.
“Becauseyouwanttosaveyourbestfriendfromafallofhisownmaking?”Esmesaid,noting

howthemanflinched.“Igetit,okay?Ido.Butyoualreadylostyourbestfriendinallthis,Roger.The
trustandfriendshipyouhadisgone.Myonlyquestiontoyouiswhetheryou’rewillingtoloseyour
company,too.Becauseyourtipsterputwaytoomucheffortandresearchintoexposingyourpartner
tosimplywatchaspeoplelikeyoutakeno—orslow—action,onceinformed.Ifyoudon’ttakesteps,
theactivistswillstopseeingyouasanallyandgroupyouintothecategoryoftheirenemies.You
don’twantthat.”

“I…hearyourrecommendationandthankyouforyourduediligence,Esme,butI’vemademy

decision.It’sfinal.”

Withthat,theconversationwasover.
Esmehaddoneherbest.Itjusthadn’tbeengoodenough.Rogerrefusedtocoverhisownbutt,

whichmeanthe’dputEsmeinthepositionoftryingtofigureouthowtocoverhers.Shedidn’twant
toloseRogerasaclient,eventhoughthatwasthemostobvioussolution—tostepdownashis
consultanttoavoidbeinglinkedtoaPRcatastrophehe’dsteppedintobyblatantlyignoringher.

Buttherehadtobeanotherway.Iftherewas,shewasgoingtofindit.

Chapter36

BasedonherFacebookpage,HuntercouldseeEsmehadbeeninWashingtonDCforthepastfour

days.

Thatwasn’tgood.
Moreoftenthannot,Esmehadthingshandledinhalfthattimefromthecomfortofherhome

office.

What’sthecrisisthistime?Hunterthought,lookingatapictureEsmehadpostedofherata

businessdinner.Oneofthemenwithherwassilver-hairedandoldenoughtobeherfather,but
Hunterknewtheotherguysittingnexttoheratthetable.DaneAnders.ThemanhaditbadforEsme,
buthewasn’tmanenoughforher.

Still,ifJealousJonwascheckingEsme’spicturesout,he’dnoticehowthelawyercouldn’thelpbut

drapehisarmaroundEsmeandpressinwhenanopportunityliketakingapicturepresenteditself.

Oh,whatpoorMr.Anderswouldn’tdoforEsmetobethedumbblondesheappearedtobe.That

washismistake.HeforgotthatEsmewassmartandinevitablyshovedhisfootintohismouth
whenevertheyweretogether.Hunterhadreceivedmany-an-entertainingtextthankstoDaneAnders.
Hewonderedwhatstupidthingstheguywassayingthistimearound.

ThepicturerevealedmorethanDane’scontinuedcrush,however.Esme’ssmileshowedthetension

inherjaw,tellingHunterthatshewasmuchmorestressedthanhersparklingeyeswouldleadpeople
tobelieve.Butshehadalwaysbeengoodatappearingcalmunderpressure.Itwashersuperpower.

“Youhaveavisitor.”
Daryl’svoicepulledHunter ’seyesawayfromhisphoneandtotheentranceofhisbunkareainthe

firehousewherehisfriendstood.

Hunterdidn’tmove.“Isit—”
“It’sShauna,”Darylsaid.“Esme’sinDC,remember?”
Ofcourse.He’dliterallyjustbeenlookingatpicturesofher.
“Right,”Huntersaid,standingupandstartingtothelobby.“DidyouandShaunahaveatalk

already?”

“No,”Darylsaid,fallinginstepbesidehim.“Ifiguredsafetyinnumbers,right?Plusitsavesus

fromrepeatingeachother.”

“Iguess,”Huntersaid,althoughpartofHunterwonderedifShaunamightbenefitfromsome

repetition.Herboyfriendwasclearlyoutofcontrol,andsheseemedtoberollingwithit.Asaguy
whohadtoworkonhisowntemperonadailybasis,Hunterdidn’thavemanyillusionsaboutwhat
menlikeAaronwereandwerenotcapableof.IfShaunawantedsomeonetoholdherhandand
whisperwordsofencouragementaboutAaron’spotential,shehaddefinitelyknockedonthewrong
door.

HunterandDarylmadetherestofthewalkinsilenceuntilShaunacameintoviewinthereception

area.

“Hunter,”shegreetedwithanoverlywidesmile.“Sorrytoambushyouatworklikethis,butI

thoughtitwouldbebetterthan…”

“HavingthistalkatthegymwithKennyaround?”Hunterfinishedforher.“Yeah.Probablyasmart

call.”

Sheseemedrelievedthatheagreed.“IwantedtoapologizeforhowAaronbehaved.Itwassoout

ofcharacter—”

“Wasit?”Hunterchallenged.“Basedonhowyoureacted,I’dsayyou’veseenhimactlikethat

before.Morethanonce.”

Hersmilecrackedandfadedabit.“It’snotwhatitlookslike…”
“Youmeanhowitlookslikeyou’reinanabusiverelationship?Becausethat’swhatitlookslike

fromwherewe’restanding,Shauna.”HelookedtoDarylforbackupandfeltalittleofthepressure
moveoffofhimwhenDarylgaveaquicknod.

“Nomanshouldactlikethat,Shauna,”Darylsaidsoftly.“Notforanyreason.Youdeservebetter.”
Thatseemedtocatchherbysurprise.“Ipromiseyou,Aaronisactuallyverykindandconsiderate.”
“Isthatbeforeorafteryoudowhathewants?”Hunterasked.
“Andisthatbeforeorafteryougivehimcontroloverthepeopleyouareandarenotallowedto

see?”Daryladded.

ThequestioncaughtHunteroffguard,sendinghisthoughtstowardJon,buthequicklyforcedthem

backontrack.“Shauna,youhaveaMastersdegreeinstufflikethis.You’resmarterthanus,which
meanswedon’tneedtotellyouwhatwe’retellingyou.Youalreadyknow.Youdealwiththiscrap
everydayatwork.You’renotsupposedtotakeithomewithyou.”

Shebitherlipandlookeddown.
“Sodon’tcomehereandapologizetousforhim,”Huntercontinued.“BecauseIpromise,Aaron

isn’tsorry.Theonlythingheprobablyregretsisnottakingaswingatmewhenhehadthechance.”

ThewayShaunafidgetedtoldHunterthatshedidn’tnecessarilydisagree,buthewassurprised

whenDarylsteppedforwardandgrippedherhand.

“Doeshehityou,Shauna?”heasked.“Hasheeverhityou?”
“It’snotassimpleasthat,”shesaid,pullingherhandaway.
HunterandDarylsharedalook.
“Thankyouforcomingdownheretoapologizeforyourabusiveboyfriend,”Huntersaid.“But

apologynotaccepted.Ifyoureallywanttoapologize,breakupwithhim.”

Again,shehesitatedanditwasDarylwhosteppedinasthesensitiveone.
“Ifyouneedhelp,youhavetwoburlydudesherewhowillbehappytohelpyouout,”hesaid.

“Plus,youknowalotofjudgeswhowillhappilygrantyouarestrainingorder.We’lltestifyforyou.”

Shaunatookadeepbreathandsteppedback.“Youtwoareblowingthisupintosomethingbigger

thanitis.Ijustwantedtosaysorryfortheawkwardness.”

“Andnear-assault,”Hunteradded,barelyholdingontohistemper.“Ifyoucan’tseewhatyou’re

dealingwith,Shauna,thenyou’relivinginadreamland.Youhavetwoguysheretellingyouthatthe
guyyou’rewithisdangerous,andyou’recovering.Youcan’tevendenythatAaron’shityouinthe
past,orthathewon’thityouifhefindsoutyoucamehereandspoketome.Doyougethowstupid
thatmakesyoulook?”

Darylclearedhisthroat,cuttingHunterofffromsayinganythingmore.“Whathe’stryingtosay,is

thatwecare,Shauna.Wewantwhat’sbestforyou,andweboththinkyoucandoawholelotbetter
thanAaron.”

“Alotbetter,”Hunterrepeated.“ButifAaronwantstoproveuswrongandapologizehimselffor

howhetreatedyouatthebar,we’llacceptthatapology.Butwe’renotgoingtoaccepttheapologythat
stemsfromthefactthatweaccidentallygotapeekintosomethingyou’retryingtohidefrompeople.”

Shaunarefusedtomeettheireyesasshesteppedbacktowardtheexit.“Thiswasamistake.”

“Probablynotforthereasonsyou’rethinking,”Huntercalledafterher,rightbeforeDarylrested

hishandonHunter ’sarmandshookhishead.

Apparentlyitwastimetostoptalking.
“We’rehereifyouneedus,”DarylsaidrightbeforeShaunaopenedthedoorandleftwithout

anotherword.

Huntertookaslowbreathandlookedathisfriend.“Itoldyouthatyoushouldhavebeentheoneto

talktoher.Idon’tdowellwiththisstuff.”

Darylgavehisarmalittlepat,histonehalf-mockingandhalf-seriousashesaid,“I’lllistentoyou

nexttime.Promise.”

Hunterstaredatthedoorforanotherfewbeatsbeforeturningtohisfriend.“You’reonsocial

media,right?”

“Yeah.”
“Let’sgofindoutwhatAaron’slastnameisandhowintheworldhegotawomanlikeShauna

underhisthumb.”

“Mythoughtsexactly,”Darylsaidbeforetheybothwalkedovertoacomputer.

Chapter37

“Jab-jab-cross.Roll.Uppercut-uppercut-hook,”Huntercalledout.
Kennyhammeredthecombinationout,doinghisbesttobreakHunter ’shandsthroughthepadshe

woreastargets.Thekidwasstillhostile,butatleasthewasfocused.Hehadn’tpretendedtomissthe
padinanattempttohitHunteronceyetthatday.Thatwasprogress.

“Good,”Huntercalledout.“Again!”
Kennykeptdrilling,hiseyesonthepadsandeverypunchfullforce.
Hunterkepthimgoing,mixingupthecombosuntilhefeltthekid’sformslip.“Thirty-second

waterbreak.”

Tohissurprise,Kennydidn’targue.Hesimplywalkedovertothedrinkingfountainandrinsed

andspitbeforetakingaswallowofwater.

“Fifteenseconds,”Huntercalledastheboypacedbackandforthinfrontofhim,notmakingeye

contact.“ThesenextfewroundsI’mgoingtothrowfauxhooksforyoutorollunder.”

Thekidspitonthematandnodded.
“Allright,”hesaid.“Getinposition.”
AsKennyraiseduphisgloves,amanapproachedHunterfromhisrightanditwaspurereflexthat

hadHunterleaningoutofrangeofthepunchthatflewpasthisface.

“Whatthe—”Hunterturnedtofacethenewcomerrightintimetoevadethenextpunch.Whenhe

finallysawwhoitwas,hewasevenmoreconfused.“Aaron?Howdidyougetinhere?”

Themandidn’teventrytoanswerthequestion.“Youneedtostayawayfrommygirlfriend!”
WordsfailedHunter.Allhecouldthink,ashelookedatShauna’sboyfriend,wasthatiftherewasa

manbesidesJonontheearththatneededtobepunched,hewaslookingathim.

“Dude,”Huntersaid,pullingthepadsoffhishands.“You’retrespassing.Iknowforafactyou

don’thaveamembershiphere.”

Again,themanignoredhim.“Shauna’swithme.Youunderstand?”
“Wait.MissWeekes?”Kennyasked,butHuntercouldn’triskaresponse.
“Aaron,”Huntersaidcarefully.“IpromisethatShaunaandIonlyspeaktoeachotherwhen

professionalcircumstancesrequireit.She’snotmysidepiece,andI’mnothers.”

“DoyouthinkI’mstupid?”Aaronsneered.
“Well…”Hunterhedgedwithalittleshrug,butstoppedhimselffromsayingmore.Thegoodnews

wasthatothergymmembershadpickeduponwhatwashappeningandwereclosingintohelp
containthesituation.IfHuntercouldavoidpickingafight,Aaronwouldbegoneinnotime.

Whentheguywentforanotherpunch,Huntercaughtitinhispalmandpushedthemanontohis

buttwherehelandedwithanundignifiedbounce.“Nofightinginthisclubwithoutgloves,Aaron.
Thosearetherules.Also,youneedtosignawaiver.”

WithoutawordfromHunter,twootherboxershookedtheirarmsunderAaron’sandpickedhim

upoffthegroundasLousteppedforward.

“Timeforyoutoleave,sir,”Lousaid,andAaronwasstupidenoughtostartfightingthedecree.

LourespondedbypullingatubeoutofhispocketandsprayingthecontentsintoAaron’sface.The
manstartedgagging,makingiteasierforthetwomencarryinghimtotakehimtotheexit.

Loulookedatthetubeinhishand,hisexpressionabitsurprised.“Huh.Iusethistobreakupmy

dogswhenthey’refighting.Apparentlyitworksonhumanstoo.”Thenheshruggedandwalkedback
tothefrontdesk.Everyoneelsedispersedwithoutcomment,leavingHunteralonewithKennyagain
asifnothinghadhappened.

Hunterreleasedawaveofrageinastaccatoexhale.Ifanimpressionableboywithanger-

managementissueshadn’tbeenstandingfivefeetbehindhim,Hunterwouldhavehitsomething.Hard.
Asitwas,breathingwasprettymuchhisonlyoptionashethoughtofShaunaspendingtimewiththat
man.Kissingthatman.

Whatwasshethinking?Wasshethinking?
DoyouthinkI’mstupid?Wasthereanechointheroom,orwereJonandAaronthrowingthesame

wordsinhisface.Andthehonestanswertotheirjointquestion:No.Hunterdidn’tthinktheywere
stupid.Justpossessive,domineering,andinneedofsomeserioustherapy.Okay,andmaybealittle
stupid.

JonandAaron…AaronandJon.Theyweredifferent,butthereweresomedefinitesimilaritiesin

the“controlissues”department,andEsmewasreadytosay“Ido”toallthat.

Why?
Hunterknewwhathesawwhenhelookedattheguys,butwhatdidwomensee?Whatintheworld

werewomenlikeEsmeandShaunathinkingastheyfellasleepatnight?Didtheythinkthattheintense
needtopossessstemmedfromlove,andthatonlymeninlovewouldactthatway?

ItwasamysteryHunterwouldhavetosolveanotherday,becausehehadateenagerwaitingon

him.WhenHunterturnedbacktoKenny,thekidhadhiseyesfixedonthelastglimpsesofAaron
beingshownthedoor.

“Rememberwhenyouwerelikethat?”Hunterasked,notexpectingananswerbuthopingtheboy

wasdisgustedenoughbywhathesawtoconsiderthepoint.WhenKennydidn’trespond,Hunterslid
hishandsbackintothepunchingpads.“Youreadyforthenextround?”

“Thatguyisseriouslyunbalanced,”Kennysaid,staringatthedoor.
“Right?”Huntersaid,happytobevalidated,evenifitwasbyateenagedelinquent.“I’mnotthe

onlyoneseeingit?”

Kennyshookhishead,thegearsbehindhiseyesclearlyworkingovertime.“IsthatreallyMiss

Weekes’boyfriend?Notlikeastalkerorsomething?”

“Iprobablyshouldn’tanswerthatquestion,butyeah,heis.Andno,Idon’tgetiteither.”Butgetit,

ornot,Shaunawasdefinitelygettingacallfromhimafterthesessionandhe’dletherknowexactly
whathethoughtofthemaninherlife.

Aaronwaslonggone,butKenny’sgazewasstillfixatedonthedoorwaywherehe’dlastseenthe

man.

“Youcouldhaveflooredhiminonepunch,”Kennysaid,thestatementmoreanaccusationof

inactionthanpraisefortheself-controlHunterhaddisplayed.

Huntershrugged.“IfIpunchedhimwithyouherethesesessionsofourswouldgobye-bye.No

judgeisgoingtoletyoutrainwithsomeonewhopunchesfirstandthinkslater.Andthinkofallthe
qualitytimewewouldhavelosttogether…alloveronepunch.”

BasedonKenny’sfrown,hedidn’tlikethatanswer.
“C’mon,”Huntersaid,givingthekidapatontheshoulder.“Let’sgetbacktoit.Glovesup.”
WhenKennyturnedandstartedintothenextdrill,Huntercouldhaveswornhewashittingtwiceas

hard.

Chapter38

Esmerolledhercarryonuptothedeparturegateandcheckedthetime.Shewasanhourearly.The

securitylineshadbeenkindtoher.

Ploppingdowninthenearestseat,shetookabreath.
Afterfivedaysshewasheadinghome,andforthefirsttimeinherlifeEsmedidn’tfeelaskipin

herstepattheprospect.DealingwithRogerhadbeenstressful,butinawayithadbeenanicebreak
fromtheJonandHuntersituation.Theonlypositiveaboutgoinghomewasthatshecouldfinallyget
backtoherusualroutine.Esmewasn’tquitesurehowmuchweightshe’dputoninthepastfewdays,
butherpantsfeltalittlesnug.

Eatinginhotelsandrestaurantsfornearlyaweekwhilehavingendlesscroissantsandpastries

availableduringmeetingswoulddothattoawaistline.Shemissedhertreadmill;shemissedher
routine;shemissedherusualdiet,butthathadbeenaboutallshemissed.

Well,thatwasn’ttrue.She’dmissedHunter,althoughmaybe“missed”wasthewrongword.What

shefeltwasmorelikeaheadacheinherchest.Steady,constant,unflinching,andimpervioustoall
painkillers.Theonlybalm,shewasquitesure,wastoseehim…tohearhisvoice.

Tohughim.
Man,whatshewouldn’tgiveforaHunterhugatthemoment.Theycouldtalk—ornottalk—so

longasshewasabletoleaninandholdonforabit.Themerethoughtreleasedsomethinginher
brainthatmadeherchestachealittleless.Sosheletthethoughtplayinherminduntilshe
rememberedshewassupposedtobethinkingaboutseeingJonagain.Thenshefeltguilty.Shedidn’t
mindthinkingabouthuggingJoninstead,butthethoughtdidn’tmaketheacheinherchestfade.

Esmewasn’tquitesurewhattodoaboutthatbecausethingshadactuallygottenbetterbetweenher

andJononthetrip.TheyhadSkypedeachnight,andhe’dbeenadorableaboutcountingdownthe
daysforherreturnbysendingbouquetsofflowerstothehotel…ahotelshespentnorealtimein,but
hewastrying.Andthatonlymadeitharderforhertoadmitthatabouquetofflowersfromherfiancé
wasn’tthesameashearingherbestfriend’svoiceandknowinghewasdoingokay.

AlthoughitwasstupidtothinkHunterwasn’tokay.Ofcoursehewas.Hunterhadatight-knitgroup

offriendsandfamilywhohadhisback.Esmeknewthatbecausesheusedtobepartofthatgroup…
andthefactthatshewasn’tanymore?

Esmetookadeepbreath,pullingoutherphonetodistractherself.
Work.Itwasbesttothinkaboutwork.
She’dtalkedRogerintolettingherstayanextrafulldayinanefforttocoverboththeirbutts.She’d

spentthatextradaytouringthefacilitiesofthethird-partycompanythathadbeenmisrepresenting
theirservicestoRogerforthepastthreeyears.Thenshe’dspentlastnightwritingascathingreview
oftheiroperationsandcredibility,encouragingRogertodiscontinuethepartnershipbeforesending
ittohim.

Itwasn’tmuch,butitwastime-stampedanddated.ThatmeantRogercoulduseitifheneededto,or

hecoulddisregarditforever.IfDanewasrightinhisrecommendation,thelatterwouldhappen.Butif

Esmewasright?Well,then,thingswouldgetinterestingandherreportwouldlendsomecredibility
thatRogerwasdoingsomeduediligencetoinvestigatetheallegationsthathadbeenbroughttohim.

ThequestionshehadtoasknowwaswhethertodropRogerasaclient.Shedidn’twanttothink

aboutthat,butshehadtomakeaseriouspro-conlistanddecideifhiswasarelationshipworth
keeping.He’dproventoheroverthepastfewdaysthathewaswillingtobeunethical,whichmeant
thatthenexttimeasimilarethicaldilemmapresenteditselfheprobablywouldn’tknockonEsme’s
door.He’dmakehismovewithoutconsultingandshe’dendupwithacurveballfromoutof
nowhere.

Oneofthefewjoysofconsultingwasthatyourclientcouldn’tjustfireyou.Youcouldfirethem.

AndwhileEsmehadnoproblemmanagingacrisis,shedidmindsavingpeoplefromtheirown
intentionalsins.

Thequestionwas:WasRogeroneofthoseclientswhowouldexploither?Afterthispastweek,she

honestlydidn’tknow.

CuriousastowhatotherscandalsRoger ’scompanymighthavehiddenwithoutherknowledge,

Esmeopenedthebrowseronherphoneandpunchedinsearchtermstoseeifanythingcameup.
Nothingobvious.AndnonewswasgoodnewsuntilshespottedaRedditlink.

14CompaniesThatAreLyingAboutBeingMadeintheUSA.
Notgood.ItwashighlyunlikelythatthepostmentionedRoger ’scompany,butitwasrelevantso

sheclickedthelinkandglancedatthefirstparagraph.

Sixmonthsago,wesentproofto27companiesthattheirMadeintheUSAlabelingwasfalse.

Thirteenofthosecompaniesrespondedbychangingtheirways.Herearethe14thathaveknowingly
continuedtomislabeltheirproductforthepastsixmonths.

Esmebreathedasighofreliefasshescrolledthroughthenames,knowingthatRoger ’scompany

couldn’tbeonthelistbecausethey’donlybarelyfoundout.MaybethisgrouphadmadeRogerpart
oftheirsecondvigilantewave.Ifso,thatmeantsixmonthswastheircutoffandRogerdidn’thave
eightmonthstowaitouthiscurrentcontract.Heneededtocutthingsoffnow.

Tobethorough,EsmescrolledthroughthecompanieslistedontheRedditor ’sSinListuntilher

fingerforce-stoppedonnumbernine.Shewasstillprocessingwhathereyeswereseeingwhenher
phonelitupwithacall.

Roger.
Sixmonths,shethoughttoherselfasshedebatedwhethertoanswerornot.He’sknownforsix

months.

Onthefifthring,shepickedup.
“Esme,”Rogersaid,hisvoicepanicked.“There’sbeenadevelopment.Haveyougottenonyour

flightyet?”

“No,”shesaidcarefully.“Roger,haveyoureallyhadalltheinformationyoushowedmethispast

weekforsixmonths?”

Hisuneasysightoldherhehad.
“It’snotaseasyasthat,”hereplied.“Icanwalkyouthrougheverythingbackattheoffice.IknowI

shutyoudownwhenyousaidthismighthappen,butit’sclearyouwererightandIneedyoutostayin
DCandworkthroughthis.”

Esmetookaslowbreathandreachedovertograbhercarryon.Itlookedlikeshewasstaying.
“Asilverlininginthisforyouisthatstayingputsyouinovertimeinourcontract,sothatmeans

doublepay,”Rogerremindedher.

ThatwashonestlytheleastofEsme’sworries.Shehadnodoubtshewasabouttoearneverypenny.

“Seeyouinafewhours,Roger.”

Chapter39

HunterstoodatthewindowofLuke’sworksiteandtookinthenightviewofthecity.Itwasn’ta

badone,buthe’dstoppedcaringaboutthatawhileago.Theviewwasjustanexcusetostayinone
placeforfiveminuteswithoutanyoneaskingwhathewasdoing.

Lukesteppedupnexttohim.“Whatya’doing?”
Hunterlookedoverandglared.“Lookingattheprettylights.”
“Uh-huh,”Lukesaid.“Me,too.Imean,lookatallthatelectricity.Weshouldtakeapicture.”
Huntershookhishead.“You’realostcause,man.”
“Takesonetoknowone.”
“Gotmethere.”
ForabouttensecondsLukegrantedHunterthegiftofsilence.Thehebrokeit.
“Wantafreelifetip?”Lukeoffered.
“CanIstopyou?”
Lukesmirked.“Noonelikesapityparty.Noteventheorganizer.They’reawasteoftime.”
“I’llrememberthatthenexttimeI’matapityparty.”
“I’mprettysureIsteppedintoonewhenIjoinedyouatthiswindow.You’vebeenstaringatthe

samespotforthirtyminutes.”

“Dude,it’sbeenlikefiveminutes.”
Lukesentapointedlooktohiswatch.“Checkthetime,man.Checkyourdrink.Twentybuckssays

it’slukewarm.”

Huntertouchedthesideofhisbottle,surprisedtofindthatLukewasright.
Hadhereallybeenstandingthereforthirtyminutes?
“Onaseparatenote,”Lukesaid,lookingoutthewindow.“You’vebeenprettyuselesstomeforthe

pastfewweeks.Idon’tknowwhyyoukeepcomingovertohelp.”

“Ineedtostaybusy,”Hunteradmitted.
“Thatwouldimplyworking.Allyoudoisshowupandstareoffintospace.It’skindofkillingmy

vibe.”

Huntershookhishead,knowingwhathisfriendwastryingtodojustlikeheknewitwasn’t

working.“Howdoyoudoit,man?”

“Dowhat?”
Hunterlookedoveratthefriendhe’dknownalmostaslongasEsme.“Kadeissuchaloser,andyet

hehasAli.Howcanyousleepatnightknowingthat?”

Lukelookedoutthewindow.“BecauseAligetstodecidewho’sinherlifeandwhoisn’t.Notme.”
“Iknow.Buthowdoyoustandbywhenyouseehimsettinguptohurther?”heasked,feelinghis

temperrise.“Whenyouseethemanipulation,howcanyoustillstepoffandleteverythingplayout?”

“Becauseexperiencehastaughtmethatallthathappensbyspeakingupisthatyougetblamedfor

theproblemsbecauseyou’retheonewhopointedthemout.”HeglancedoveratHunter.“People
reallydoshootthemessenger,myfriend.It’snotjustacliché.ThefastestwaytoloseEsmeistotattle

onJon.He’swaitingforit,Ipromise,andyou’retheonewhowillgetthrownunderthebus.It’satale
asoldastime.”

“Soyouletitgo?”Hunterasked.
Lukeshookhishead.“Ofcoursenot.That’simpossible.Ihavethirteenyearsofbadmojostuckin

mycrawifanyoneevercarestolook.Luckilyforme,nobodydoes.Inthemeantime,Iburnoffall
myinternalizedangerbyrippinghousesapartandputtingthembacktogetheragain.Itputsalotmore
moneyinmypocketthantheshrinkIusedtosee.”

Huntermulledoverthat.
“Staybusy,”Lukesaid.“That’smyadvice.YoutoldEsmeyouloveherandshehasn’tspokento

yousince.There’snothingforyoutodobutmoveon.Ifyoudon’t,it’lldriveyoucrazy.”

Thatwasdefinitelytrue.Huntercouldalreadyfeelthecrazybeginningtobrew.“Butasafriend,

can’tItellher—”

“You’reataintedwell,man,”Lukesaidoverhim.“Trustme.TattlingonJondoesn’tendwellfor

you.Ever.”

“But…youcould,”Huntersaid,brightening.
Lukehelduphishands.“I’vemettheguyonce.”
“Andhewasadouche.”
“Thathewas,”Lukeagreed.“ButIsawnothingthatwarrantsaninterventionwithEsme.Theguy

seemsdecent,butjealous.Ithinkthethingthatpissesyouoffisthatyou’vealwaysimaginedEsme
marryingsomeonesohighaboveyouthathe’dbeuntouchable.Butthat’snotwhat’shappening.You
actuallythinkyou’rebetterthanthisguyandit’smessingwithyou.”

“We’rebothbetterthanJon,”Huntermuttered.“I’mjustsomadatEsmefornotseeingthrough

him.She’ssmarterthanthat.”

“Likeyou’resmartenoughnottofixateonsomethingyoucan’tchange,right?”
Huntergrunted,staringoutthewindowandtryingnottopunchit.“Idon’tevenknowwhat‘stay

busy’reallymeans.”

“Focuselsewhere,”Lukesaid.“Especiallyonstuffyou’vegivenuponbecauseofEsme.Dothat

stuff.Rememberthateverythinggoodinyourlifedoesn’tcomefromher,andsomethingsare
actuallybetterwithouther.”

Huntershookhishead.“WhatdoesitsayaboutmethatIcan’teventhinkofonethingwhenyou

saythat?”

Lukeshrugged.“Youlikesurfing.Whenwasthelasttimeyouwent?”
Thatwasactuallyagoodquestion.
“Gosurfing,”Lukesuggested.“Startthereandseewhereitleadsyou.”
Huh.Whyhadn’tHunterthoughtofthat?Nextdayoff,hewasmakingthetrip.

Chapter40

“I’mgoingtobeinDCatleastanotherweek,”Esmesaidintoherlaptop’scamera.“Minimum.”
Onherscreen,Jonfrowned.“Can’tyoutelecommute?Whydoyouneedtobeonsite?”
“Becausetherearetoomanywaysthiscangowrong,”shereplied.“Ineedtostayheretorun

interference.”

“Idon’tlikeit.”
Esmeshrugged.“Well,Idon’tlikethatyoulookatotherwomen’sbreastsallday,butI’mdealing.”
Heshookhishead.“Onehasnothingtodowiththeother,Esme.Imissyou.”
“Imissyou,too,”shesaidinreflex.“Butthisismyjob,andsometimestripslikethishappen.Not

often,buttheydohappen.”

“Ithoughtitwasyourjobtostopthisstufffromhappening.”
Shebithertongue,carefultorespondtohiswordsandnothistone.“Idoalotofpreemptive

thingstotrytostopthingslikethisfromhappening,butwhatI’mdoingnowisactuallywhat’sinthe
contract.It’smyjobtomakesurethiscontroversydoesn’tresultinthecompanyfolding.”

“Andthat’sgoingtotakeaweek?”
“Ataminimum,”Esmesaid.
Heappearedtoprocessthat.“IguessIreallydon’tunderstandwhatyoudo.”
Shetriedforalightertone.“I’llwalkyouthroughitanytime.”
“Maybe,”hesaid.“Well,Iguesssinceyou’renotgoingtobeheretonight,asplanned,I’llfind

somethingelsetodo.”

Ifthatwashisattemptataguilttrip,hewasgoingtohavetoworkharderthanthat.Esme’sskin

wasn’tthatthin.

“Sure,”Esmesaid,ignoringhisself-pity.“Gooutwiththeguys.Havesomefun.”
Jon’sunreadablefacelookedatheronthescreen.
“I’mserious,”shesaid.“Youdeserveit.”
“Gooutwiththeguys?”herepeated,hisvoiceflat.“Havefun?Areyousureyou’retalkingtothe

rightboyfriendrightnow?”

Esmebitbackthefirstwordstocometomindashertemperflared.Afterallshe’ddone,therewas

nowayshewaslettinghimgetawaywithlowblowslikethat.

“Andwiththat,we’redone,”shesaid,reachingforhermouseandpositioningthecursortoendthe

call.“Goodnight,Jon.”

Maybehesaidgoodnight,maybehedidn’t.Esmehonestlydidn’tcaresolongashedidn’thearthe

nextwordsoutofhermouthaftershedisconnected.

Sometimesalittlebitofspacewasn’tabadthing.Atleastthat’swhatshetoldherselfassheflung

herselfontothehotelbedanddidherbesttofocusonRoger ’sproblemsinsteadofherown.

Chapter41

Lukewasright.IthadbeenwaytoolongsinceHunterhadgonesurfing.SantaCruzwasonlya

ninety-minutedrivefromSanFrancisco,buthehadn’tmadethetripinmonths.Thingsalwayspopped
uptokeephimintown…thingsthatusuallystartedwithaphonecalloratextfromEsme.

But,asLukehadpointedout,thosewereathingofthepast.Hunter ’sschedulewasnowwideopen

forsurfing.

Thebeachwasasgoodasiteverwaswiththepost-LaborDaycrowds.Kidswerebackinschool

andfamilyvacationswereover.Itdidn’tleavethebeachemptybyanymeans,buthewasn’ttripping
overadifferentDisneycharactertoweleveryotherstepwhenhearrived,either.

TheblissfulfatigueofoverworkedmuscleshadHunterridingtoshoretore-fuel.Agallonof

water,afewsandwiches,andaboutthirtyminutesofrestinginthesunshouldgethimreadyforround
two.

Man,hemissedthebeach.Yes,SanFranciscotechnicallyhadbeaches,butHunterconsideredthem

moretobedeathtraps.Rescuecallstotheoceanwereoftenthemostdepressing.Peoplesavedupall
yearforavacation,onlytoshowup,benaïve,anddieforit.IfHunterneverworkedanothercalllike
thatagain,thatwouldbejustfine.

Ofcourse,thosekindsofcallshappenedeverywheretherewasabeach,butatleastinSouthern

Californiapeoplehadfunbeforetheygotintotrouble.InSanFranciscothingsprettymuchwentfrom
badideatobadresultinamatterofminuteswithnofuninbetween.Whenmostpeoplethoughtof
beaches,theythoughtofgettinginthewater.Theythoughtofotherwaterthey’dspenttimeinand
reasonedthatstandingknee-deepinabeachinSanFranciscowassafeandpeachy.

Itwasn’t.ThewaterintheSanFranciscoBaywasitsownspecialbeast—asirenthatcalled,then

triedtopullyououttoseaandkeepyou.HunterwouldtakeSantaCruzanyday.He’deventakethe
pollutedVeniceBeachoverSanFrancisco.Thewatermightbegross,butitwasn’tovertlytryingto
killyou.

Infact,nowthatHunterwasthinkingaboutit,hecouldn’treallythinkofmanyreasonsatalltostay

inSanFrancisconowthatEsmewasoutofthepicture.

Maybeheshouldmove.
TheideaoccurredtoHunterashepickedhisboardupoutofthewaterandmadehiswaytohis

towel.Itwasn’tthefirsttimehe’dthoughtaboutmoving,butitwasthefirsttimehehadn’tdismissed
theideaoutright.

Helovedthesun.Helovedthebeach.Helovednotwearingajacketinthemiddleofsummer.He

lovedsurfing.Therereallywasn’tanythinghedidn’tlikeaboutSouthernCaliforniaoutsideofthe
traffic,buthehadtodealwiththatinSanFrantoo,soitwasn’tthatbigofadeal.Onlyonethinghad
kepthiminSanFranciscoovertheyears,andthatwasnolongerinthemix.Well,shewasnolonger
inthemix;thefeelingsthathadkepthimtherestillwere.

Sostupid.
Butmaybedistancewastheanswer.

Yes,hewouldmisstheguysatthestationandhissideworkwithLuke,buthe’dstillseeeveryone.

HisparentslivedinSanFranciscosoitwasn’tlikehewouldn’tcomebackallthetime.He’dstillkeep
incontactwitheveryonethatmattered.

Lukewouldsurvivewithouthimorfindsomeoneelsetohelp.Darylwasmadlyinloveand

spendingmoreandmoretimewithKambri,sothetimingwasprettymuchperfectthere.Thatleft
ShaunaandkidslikeKennyshesometimesbroughthisway.Buttherewereotherguysatthegym
whocouldpickupthereinsonthat.Huntercertainlydidn’thaveanytypeofspecialtouchwithat-risk
youththatanyotherpersonontheplanetcouldn’treplaceorimproveupon.

Hecouldmove.Hecouldreallymove,andeverythingwouldbetotallyfine.Hecouldbecomea

beachbumonhisdaysoffandwalkaroundthecitywitha0%chanceofrunningintoEsmeorthe
memoriesthatfillednearlyeveryplacehewentbackhome.

I’dbefree,hethought,restinghisboardinthesandnexttohistowel.He’dhaveacleanslate.He

couldstartover.

Thethoughtspearedhimthroughtheheartevenasheknewitwastherightthingtodo.Notonly

couldhestartover,heneededtostartover.

“Hunter?”afemalevoicecalledrightashereachedforhiscooler.
Huntertensed.WhointheworldknewhiminSantaCruz?
Hewastemptedtoignorethewoman—whoevershewas—butthetaponhisshoulderandthe

repeatofhisnameprettymuchmadeitimpossible.Whenheturnedaround,hesawaveryfamiliar
face—notbecausehesawitonthelocalnewseveryday,butbecausethewomanhappenedtobe
Esme’sbestfriend.

“Hey,Grace,”hesaidbeforehiseyeslandedonthemanstandingbehindher.Herhusband,Ash.

Hunterhadmettheguyafewtimesandsofarhehadn’tfoundareasontohatehim.Buttodaywasa
newday,fullofpossibilities.

“Whatarethechances,huh?”Gracesaidwithasmile.“WeallliveinSanFranandhavetocome

allthewaydownheretocrosspaths.”

“Whatarethechances?”Hunterrepeated.Somesarcasmslippedthroughandhechosenottocare.

“Whatbringsyoutwodownhere?”

GracejerkedathumbatAsh.“MymanhereinsiststhatI’lllikesurfing,butsofarI’mhavingmore

funwatchinghim.I’dratherworkonmytan.”

Atthementionofatan,Hunter ’seyesmoveddowntoseeGracewaswearingabikiniunderahalf-

transparentcover-up,andhebroughthiseyesrightback.Ashlethimknowthathe’dcaughtthe
glance…andwaslettingitslide.Thistime.

HunterclearedhisthroatanddecideditwasbestnottocommentonGrace’stanashemethereyes

andsaid,“Toeachtheirown,Iguess.”

Gracenodded.“Esmetriedtoteachmetosurfafewtimes,butIalwaysmanagedtoderailthe

situationbeforeweeveractuallygotboardstoabeach.”

PartofHunterhadbeenwaitingforGracetobringupherbestfriend.Itonlymadesense.Esme

wasoneofthefewpeopletheyknewincommon.Ofcourseshewouldbringherup.

Thatdidn’tmeanHunterknewhowtorespond.
“Fortherecord,I’vebeencheeringforyouallalong,”Gracesaidwithahintofpityinhereyes,

andHunterfelthimselfbristle.

“Yeah?AreyouaRedSoxfan,too?”
BehindGrace,AshlaughedatthejokewhileGrace’sfacestayedthoughtful.
“It’skindoffunnyhowyoucan’tseethingsclearlywhenyou’restandingrightinthemiddleof

them,”shemused.“Thatwasmenottoolongago,andEsmesavedmefrombeinganidiot.Iwaswith
amanwhowas‘safe’butwhodidn’treallyfillmysoul,andEsmehelpedmeseethingsforwhatthey

were.”

“That’snice,”Huntersaid,pickinguphiswaterandtakingabigdrink.Maybeifhedranklong

enoughGracewouldgetthehintandleave.

Ormaybeshewouldwaithimout.
Whenherecappedthebottle,Gracewaswatchinghim.“Webothknowyouloveher.Thattoastyou

gavewasinsanelyromantic.”

“Itwashumiliating.”
“Potato,poh-tah-toh,”Ashmuttered,andHunteractuallysmiledforasecond.Butonlyfora

second.

Graceignoredthemboth.“WhatIsee,thatneitherofyouseemtosee,isthatshelovesyouback.

I’veknownshelovesyousincethedayImetherbackincollege.”

Hunterusedgrabbingasandwichasanexcusenottomakeeyecontactasheanswered.“Sure,she

lovesme.She’sjustinlovewithJon.”

Graceshookherhead.“No.She’sinlovewithyouandsoldontheideaofJon.”
“Uh-huh,”Hunterdrawled.“Isthatwhyshegotengagedtohiminrecordtime?”
“Yes,”Gracesaidasifitshouldbeobvious.“That’sexactlywhy.Hecrossesoffeverythingonthe

movie-boyfriendchecklist,andshe’shadtheaddedbonusofyoubeingthereasaboyfriend
supplementupuntilafewweeksago.Soofcourseeverythinglookedperfectonherside.Therewas
noconcretereasontosay‘no’toJon’sproposalatthetimeitwasoffered,soshedidn’t.”

Hunterunwrappedhisfirstsandwichandtookabite.“Ifyousayso.”
“Ido,”GracesaidinatonethatletHunterknowshewasn’twalkingawayanytimesoon.Shehad

herpiecetosayandshewasgoingtosayit.

Mightaswellgetitoverwith.Gracecouldtalk,hecouldeat,andwhenallthesandwichesand

wordsweregone,theycouldbothgotheirseparatewaysandneverhavethisconversationagain.It
wasasclosetoawinashewasgoingtogetsinceGracewasalreadyonhersoapboxtalking.

“Nowthatyou’reoutofEsme’slife,she’sgoingtocatchupwiththerestoftheclassprettyquickly.

She’salreadystarted.”

“Notlikely,”Huntersaid,takinganotherbite.
“Inevitable,”Gracecountered,herdarkeyeswatchinghimclosely.
“Hon,”Ashsaid,reachingforherhand.“Maybeweshould—”
“No,”shesaid,brushingherhusband’shandaway.“IoweEsmewhenitcomestothis,soI’m

goingtobenosyandawkwardrightnow.”

Behindher,AshgaveHunterashrugofhelplessnessandHuntershruggedrightback.Iftherewas

onethingEsmehadtaughthimitwasthatifyouwantedpeace,sometimesyouhadtoletawomansay
herpiece.Ashhadtriedtostepinandruninterference.Hunterappreciatedthat,buthejustneededto
ridethisoneoutuntilGracegoteverythingoutofhersystem.

“Sotellmehowyouseethiswholemess,”HuntersaidtoGrace.
Grace’sdarkeyesboredintohim,makinghimfeelabitlikeakidagain.“ThemistakeI’veseen

youmakeoveralltheyearsisgivingEsmetheexcusetonottakeyouseriously.She’sneverseenyou
applyyourselftodating.She’sonlyseenyoubecoldandpushwomenaway,whichisenoughtofeed
herfearsthatyouwoulddotheexactsamethingtoherifsheputherselfoutthere.”

“That’sstupid,”Huntersaidoutofreflex.“Sheknowsshe’sdifferent.Iwouldnevertreatherlike

that.”

“Andthereinliesyoursecondmistake,”Gracesaidsagely.“Youdotreatherdifferently,butina

waythatletshertakeyouforgrantedeverystepoftheway.Nooffense,Hunter,butyou’rekindof
likealoyaldogthatcomeswhenevershecallsyetsnarlsateveryonewhoisn’ther.”

“That’s…”maybealittletrue,heconcededsilently.

“Whateverlevelofgameyouhavewithwomen,she’sneverseenit,whichhasgivenherallthe

timeintheworldtotellherselfthatanyromanticthoughtsrelatedtoyouareunrealistic.Youtrained
hertolookelsewhereforthat,whichiswhyJonisinherliferightnow.”

“ButJonisthekindofmanshewants,”Hunterargued.
“Shedoesn’tknowwhatshewantsbecauseshe’sneverreallybeenwithoutthethingsshewants,”

Gracereplied,andHunterhadtoadmitthathelikedthewayshewastalking.Itmadehimpreenabit.

Butthatdidn’tmakeherright.
“Look,Iappreciatethewordsofhopeandinspiration,butEsme’smadeherchoice,Grace.It’smy

jobtorespectthat.Justlikeyou’dwantAshtorespectyourdecisionifyoudecidedtobreakupand
moveon.”

Grace’smouthfellopen,herexpressionaghast.“Areyoukidding?IfIwalkedawayfromAsh,I

wouldexpecthimtofighttoothandnailtogetmeback.I’dwanthimtofightdirty,moveheavenand
earth,anddestroythecompetitionuntilIhadnochoicebuttokisshimsilly.Becauseifhe’snotgoing
tofightforme,whyintheworldwouldIwanttogivehimanotherchance?”

Huh.Hunterhadneverthoughtofitthatwaybefore.Butstill,hissituationwasn’tthesame.
“Butyou’donlywantthatifyouwerestillinlovewithhim.Ifyouweren’t,you’dwanthimto

disappearlikeJonandEsmewantmetodisappear.”

“Jon,”Gracesaidwithforce.“Jonwantsyougone.NotEsme.Esmeisteeteringclosetoa

breakdown.”

Hunterhighlydoubtedthat,butitdidn’tmeanthethoughtofherlosingitabitwithouthimdidn’t

makehisheartpoundalittlefaster.

“I’mtellingyouthatifyoumadeashowofmovingonandhavingfunwithouther,shewouldlose

hermindoutrightandcomerunning.”

Huntershookhishead.“Women.Alwaysaboutthesubversivetactics,aren’tyou?”
Shedidn’tlooktheslightestbitoffended.“Yes!Weusethemonmenbecausetheyworkonus.Alot

ofmenneverpickuponthat,butit’strue.Thewholeworldofromancewouldbealotless
complicatedifmenlearnedtobealittlemorecovertandwomenlearnedtobealotmoredirect.”

“Likeyou’rebeingrightnow,”Huntermuttered.
“Exactly,”GracesaidwithasmileandHuntersentalooktoAsh.
“Youhaveyourhandsfullwiththisone,don’tyou?”hesaidandAshsmiled.
“Wouldn’thaveitanyotherway,”hesaidwithasmilethathadhiswifevisiblyswooning.
Thedudewassmooth.Hunterhadtogivehimthat.
“YoucouldpushEsme’sbuttonssoeasilyrightnow,”Gracecontinued,asiftheyhadn’tsaid

anything.“Goonafewdatestoplaceswhereshehasmemorieswithyouandpostpicsofyouhaving
fun.Itwilldriveherinsane.”

Hunterfinishedhissandwich,talkingaroundthefinalbiteashechewed.“AndwhywouldIwantto

driveherinsane?”

“Becausethenshe’llhavetothinkaboutwhyshe’sbeinginsane.”
HunterlookedfromGracetoAsh.“Doesthismakesensetoyou?”
Theotherguyshrugged.“Womendothisstufftoeachotheralldaylong.It’showtheygeteach

other ’sattention,andalsowhytheyflipoutwhenwe”—hethrewupsomeairquotes—“‘ignore’it
whentheydoittous.Butthingslikeknowingsomeonethey’reatoddswithishavingfunwithnew
peoplereallygetsunderawoman’sskin.”

Gracenoddedherheademphatically.“Youshouldbegoingtoallofyourfavoriteplaceswiththe

hottestpeopleyoucanfindandpostingthepicturesalloversocialmedia.”

“ButIdon’tdosocialmedia,”Hunterargued.“She’llknowit’sfake.”
“No,”Graceargued.“She’llknowthatshewasneverabletogetyoutousesocialmedia—despite

herbestefforts—butthatsomehowyournewgroupoffriendsgotyouonboardovernight.”

“That’sstupid.She’llseerightthroughit.”
“She’llbetooannoyedtoseethroughit,”Graceargued.“Rightnowshefeelsguiltybecauseshe

knowsshehurtyou.Whatyouneedtodoismakeherrealizehowmuchsheishurtingbytakingguilt
offthetable.”

Again,HunterlookedtoAsh.“She’skidding,right?”
Ashshookhishead.“Afraidnot.”
Hunterfelthisfacescrunchinconfusion.“Andwhatshe’ssayingmakessensetoyou?Imean,it’s

nuts,right?”

Theotherguygaveahelplessshrug.“ItmakessenseifEsmereallydoescareaboutyou.Ifshe

doesn’tloveyou,itwillbackfirehardcore.Butifshedoes…”

Well,thatwasthatthen.“Soit’ssettled.I’mscrewed.”
“Thenwhatdoyouhavetolose?”Gracepressed
Hunterwaslost.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Imean,ifEsmelovesyou,she’sgoingtocomeflyingintoyourarms.Ifshedoesn’tloveyou,

thenshelosestheguiltandthingsgobacktobeingchill.Eitherway,Ithinkyouendupwitha
situationbetterthantheoneyou’restandingin.”

“Allbypostingpicturesonsocialmediaofmehangingoutwithprettypeople?”Hunterlaughed.

“Thatliterallymakeszerosense.”

GraceandAshsharedalookandGracefrowned.“I’mnotsayingitright,amI,papi?”
Ashreachedoutansqueezedherhand.“Igetwhatyou’resaying,babe.”
“Yes,butyouaretrulyadvancedamongmen,”shesaid,hereyesdroppingtoAsh’slipsasifshe

felttemptedtokisshim.“CanyoutranslatewhatI’mtryingtosayintoman-speakforme?”

HuntercouldtellbythelookonAsh’sfacethathewouldhavepreferrednotto.Hisinstinctwasthe

sameasanyotherman’sontheplanet:buttoutandletHunterhandlehisownmesses.Butforhis
woman,Ashwoulddoashewasbeingasked.

Hunterhadoncebeenthatguy—bowingtoEsme’swillanddoinganythingfortheasking.Whatan

idiothe’dbeen.Hecouldn’tblameAshfordoingthesame,though.Atleastthewomanhewas
bendinghiswillforclearlylovedhimback.Theyweretwo-wayidiotsforeachother.Thatwas
differentthanbeingaone-waypiningidiotlikehim.

Knowinghewasn’tgettingawayfromthelovebirdsuntilAshdidasGraceasked,Hunterlookedat

theothermanwithalookthatsaid,Justgetitoverwith.

Ashseemedtocatchthesignal.“So…youmentionedtheRedSoxbefore.”
“Yeah?So?”
“ThinkBabeRuthin1920—”
“TheRedSoxtradehimtotheYankeestofinanceafreakin’musical,”Huntersaid,knowingwhere

themanwasgoing.

Ashnodded.“$100,000forBabeanda$300,000loanforthemusical.”
Huntershookhishead,thefactoidliterallyhurtinghissoul.“Idiots.”
“Forsure,”Ashagreed.“Becausewhathappensfromthere?”
“BabeRuthhits665ofhiscareer714homerunswiththeYankeeswhileleadingthemtoseven

WorldSeriesandfourtitles.”

“Andahundredyearslater,theRedSoxarestillkickingthemselves,”Ashsaid.
“Definitely.”
Theothermanshrugged.“BeBabe.That’sallGraceissaying.Hitahomerunatallthevenues,let

itbefrontpage,andletEsmefindallthesolaceshecanwithhermusical.”

Hunterblinkedasunderstandingwashedoverhim.

Okay,Gracemighthaveapoint.
Asheconsideredthat,Ashsteppedaway,lightlypullinghiswifeafterhim.“Itwasgoodrunning

intoyou,man,butweknowyoucameheretobealone.We’llleaveyoutoit.”

Graceallowedherselftobeledaway,butcouldn’thelpbuthavethelastword.“You’reagood

man,Hunter.Andyou’reacatch.Don’tbeafraidtoremindEsmeofthatoverandoveragain.”

Huntersentthembothawaveastheymovedtoanotherpartofthebeach,buthehadtoadmitthat

Gracehaddefinitelyhadherwaywithhismind.Thewheelsinhisheadwereturninginanewway.
Andhekindoflikedit.

Chapter42

ThenightlyconversationswithJonhadswitchedfromSkypetosimplephonecalls.Themain

differencewasthatEsmecouldnolongerseehowannoyedJonlookedduringmostoftheircalls.She
onlyheardit.

“Yousaidyou’dbeaweek,”Jonsaid.
“Isaiditwouldbeanotherweekataminimum.”
Pause.“Isitme,Esme?IsitsomethingIdid?”
Shewasgenuinelyconfused.“Wheredidthatquestioncomefrom?”
“Thereasonyouneedallthisdistance?”heexplained.“IknowImadeyoumadwithwhatIdidat

theengagementparty,butIdon’tfeellikeyoubeingacrossthecountrywhileweneedtoworkonus
isagoodchoice.”

“Onceagain,it’smyjob,Jon.”
“Oneyoucouldalwaysdofromhereuntilwestartedfighting.”
“Well,Ididn’thaveanyclientsincrisisatthattime.”
Shecouldhearthefrowninhisvoicewhenhereplied.“It’sjustawfultiming.Ifeellikeifthere

waseveratimeforustostayclose,it’snow.”

“AndIunderstandthat,”Esmesaid.“Butlookingatitfromtheoppositeside,ifnotbeinginthe

sameroomfortwoweeksisenoughtomakeusadriftapart,that’snotagoodsigneither.”

“Igetthat,”hesaidandEsmecouldalmostpicturehisexpression.She’dbetalmostanythingthat

hehadhisproblem-solvingfaceon.

Itwassointerestingtorealizethattheveryqualityshefoundsoendearingwhentheyweretogether

frustratedherthemostwhentheywereapart.Jonwasabitofacontrolfreak.She’dalwaysknown
that.Whenshewaswithhim,thatqualitymeantseamlesseveningsfullofromanceandfun.Butwith
heracrossthecountry,helostallthecontrolhehadoverherenvironmentandfreakedoutabit.She
wasleftwithbouquetsinherhotelroomandconversationswithagrumpyboyfriend…wait,fiancé.
Notboyfriend.Fiancé.

Sheglancedatherringfinger,noticingthatshehadn’tputherringbackonafterwashingher

hands.Itwaslayingonthecounternexttothehotelroom’ssink.She’dputitbackoninthemorning.

Stillsensinghisannoyanceontheothersideoftheline,Esmethrewoutacompromise.“How

aboutyoucomevisitmeovertheweekend?FlyoutafteryourlastconsultonFridayandflybackon
Sundaynight.Theyhavenon-stops.You’llbehereinnotime.”

“Whichmeansyoucouldflybackhere.”
Esmebithertongue.Hedidn’tgetit.Beforeshecouldalwayslethiswillfulignoranceabouther

workslide.Priortothistrip,hislackofunderstandingresultedinanobnoxiouscommentfromtime
totimeandshecouldletthatgo.Buttheconversationsthey’dhadoverthepasttwoweeksweremore
thanobnoxious.Theywereadownwardspiral.Atthemoment,Jon’scontinuedignorancewasabout
twosecondsfromstartinganactualfight.

“I’llbeworkingovertheweekend,”shesaid.“Maybethey’llwantmeintheoffice,maybeI’llbe

calledtocoachamediainterview,ormaybethey’llcallmeandaskaquestionoverthephone.Idon’t
knowwhichone,though,andthatmeansIcan’tleave.Doesthatmakesense?”

“Don’tyouhaveallthatscheduledoutinadvance?”heasked.
“No,”shesaid,workinghardtokeephervoicecalm.“ThisisPR,Jon.Thinkofitlikefishing.I

throwalotoflinesintotheoceanandwaitforatug.Let’ssayIhavethirtyfishinglinesbaitedand
castoutrightnow.Basedonthebait,Ihaveasenseofwhatmightbiteandmaybewhen,butallthe
fishmightbefullonotherbaitorswimmingsomewhereelseentirely.Idon’tknow.Butwhenoneof
thoselinestugs,Ineedtojump.Itdoesn’tmatterwhatdaythathappensorwhattime.IfIdon’tact
immediately,I’lllikelylosethefish,thebait,andmaybeeventhepole.”

“AndI’masurgeon,”hereturned.“Ashorttriplikethatwillmesswithmysleepscheduleenough

tomakemeoffmygameforacoupleofdays.”

“Thensay‘no’,”Esmesnapped.“Itwasjustanidea.”
“Iappreciateit,butit’salongwaytogoforabootycall,Esme.”
EsmepulledthephoneawayfromherearsoJonwouldn’thearwhateversoundmightcomeoutof

herasshetookseveralcalmingbreaths.

Ifthat’swherehisheadwasat,thentheyweredefinitelyondifferentchannels.Ifshe’dbeentalking

toHunter,shecouldhavesaidsomethinglike,Doesthatmeanyou’regoingtostopactinglikea
twelve-year-oldgirlbetweennowandthen?Becausethewholewhineyandpoutythingreallydoesn’t
doitforme.

Butshewasn’ttalkingtoHunter.ShewastalkingtoJon.Andtherewasn’tathinghewassaying

thatmadehermisshim…especiallylikethat.

Herfrustrationhadherreachingforthecookiehousekeepinghadleftwithherturndownservice.

Shereallyshouldcallthefrontdeskandtellthemtostopleavingthem.Shehadn’tseenascalesince
landinginDC,butbasedonhowherclotheswerefitting,itwasn’tunlikelythatshe’dputonten
poundsonthistrip.She’devenboughtanewskirttwodaysagotoreplaceapairofdresspantsshe
couldn’tfastenanymore.Itseemedunthinkablethatshecouldactuallyputonweightthatquickly.But
evenknowingthatshewasballooning,Esmecouldn’tstopeating.

“Imissyou,”Jon’svoicesaidoutofthephoneinawhite-knucklegripatherside.“ButIdon’t

thinkaweekendflightisthesolution.”

Yeah.Esmeknewwhathissolutionwas.Ignoreherjob,flyhome,andchangeherlifetorevolve

aroundhim.Well,thatwasn’thappening.

“Esme?Areyouthere?”
Withamouthfulofcookie,Esmemadeasnapdecisionandbroughtherphonebackuptoherear.

“Youknow,I’mrealizingthatyouandIaren’tgoodatdistance,”shesaidinatonesheusuallyused
moreinbusinessthaninpersonalconversations.“Ithinkwemightbefocusingtoomuchonthe
distance,insteadofgoingwiththeflow.”

Jonhesitated.“Okay.Whatdoesthatmean?”
“Itmeans,whydon’tweskipourcalltomorrownightandbothdosomethingelseinstead?I’llgo

out,you’llgoout,andwe’llsendpicturestoeachother.Wecanhavefunandshareit,whichwillstop
usfromrecyclingthissameconversationoverandoverlikewe’vebeendoing.I’mprettysureit’sa
downerforbothofus.”

“Esme,ifIgooutwithoutyou,womenwillhitonme.”
“Sodon’tflirtback,”Esmesaid.“Menwillflirtwithme,too.We’renotobligatedtoreciprocate,

Jon.”

Hadthosewordscomeoutofhermouth?Seriously?Wasthatsomethingsheliterallyhadto

remindherfiancéof?

“It’s…justeasierwithyou.”

Easier?Didthatmeanevenpartofhimwastemptedwhenshewasn’tthere?Somethingclickedin

hermindassheconsideredthat.

“Waitasecond,”shesaidasrealizationwashedoverher.“Isthatwhyyoudon’ttrustmewith

Hunter?YouthinkI’mtemptedbyhimifyou’renotintheroom?”

Jondidn’treply.
Shestoodfirm.“I’mgoingtoneedananswertothatquestion,Jon.”
Therewasanotherbeatofsilence.“Iworkincosmeticsurgery,Esme.Iknowwhenamanisgood

looking.”

“That’snotananswer.DoyouhonestlythinkIwouldcheatonyouwithHunterifyouweren’t

around?”

Anotherhesitation.“Yes.”
Theadmissionstunnedher.“Yes?”
“Tobehonest,Ifinditimpossibletobelievethatyoutwohaven’tbeentogetherinthepast.”
Well,thatwasn’tnews.“Wehaven’t.”
“Soyousay.”
Thereplyfeltlikeasmack.“SoIsay?DoesthatmeanyouthinkI’mlying?”
“IthinkyouandHunterhaveanagreementaboutwhatyousayanddon’tsaytoothersaboutwhat

goesonbetweenyoutwo.Butifthere’sonethingIknow,it’sthatyourallegedbestfriendwoulddo
anythingyouasked,includinghidingoutonthedown-lowforaslongasyouaskedhimto.”

Esmeskippedthewholemessofpointshe’djustthrownatherandjumpedtotheheartofthe

accusation.“Thenwhyareyouwithme?IfyouareconvincedthatHunterismyaceinthehole,why
intheworlddidyoupropose?”

“Well,Ihadn’treallymethimatthatpoint,hadI?”
Withthatimpliedaccusation,theconversationquicklymovedontoeggshells.Butthatdidn’tmean

Esmewasgoingtobackoff.Shejustneededtochooseherwordscarefully.

“AreyousayingyoufeellikeItrickedyoubywaitingtointroduceyoutoHunter?”
“Hewouldhavebeennicetoknowaboutbeforewemadethingsofficial,yes.”
Esmetookadeepbreath,processingthat.
“ImetGraceseveraltimes,”headded.“WhynotHunter?”
“BecausemenIdateareusuallyprettyintimidatedbyhim.Historically,itdoesn’tendwellwhen

theymeetHunter.Caseinpoint,howyou’rereactingrightnow.”

Fromthesilenceontheothersideofline,itseemedlikeJonwasprocessingthat.“Behonest,

Esme.HaveyouandHuntereverhookedup?”

“No,”Esmesaid,tryingtokeeptheexasperationoutofhervoice.“Never.Notonce.Ever.How

manywaysshouldIsayit,Jon?”

“Once,”hesoftly.“ButitneedstobeinawayIbelieve.”
Shesnapped.“Well,you’regoingtohavetotellmewhatthatsoundslike,becausewe’vehadthis

particularconversationatleasthalfadozentimes,andnothingI’vesaidsofarseemstohavelefta
mark.”

“Becauseitdoesn’tmakesense.”
“Whichpartexactly?”
“Allofit.AndIdon’tfeellikewecanbuildourrelationshiponalie,Esme.Itwillbehardtohear

aboutyourpastwithHunter—I’mnotgoingtolieaboutthat—butIfeellikeIneedtoknowaboutitif
youandIaregoingtoworkmovingforward.”

“Okay,”shesaidcarefully.“Butcanyouhelpmeunderstandwhyyoufinditsoimpossibleto

believethatI’malreadytellingthetruth?Maybethatwillhelpmesaythingsinawayyouwillhear
them.”

Anannoyedsighcamethroughthephone.“Esme,you’veknowntheguyyourentirelife.”
“Yes,”sheagreed.
“Youwereakidwithhim.”
“Yes.”
“Andateenager.”
“Alsotrue.”
“Withallthatsaid,youwantmetobelievethatfour-year-oldyouneverpuckeredup,andneither

didteenageyou?”

“It’sthetruth.”
“Okay.Butifthat’sreallytrue,thenwhy?”Jonasked,clearlyexasperated.“Yourealizeit’s

completelynormalfortwokidsofthesameageandoppositesextoexploredevelopmentstogether,
right?Kidsdothat.Teenagersdothat.Sowhydidn’tyoutwo?Doyouunderstandhowweirdthatis?
Especiallywhenit’sclearthatyoubothfindeachotherattractive,andprobablyalwayshave.”

“It’sjustalinewenevercrossed,”Esmesaid,tryingtokeeptheexasperationfromhervoice.
“Whynot?”
“Because.Neitherofuswantedthingstogetawkward,okay?Peoplewhogettogetherbreakup,

andHunterandIdidn’twanttheretobethatkindofpotentialforthingstogosouth.Theriskwasn’t
worththereward.”Truthbetold,shewaswingingheranswer.SheandHunterhadnevertalkedabout
this,butitfeltliketheclosestthingtothetruthshecouldoffer.

WhenJondidn’treplyimmediately,Esmereplayedwhatshe’dsaidinherheadtoseeiftherewas

anywayshecouldpossiblybeclearer.Itdidn’tseemlikeit,soshewaitedJonout.

“SoyouneverkissedHunterbecauseyouwereafraiditmightleadtolosinghim?”
“Basically,”Esmesaid,feelingacautioushintofrelief.Jonseemedtobecatchingon.
“Soyoulovehim.”
“OfcourseIdo,”shesaid.“ObviouslynotthesamewayIloveyou—”
“Becausetherisk-rewardofkissingmewasworthit?”
Esmecouldn’tholdbackagroanthistime.“Seriously,Jon?Youhaveasister.Haveyouever

kissedher?”

“WhenIwaslikethreeyearsold?Yeah,”heconfessed.“Mymomhaslikeahundredpicturesof

it.”

“Butasanadult,”Esmepressed.“Asateenager.Didyoueverkissher?”
“She’smysister,”Jonsaidflatly.“OfcourseIdidn’t.ButdidIkissherhotfriends?Absolutely.”
“Andareyoustillfriendswiththehotfriendsthatyoukissed?”
“Notreally,”Jonsaid,andforasplitsecondEsmefeltlikeshemighthaveavictoryonherhands.
“See?That’smypoint.Kissingmakesthingsawkward.Youcan’tgoback.That’swhyHunterandI

haveneverkissed.Webothknewtherewasnogoingback.”

Theothersideofthelinewassilentforabeat.“Can’tyouseehowthat’sworsethanifyouhad

kissedhim?”

Herthinhopethatthey’dmadeabreakthroughwasdashedwithhisquestion.“No,Jon.Ican’t.Can

youexplaintomewhyyouthinkitis?”

“Becauseyoulovehim,”hesaidsoftly.“Andyou’veneverexploredwhetherornotyoucouldbe

inlovewithhimbecauseyoufeareditmeantlosinghim.You’rewillingtorisklosingme,butnot
willingtorisklosinghim.Doyouseewhythat’saproblemforme?”

Well,whenheputitlikethat.
“I’dalmostpreferitifyoutoldmeyoutwohaddatedandthatitdidn’tworkout.Thatwouldmake

sense.Insteadyou’retellingmethatit’sallunexploredterritorywhileIknowforafactthatHunter
wantstoexploreit.HowcanIletyoustayfriendsinthatsituation?Idon’twanttobecometheidiot

whosewifemarrieshimforhismoneyonlytogetwhatsheneedsonthesidewithapoor-but-pretty
fireman.”

Esmewasprettysureshe’dneverbeenmoreoffendedinherlife.Shetriedtoshovetherestofthe

cookieinhermouthtostopherselffromsayingsomethingshecouldn’ttakebackonlytorealize
she’dalreadyfinishedit.

Whenhadthathappened?
“That…givesmealottothinkabout,Jon,”shemanagedtosayinaciviltone.“Ithinkthisisa

goodplacetostopourconversationwhileIprocessallofthis.”

“Iagree,”hesaid.
“Okay.”
“Okay,”herepeated.“AndEsme?”
“Yes?”
“Idoloveyou.”
Shewassupposedtorepeatthatback.Sheknewthat.Buttheacidonthetipofhertonguewouldn’t

lether.“Iknow.Callmetomorrowifyoufeellikeit,otherwiselet’smaybegiveitadayortwo
beforewetalkagain.Okay?”

“Okay,”heagreed.“Hopetoseeyousoon,Esme.”
“You,too,”shesaid,thenhungupandthrewherphoneonthebed.
EverytimeshethoughtsheandJonhadtakenastepforward,Hunter ’snamecameupandthey

weresuddenlytakingtenstepsback.Hunterdidn’tevenhavetobearoundtoscrewupherlovelife,as
itturnedout.Hesimplyhadtoexist.

TherealizationwasalmostenoughtogethertopickherphonebackupandcallHunteronthespot

andunloadallofthisonhim…but,ofcourse,shecouldn’tdothat.Foralotofreasons.

Instead,shegroanedanddebatedcallingGrace.
Again.
Gracemusthavebeengettingsickofpickingupphonethesepastfewweeks,butEsmereally

neededtotalkallthisstuffout,becausethingswereonlygoingfrombadtoworsewithJon.

Herfrustratedfiancémaynotunderstandwhatshedidforaliving,butthesameskillsetthatshe

usedatworkeverydaywouldn’tletherhidefromthefactthatsheandJonwerenose-divinginto
crisisterritory.Thedifferencewas,forthefirsttimeinalongtime,shedidn’tknowhowtofixit.

Chapter43

LUKE

Luke:
Foundyouagirl.
Hot,single,readyto
mingle.

Hunter:

Andsheknowsthe

drill?

Luke:
Yep.She’splentybitter
andallaboutusingyou
too.

She’scallingthis
OPERATION:JEALOUSX

Hunter:

Perfect.Wedoubling

withu?

Luke:
Yeah.We’llhitthegame.
Igottickets.

Hunter:

Perfect.I’llpayyouback.

Luke:
You’dbetter.

Chapter44

AfterfourdaysofradiosilencefromJon,Esmewasn’tsureshe’dseehimattheairportwhenshe

flewin.ShewasmentallypreparedtotakeanUberhomewhenshesawhimwaitingforheratthe
baggageclaim.

Shehatedthatshefeltmorethanalittleself-consciousashiseyesmovedoverher.
Yes,she’dgainedweightonthetrip.Evenworse,shefeltfat.Shestillhadn’tweighedherself,but

she’dvisiblyputonweightsincethey’dlastseeneachother.Jonwasacosmeticsurgeon.Hehadto
seeit,andEsmedidn’tknowwhichwouldbeworse:havinghimmentionit,orhavinghimpretendto
ignoreit.

Eitherway,shecouldn’tjuststandandstareathimallday.Sheneededtosayhi.
Soshedid.
Pullinghersuitcasebehindher,EsmewalkeduptoJonandpressedakisstohislips.“Heythere,

handsome.”

“Hey,yourself,”hesaid,reachingforherbag.“CanItakethatforyou?”
Therewasnoneed,buthewastryingsoEsmehandedtheluggageover.
“Howwasyourflight?”heaskedastheystartedtowardparking.
“Good,”Esmereplied.“Firstclass,soIgottorelaxabit.”
“That’snice.”
Silence.
Oh,man.Thiswasbad.Awkward.AndEsmestillfeltfat.WasJongoingtosayanythingaboutthat?
“Foodontheeastcoastisdangerous,”shevolunteered.“IthinkIputonabouttenpoundswhileI

wasthere.”

Heglancedherway.“Isthatall?I’dguessclosertofifteen.”
Esmethoughtshe’dbeenreadyforanyreply,butapparentlynot.Shehadn’tbeenexpectingthat,

andallshecoulddoinresponsewaslaugh.Thenshelaughedsomemore.

Jonhadthegracetoblush.“Thatwasthewrongthingtosay,wasn’tit?”
Esmenodded.“Onalonglistofwrongthingstosay,thatprobablygoesonthetop,yes.”
“Sorry.Tryagain?”
“Please,”Esmesaidastheystartedwalkingagain.
Heclearedhisthroat,choosinghisnextwordscarefully.“Wellthen,ifyoucouldmagically

transportoneofthemealsyouhadinDCinfrontofusbothtonight,whatwouldwebeeating?”

“Mmm.Goodquestion,”Esmesaid,givingitseriousconsideration.“Iwouldhavetosaythatit

wouldn’tbefromarestaurantinDC,butinPhiladelphia.”

Hiseyebrowsshotup.“Philadelphia?I’mintrigued.Goon.”
“I’dtakeustoTalula’sGarden,”shesaidwithasmile.“You’dloveit.It’salllocallysourcedand

nothing’soverseasoned.”

“Youhavemyattention,”Jonsaid,flashingheroneofthesmilessheusedtoseesooften,butnot

somuchanymore.

“Thedécoriswhimsicalwithoutbeingoverpoweringandtheatmosphereonthecozysideof

intimate.”

“Sofarsogood,”hesaidasautomaticdoorsopenedtoletthemexitoutofthemainairport.
“Themealwouldbeginwithanamuse-boucheofperfectlyroundrollsofbriochefilledwitha

pestocreamthatmeltsthemomentithitsyourtongue.”

“Keepgoing,”hesaidandEsmefeltapingofhopethataconversationcouldfinallygowell

betweenthemagain.

“Thiswouldbefollowedbyadecadentsaladofricotta,spoonedandswirledonaplate,andtopped

withthemostperfectpeachestoevertouchyourtastebuds.Allthisisrestingonamixofarugulaand
micro-greens,glazedever-so-lightlywithvinaigrette.Witheatbite,you’llencounterthepleasant
textureofcrushedwafercrispswhilenotingthatthesweet-and-sourblacksauceroundsoutthesalad
perfectly.”

“Mmm,”Jonpurred,gettingintoit.“Itsoundsexcellent.”
“Trustme,”shesaid,smilingupathim.“Itis.”
“Goon,”hesaid,slidinghishandintohers.
This.Thiswasthelanguagetheyspokesofluentlytogether.Thiswaswheretheyweregood,so

shewentwithitasshecontinuedtodescribethemealshewouldsharewithhim.

“ThemaincourseI’mabouttosuggestmaysoundpedestrian,butbearwithme.Ipromiseit’s

special.”

“Ibelieveyou,”hesaid,givingherhandalittlesqueeze.
Sheignoredthesarcasticcommentonthetipofhertonguethatatleasthebelievedherabout

somethingbeforeswallowingitbackandcontinuing.

“Forthemaincourse,we’dorderthesearedsalmon.Theportionissmallerthanyoumighthope

for,butwhatyouareabouttoputintoyourmouthyouwillrememberfortherestofyourlife.”

Jonlaughedastheymovedintotheparkingstructure.“That’salottoaskofasalmon.”
“Iknow.Butprepareyourself.Allyourpalatepointsareabouttobemet,becausewhenthesalmon

comes,it’sservedwithfreshlyharvestedbeets,rootsleftonandroasteduntilfork-tender.These
succulentjewelstasteliketheearthwithallthesoilwashedaway.They’reaccentedwithgreenstossed
invinaigrettewithadollopofpickled,pureedhorseradishthatallcometogetherinaperfectly
seasonedbite.”

Jonnoddedthoughtfully.“Iwouldsaythatsalmondefinitelydiedforacause.”
“Indeed,”Esmeagreed,growinghungryatthememory.“Andfordessert,youcandowrong.I,

personally,chosethedippingdonutstosampleeachofthehousesauces,whichweredivine.ButI’m
certainsuchcouldbesaidforallofthedessertselections.”

“Thatdoessoundlikeasuperiorculinaryexperience,”JonsaidastheyapproachedhisSUV.
“Trustme,”Esmegushed.“Itwas.”
“I’mglad.”
Thenitwassuddenlyawkwardagain,andshewishedsheknewwhy.They’dbeendoingsowell.
EsmeletthesilencehangoverthemasJonopenedthebackofhisSUVandloadedinherluggage.

Butwhentheygotinthefront,sherestedherhandonhiswhenhemovedtostartthecar.

“Canwetalkforaminute?”sheasked.“Beforeyoustartdrivingandhaveanexcusenottolookat

me?”

“Okay,”hesaid,droppinghishandawayfromthesteeringwheel.“What’sonyourmind?”
Esmetookacalmingbreath,decidingthatifthingsweregoingtofeelawkward,shemightaswell

stepinwithbothfeet.“Thistripkindofexposedsomeofthevulnerabilitiesinourrelationship,
wouldn’tyousay?”

Jonhesitated,thennodded.“Iwouldagreewiththat.”

Thatwasagoodstart.“Whatdidyounoticeasaproblem?”
Evenwithoutdrivingasanexcuse,Jonstillseemedtowanttoavoidlookingather.“You’remore

comfortablewithoutmethanIthoughtyou’dbe.Iwasexpectingmoretextsandcallsthroughoutthe
day…maybesome—”heclearedhisthroat.“—picturetexts,too.”

Esmeblinkedafewtimes,processingthat.“I’veneverbeenthekindofwomantosendpictures

likethat,Jon.”

“That’sokay,”hesaidquickly.“Ijustthoughtyouwouldmissmemore,anditmademeuneasy

whenyoudidn’t.”

“Okay,”Esmesaid.“I’lltrytotakethatintoaccountmovingforward.”
Jonlookedup.“Nowletmeflipthequestionbacktoyou.Whatproblemsdidyounotice?”
Hereitwas.Thedangerousquestionwiththeevenmoredangerousanswershehadtosayoutloud

ifsheandJonweretohaveachance.

“WhatInoticedwasthatwhileyoumaynotlikeHunterandbehighlysuspectofourfriendship,

you’veneverreallybeenwithmewithoutHunterinthepicture.”Thistime,shewastheonetolook
away.“Backbeforeyoumethim,itwasn’tlikehedidn’texist.Hedid.AndheandItalkedeveryday.
Wetextedeveryday.Hewaseventhedrivingforcebehindmebeingten-ishpoundslighterthanIam
rightnow.Withouthimcompetingwithmeeveryday,I’mnotverymotivatedtostayactive.”

ToEsme’ssurprise,Jondidn’thaveanangryknee-jerkresponsetothat.Insteadhelooked

thoughtfulandnoddedhishead.“Icanrelatetothat,Iguess.Ipayalotmoreattentiontomystock
investmentsbecausemysisterandIalwaystrytobetheonetobeabletobragthatwe’vemadethe
mostinthemarketeverytimewegettogether.”

“Exactly,”Esmesaid,clingingtotheparallellikealifeline.“Ifyoursisterisdoingbetterthanyou,

thenyou’remoremotivated.Ifyou’redoingbetter,thenyoutauntherandthat’spartofyour
relationship.”

“Yeah,”Jonagreed.
“SowhileIlovefood,IcanpromiseyouthatIwouldn’thavegainedasmuchweightthesepast

weeksifI’dseenHunter ’sstepcounttheentiretimeIwasinDC.Thatwouldhavegottenmybutton
thehoteltreadmill.Andyes,IhaveabouttwodozenotherfriendsonFitBit,butnoneofthemhave
reallystuckitoutasaccountabilitybuddies.OnlyHunterhas,andthat’soneofthemanythingsthat
haschangedatmylifesinceI’vecutoffcommunicationwithhim.”

Jonnodded.“Icanseehowthatwilltakesomeadjustingforyou.”
Esmebreathedasighofreliefattheresponse.Hewasn’tfightingher.Afteralltheconversations

overthephone,she’dbeenexpectingthisconversationtogomuch,muchworse.Butitwasn’t.Thank
heavenforsmallfavors.

“We’reengagedandIdon’twantthattochange,”Esmesaid.“Butwe’vealsoonlyknowneach

othersixmonthsandwe’restillgettingtoknoweachother.Wouldyouagreewiththat?”

“Iwould,”hesaidsoftly.
“Solet’sgetbacktobasicsabit”shesaid,leaningin.“Ithinkweknowwhatwehaveincommon,

butdon’tnecessarilyknowwhateachotherneeds.SoI’maskingyou,Jon,whatdoyouneedfrom
me?What’ssomethingyou’vebeenneedingfrommethatyouhaven’tbeengettingenoughof?”

“I…”
“Yeah?”Esmeprompted.
“Iwishyoucomplimentedmemore,”heconfessed.“Ihavealotofwomenkissinguptomeall

dayandIhavenoproblemshuttingthemdown.It’sjustnicetoknowthatI’mdoingitforawoman
wholikestobeequallyvocalaboutbeingattractedtome.”

Esmenodded,bitingbackthetouchofannoyanceathiscasualmentionofotherfemaleadmirers.

“Icandothat.”

Hesentheralopsidedsmile.“I’dreallylikethat.”Hewrappedbothhishandsaroundhersbefore

pressingakisstothebackofherhand.“Whataboutyou?Whatdoyouneed?”

IneedyoutonotlookatmedifferentlyifIputontenpounds.
IneedyoutomakemelaughwhenI’mstressingout.
Ineedtobeabletoarguewithyouwithoutfeelinglikeeverydisagreementisthebeginningofthe

end.

IneedyoutobemyaccountabilitybuddywhenImakegoals.
Ineedyoutobenicetomyfriends—notcordial—butgenuinelykind.
Ineedyoutonottalkaboutotherwomen’sbreastsiftheybringthemupinaconversationandask

foryouropinion.

Ineedyoutoputyourphoneonsilentwhenwe’retogether.
Ineedyoutojusthangoutsometimes…notasktobedoneoractivitytodistractus.Justus.

Snuggling.WiththeTVonorsomething.

“Iwantyoutolearnmoreaboutmyjob,”shesaid.“It’showIearnmylivingandI’mgoodatit.I

justsavedacompanyfromgoingbellyupwhilekeepingaCEOinplacewhenhedefinitelyshould
havebeenfired.YetIcantellwhenyouintroducemetopeoplethatyoudon’treallyunderstandwhatI
doandwhycompaniespaymetodoit.”

“Igetwhatyoudo,”hesaidwithasmile.“Youhelpcompanieswhentheystepinit.”
“Yes,”Esmeagreed.“ButIdomorethanthat,anditmatters.”
Hiseyesnarrowedinthought.“Soyou’resayingthat’ssomethingHunterdidthatI’mnotdoing?

Understandyourjob?”

“Definitely,”Esmesaid,forgettingtosugarcoatit.“AnytimeIneededasoundingboardabout

something,IcalledHunter.Thatwasoneofhisrolesinmylife.”

“Well,nowIcanbethatsoundingboard,”Jonsaidwithconfidence.“You’vegotamedicaldoctor

providingfeedbackinsteadofafireman.I’dcallthatanupgrade.”

Esmesmiledandbithertongue,notmentioningthattherewasadifferencebetweenbeingbook-

smartandsociallysmart.Huntermaynothavereadabookinthepastdecade,butheunderstood
publicopinion.Hecouldpushandun-pushabuttonwithinthesamebreath.NothingaboutJonwasan
upgradeinthisparticularsituation,butEsmedidn’tneedtosaythatoutloud.Soundingboards
workedjustaswellwhentheywerebouncingbackbadideas.Afterhearingbadideas,youknewwhat
nottodo.Thatwashelpful,too.

“So,”Jonsaid.“Wanttogivemeatourofyourofficewhenwegettoyourplaceandwalkme

throughoneofyourdays?”

Esmenodded.Itwasastart.“Sure.AndJon?”
“Yeah.”
Esmereachedupandranafingerdownhistie.“Ireallylovethiscoloronyou.Youreyeslook

amazing.”

Jonbeamedbeforeleaningintopressakisstoherlips.“Thanks,beautiful.”
Thekisstheysharedmayhavebeenshort,butitwasastart.

Chapter45

Itfeltgoodtobehome.Esmedidn’tmindtraveling,buttherewassomethingaboutbeingbackin

herownnestwithhercomputer,TVs,treadmill,hottub,andviewofthebay.Shehadalsobeenre-
introducedtoherscale,whichhadn’tbeenherhappiestreunion.

Fourteenpounds.UppingtheamountofweightEsmehadgainedinjustunderthreeweeksmaynot

havebeenthesmartestmoveonJon’spart,buthehadn’tbeenwrong.

Four.Teen.Pounds.
Howintheworldhadshemanagedtodothat?
Shesteppedonhertreadmill,readytostepoutherusual5,000stepsonlytogasoutafter3,000.

Promisingtofinishtherestlater,Esmesatathercomputerandstartedherusualmorningroutineof
checkinginwithherclientsandhowtheycomparedtotheirclosestcompetition.Whenshespotted
newsstories,shecheckedthecomments,Tumblr,Reddit,andFacebooktoseeiftheyweregettingany
tractionbeforecompilingherreportsandmakingherrecommendations.

Theroutinefeltlikeanoldfriend.
TheiconatthetopofherFacebookpageshowedthatshehad99+notifications,whichmadesense

sinceshehadn’tcheckedittheentiretimeshewasinDC.Tomakethebubbledisappear,shequickly
clickedonitandscrolledthroughthenotificationsuntilherhandfroze.

HunterhadbeenpostingonFacebook.Alot.Andalotofpeoplehadbeencommentingonhis

posts.

Shehesitatedbeforeclicking.Jondidn’twantherhavecontactwithHunter,butlurkingwasn’t

exactlycontact.Plus,shewantedtoseehowherfriendwasdoing.

Fiveminuteslater,shehadheranswer.Hunterwasdoingfine.Justfine.
Esmestaredattheblondetuckedunderhisarminoneofhismorerecentpictures.Itwasthesame

blondehewascheek-to-cheekwithinhisprofilepicture.Theylookedhappy.

Reallyhappy.
“Good,”Esmemutteredassheclickedthelinktohisphotosandcheckedthetags.
TanyaRasmussen.Thatwashername.AndsheandHunterhadbeenbusy.They’dgonepaddle

boardingatthebeach,visitedmuseums,andevendoneamovieinthepark.

EsmeknewHunterwellenoughtoknowthatthesmileinhispictureswasn’tforced,andTanya

lookedoverthemoon.

“Good,”sherepeated,eventhoughpartofherfeltlikeshewasgoingtobesick.
Uneasystomachaside,EsmeclickedthroughtheimagesHunterhadpostedoverthepasttwo

weeks,pausingonapictureofHunterandLukeonadoubledateataGiantsgame.

LukehadmetTanya?TherewerenorulesagainsthercontactingLuke.Allshewantedtoknowwas

whetherHunterreallywasdoingwellornot.Basedonthepictures,hedefinitelylookedwell,but
Lukewouldknowforsure.Onethingwasforsure,hehadn’tputonfifteenpoundslikeshehad.If
anything,hewasmorecut.ThepictureofHunterpaddleboardingwearingnothingmorethanapair
ofboardshortswas…somethingsheshouldn’tthinkabouttoolong.

Still,itwouldn’tbecrossingthelinetofindoutwhatLukethoughtofthisTanyagirl.Pickingup

herphone,sheshothimoffatext.

Esme:

So…Tanya?

Heactuallyrespondedinlessthanaminute.

Luke:
Whatabouther?

Esme:

Youknowher?

Luke:
Yeah.Why?

Hmm.Hewasn’tgoingtomakethiseasyforher.Butshe’dalreadygottheconversationalball

rolling.Mightaswellfinishwhatshe’dstarted.

Esme:

Howlonghaveshe

andHunterbeen

dating?

Luke:
Nope.Notgoingthere
withyou.TalktoHunter.

Esme:

Hewon’tanswer

mytexts.

Luke:
Shocker.Can’timagine
why.

Esme:

Iscrewedupwithhow

Ihandledthingswith

him.Iknowit.

Luke:
…

Esme,there’sscrewing
up,thenthere’swhat

youdid.

Esme:

Iknow.

Luke:
StalkingTanyaisnot
theanswer.Moveon.
Hunterhas.

Esme:

Ijustwanttomake

surehe’sreallyhappy.

Luke:
Again,that’saquestion
forHunter.Can’thelp
you.Sorry.

Esmesetherphonedown.ThepitinherstomachfromseeingthepicturesofHunterwasnow

joinedbyahealthydoseofannoyance.She’dclickedthroughthetwenty-or-sopicturesofHunterand
Tanyaseveraltimesalready,butonthenextpassthroughshestoppedontheselfieofHunterand
TanyaonthebeachwithHunterleaningintopressakisstoTanya’scheekwhileTanyalaughed.

Thepicturewasadorable.Outrightadorable.SowhydidEsmefeellikeshewasgoingtothrow

up?

Abandoningherdailyresearch,EsmelookedupTanya’sInstagramaccountandstarted

familiarizingherselfwithHunter ’snewloveinterest.Hisperky,smiley,blondegirlfriendwhohad
goneparaglidingwithhim.HunterhadaskedEsmetogomorethanonce,butshe’dbeentooscared.

NotTanya,though.Tanyalookedlikeshewashavingthetimeofherlife.AndEsmehatedherfor

it.

Chapter46

Iftherewaseverapictureofaperfectlycontentwoman,itwasthesightofGracesittinginEsme’s

hottubeatingapintofporticecream.

“Nexttimeyouleavetownforamonth,youneedtoleavemeakeysoIcancomeoverhereand

escapefromtimetotime,”Gracesaid,lookingovertheview.“It’sbeentoolong.”

“Ithas,”Esmeagreed,steppingintotheheatedwaterandsittingnexttoher.“I’mgladAshwasable

totalkJonintoaguys’night.”

Gracegrinned.“Well,heknowshowbadlyIneedagirls’night,sohewasmotivated.”
Esmelookedoverherfriend,notinghershiningeyesandrelaxedsmile.“Youtwoseemtobe

doingreallywell.”

TherewasnohesitationwhenGracenodded.“IdidmyselfthefavorofmarryingaguyIcan

communicatewith.We’retotallydifferentanddefinitelyargue,butwe’realwayscommunicating.”
Shetookabiteoficecream.“Iusedtothinkthatchemistrywasthisintangiblethingthatcouldn’tbe
quantified,butI’mstartingtothinkit’sthesynergyofalotofobviousthings,likefeelingunderstood
ordesireddespiteyourdifferences.”

Esmehadneverthoughtofitthatway,butitmadesense.“Well,whateveryoutwohavegoing,keep

itup.You’resocutetogetherit’salmostsick.”

Gracegrinned.“Iknow.We’redisgusting.”
Esmelaughedandtookabiteofcelery.
“Ican’tbelieveyou’renoteatingicecream,”Gracesaid.“It’stradition.Hottubandicecream.It’s

ourthing.”

“AndwillbeourthingagainonceIlosetwelvemorepounds,”Esmesaid.“Iwasverynaughtyin

DC.”

“Naughty?”Graceaskedwithanarchedbrow.“Orunhappy?”
Esmeshrugged.
“Webothknowyou’reacomforteater,Ez.Ifyouputonfifteenpoundsinthreeweeks,thatdidn’t

happeninavacuum.”

“JonandIarefiguringthingsout,”wasallshesaidbeforetakinganotherbiteofcelery.
“That’sgood,Iguess,”Gracesaid,eyeslockedontheview.
Esmeturnedtofaceher.“Youguess?Whatintheworldisthatsupposedtomean?”
Grace’sfingertappedagainstthehandleofthespoonassheseemedtoweighherresponse.“I

mean,Igetit.PhilipandIworkedhardtofigurethingsout,too.”

Esmetensedatthecomparison.PhiliphadbeenthemanGracehaddatedbeforeAsh,andtheir

relationshiphadalwaysbeenDOA—atleastfromwhereEsmestood.Ithadtakenaboutthreeyears
forGracetocometothesameconclusion.

“JonisnotPhilip,”Esmereplied.
“Okay,”shesaid,turningtolookEsmeintheeye.“Buttellme,ifIcouldinviteonepersontojoin

usinthishottubrightnow,whowouldyourather:HunterorJon?”

“Notfair,”Esmegrumbled.
“Totallyfair,”Gracesaid.“I’moneofyourbestfriends,Ez.It’smyjobtorubyourfaceinstuff

likethis,especiallyafteryouplayedsuchabigpartinmeandAshgettingtogether.Withoutyou,I’d
probablystillbewithPhilip.ButyouknewmebetterthanIknewmyselfandforcedmetoconsidera
differentoption.That’sallI’mdoinghere.”

“Well,it’sunnecessary,”Esmesaid,snappingoffanotherbiteofcelery.“Jonisreallyworking

hardtomakethingswork,andhedoesn’tneedmetearinghimdownwhenhe’snotaround.”

“Thinkaboutwhatyoujustsaid,”Gracesaid.“Askyourselfifahealthyrelationshipshouldreally

bethishard—especiallywhenyou’resupposedtobeinthegiddyphaseofbeingengaged.”

“Grace—”
“No,”herfriendinterrupted.“You’reengaged,Esme.Engaged.Yethaveyouboughtasingle

bridalmagazine?Haveyoutriedondressesyet?”

“I’vebeenbusy.”
“Lamest.Excuse.Ever,”Gracedrawled.“Youshouldbeswooningandplanningandgushing,but

you’renot.Instead,youandJonaregivingiteverythingyou’vegottoavoidfallingapartwithneither
ofyoubringingupweddingdatesorplans.”

“We’rejustnotthereyet,Grace,”Esmeargued,butshehadtoadmitherfriendhadapoint.
“Uh-huh.You’reengagedandmiserable.Andasyourfriend,I’vegottocallyououtonthatand

askyouifyou’refightingforsomethingyoureallywant,orfightingoutofobligation.”

“Obligation?”Esmelaughed.“Wheredoesthatfitinhere?”
Gracestudiedherforamoment.“Tellme,wouldyoubefightingthishardforJonifhehadn’t

proposed?IfyoutwowereonlydatingwhenyouintroducedhimtoHunter,wouldyoubefightingfor
Jonlikethis?”

Probablynot.Esmedidn’tsayasmuchoutloud,butitwasthetruth.
“Butbecauseyouwereengaged,youlethimcorneryouintokickingHuntertothecurb—”
“Ididnotdothat,”Esmeargued.
“Youtotallydid,Ez,”Gracesaidgently.“AndIthinkyou’refightingsohardforJonnowtoprove

toyourselfandeveryonethathurtingHunterwasnecessary,notagiantmistake.”

Esmeleanedbackagainstthehottubjetsandtookanotherbiteofcelery.“Tonightwassupposedto

befun,youknow,”shegrumbled.

“Well,you’retheonewhobroughtcelerytoahottubparty.”
Esmecouldn’thelpit.Shesmiled.“Loveyou,Grace.SometimesIdon’tlikeyou,butIalwayslove

you.”

“Rightbackatyou,”Gracesaid,downinganotherspoonfuloficecream.
Theysatlikethatforwhatfeltlikeseveralminutes.
“Hunter ’sseeingsomeone,youknow,”Esmesaidatlast.
“Iknow.Shelooksnice.”
“Shedoes.Haveyoumether?”
Graceshookherhead.“Nope.Justseenpicturesonline.”
“Me,too.”
Therewasanotherbeatofsilence.
“Doyouthinkthey’lllast?”Esmeasked.
“It’sonlybeenafewweeks,”Gracesaid.“Buttheylooklikethey’vegotagoodstart.”
Yeah.Theydid.ItmadeEsmewanttothrowherceleryovertherailingandgograbapintofice

cream.

“Howaboutyou?”Graceasked,sendingheracautiouslook.“HowdoyoufeelaboutHunterand

Tanya?”

Esmepressedherlipstogether,debatinghowhonestsheshouldbe.Thetruthfeltlikeabetrayal,

butshehadneverbeenlessthanhonestwithGrace.“Honestly?”

“Honestly,”Gracereplied.
Esmetookadeepbreath.“Ihaven’thadafullnight’ssleepinfivedays.Seeingthemtogether

makesmesick—eveninpictures.Idon’tknowhowI’dreactinreallife.”

Gracenodded.“Asyourfriend,allI’mgoingtodoissaythat’snotareactionyoushouldignore.

Infact,itmightneedtobeareactionyouexplore.You’renotmarriedyet,youknow.”

“Iknow,”Esmesaidbeforeshefocusedoneatingherceleryandpouting.Sheonlyhadherselfto

blameforhavingsuchgoodfriends,butman,sometimesitwouldbenicetogripemindlesslyfora
while.

“CanIaskyouaquestion?”Gracesaid.“AndIswearyouranswerwillneverleavethishottub.”
Uh-oh.Withapreamblelikethat,Esmecouldbeprettycertainshewasn’tgoingtolikethe

question.Thenagain,thatwasprobablyastrongindicatorthatitshouldbeasked.

“Goforit,”Esmesaid.
GraceputhericecreamtothesideandturnedtofaceEsme.“Okay,Iwantfulldisclosure.Atwhat

pointinyourlifewereyouhead-over-heelsinlovewithHunter,andwhenwasthemostrecenttime
youwerehitinthefacebyyourloveforhim?”

Wow.Gracereallycouldpackalotofdangerintoonequestion.
Notingherhesitation,GracegaveEsme’sarmaquicksqueezeofencouragement.“Youcan’tmove

pastthetruthuntilyou’veacknowledgedit,babe.AndIknowforafactthatyouwerecompletely
smittenbyhimduringourfreshmanyearofcollege.”

“Yeah,”Esmeconfessed,surprisedathoweasilytheadmissioncame.“Itwasourfirsttimeapart.I

wasmissinghimhardcore.”

“Weallnoticed,”Gracesaid.“Butbysophomoreyearyouseemedtohavechilledoutabit.”
“Yeah,”Esmerepeated,rememberingthattimeinherlifealltoowell.
Frombirthtoagenineteen,she’dimaginedHunterandherasdestinedforeachother.Thenshe’d

gonetocollege,he’dbecomeafireman,andeverythinghadchanged.Ithadbeenarealitycheckwhen
she’dcomehomeafterherfirstyearofcollegeandhadtosiftthroughaseaofwomentogettothe
manwhohadnevermadeamoveonher,buthadnoproblematallmakingmovesonotherwomen.
That’swhenshe’drealizedthatthefantasiesshe’dhadallherlifewerejustthat:fantasies.

Soshe’dmovedon.Ortriedto.
Nowhereshewasandeverythingwasabigfatmess.
Whensheblinkedoutofherthoughtsofthepastandbackintothepresent,Gracewaswatchingher.
“Pennyforyourthoughts?”
Esmesighed.“Idon’tknowifit’sagoodideatouncorkthatbottle.”
“Whichistosaythatyou’vebottledstuffupwhenitcomestoHunter?”Gracesaidhelpfully.
“Yes,”Esmeadmitted.“Definitely.”
Gracechewedherlipinthought.“Doyouthinkmaybethosefeelingsmightneedtobeunbottled

anddealtwithbeforeyoucanmoveforward?”

EsmereallywantedtopleadtheFifthonthatone,soshedidthenextbestthingbystayingsilent.

Butherfriendwasn’tgoingtoletheroffthehookthateasily.

“CanyouadmitthatyouwereinlovewithHunterasachild?”
Esmenoddedandfoundhervoiceagain.“Yes.Iwas.”
“Andasateen?”
“Iwasbarelyoperationalaroundhimasateen,”Esmelaughed.“IdideverythingIcouldthinkof

togethisattention.Ieventriedtomakehimjealoussohe’dmakeamove,butheneverdid.”

“Didyouaskhimtomakeamove?”Graceasked.“Didyoutellhimhowyoufelt?”

“No,”sheadmitted.“ButIpushedallhisbuttonsandtriedtomakehimcrazy.Itneverworked.”
“Neverworked?Orneverworkedhowyouimagineditwould?”
“I…guessIwouldn’tknow.”
Grace’schocolateeyesstudiedEsme,makingherfeellikeherfriendsawwaytoomuchofwhat

Esmetriedtokeephiddenaway.“Whataboutnow?AreyouinlovewithHunternow?”

Esmelookeddownattheringonherhandinthewaterandfoughttheanswerbubblingupinthe

bottled-uppartofher.Answeringthequestionmeanttakingtheringoff,andshewasn’tsureshewas
readytodothat.

Nexttoher,Gracegavehershoulderalittlenudgeandsmiled.“Okay,I’llrephrasethequestion.

WanttoprintoffpicturesofTanyafromtheinternetandthrowdartsatthem?”

“Totally,”Esmesaid,andimmediatelyclimbedoutofthehottub.

Chapter47

TANYA

Tanya:
SoBrandonjustcame
over.

Hunter:

And?

Tanya:
Operation:JealousXseems
tohavebeenasuccess.

Hewantstogetbacktogether.

Hunter:

Areyougoingtomake

himworkforit,orare

youalreadyback

together?

Tanya:
We’rekindofalreadyback
together.

Hunter:

Youshouldhavemade

himworkforit.

Tanya:
Iknow…Ijustlovehimso
much.Whenheshowedup,
Icaved.

Hunter:

Igetit.

IguessIneedtochange

myFBprofilepicthen.

Tanya:
Wouldyou?Brandon’skind
offreakingoutaboutit.

Hunter:

Asheshould.

Whatconcessionsis

hemaking?

Youcan’ttakehim

backjustbecause

he’sjealous.

Heneedstochange.

Tanya:
Iknow…We’retalking.

Hunter:

Uh-huh.

Profilepicofficially

changed.

Goodluck.

Tanya:
Thanks.

I’llmissyou,Hunter.

It’sbeenfun.

Hunter:

Backatya.

Chapter48

ATwitterpopuponthebottomofEsme’sscreenalertedhertothefactthatHunter ’sfiretruckwas

beingsentoutontoacall.Herfingersstilledonthekeyboard,habiturginghertoturnonthescanner
andlistentowhatthemensaidovertheradiolikeshe’ddoneforthepastseveralyears.

TheTwitteralertsonherscreenhadbeenoneofthethingsthemessinDChaddistractedherfrom.

InDC,shecouldshutallthingsSanFranciscooutofhermind.Convincingroomsofmentolistento
herhadoccupiedherdays,andfindingthebestfoodintheareahadoccupiedhernightsinbetween
stressfulphonecallswithJon.

Withallthatgoingonandnopopupsappearingonherscreen,she’dbeenabletoforgetthat

Hunterwascuttingpeopleoutofcarsthatwereonfireorventuringintotheoceantotrytosave
peoplewhohadunderestimatedtheriptide.

Butnowshewashome,andallthingsSanFranciscowerefrontandcenter—includingHunter ’s

high-riskjob.

TherewastrulynoonebettersuitedtobeafiremanthanHunter.Esmeknewthat.Sheonlywished

hehadn’tpushedsohardtobeonthesquadthatdidallthedangerousthings.

Ifsomeonehadtobepulledfromacompromisedbuilding,Hunterdidthat.Ifsomeonewas

threateningtojumpoffabridge,Hunterwasthepersonwhowouldanchorhimselfandwalktothe
edgewiththem.Ifsomethingwasabouttoblowuporgetcrushedorleaksomethingradioactiveor
plummetoffthesideofabuilding,Hunterandhismenweretheoneswhoshoweduponthescene
andhandledit.

Shehatedthat.She’dhateditallthewaybackwhenhe’dbeeneighteenandchosenfirefightingasa

career.He’dbeensodeadsetthataphysicalcareerwastheonlythinghecoulddobecauseofhis
dyslexia.Anofficejobwasn’tforhimandcollegedefinitelywasn’tforhim,buthe’dalwaysbeen
physical—astaronthehighschoolfootballteamandthefirst-stringkeeperonthesoccerteam.Plus,
he’dboxedsincehewasaroundtwelve.Angermanagement.He’dhadabitofatemperbutlearnedto
channelitearlyon.Hewasprobablygoodenoughtocompeteintheboxingworld,butEsmewas
gladhedidn’t.

Shelikedhisfacethewayitwas.
Hunterhadalwaysexcelledatthephysicalandalwayswould,justlikeshe’dalwaysworriedabout

thedangeroussituationshegothimselfintoandalwayswould.

Butasshewatchedthepopupfadeandfoughttheurgetoturnonthescanner,Esmerealizedshe

shouldprobablyturnthealertsoffalltogether.ItwaslikeHunteralwaystoldher:iftherewasevera
problem,she’dgetacall.Therewasnoneedtostalkhim…becauseafterherlittlechatwithGracethe
nightbefore,shecouldadmitthatwasbasicallywhatshe’dbeendoingalltheseyears.

Stalkinghim.
Hunterhadagirlfriendnow.Tanyawastheonehe’dwanttoshowupatthehospitalifsomething

happenedtohim.Thatrealizationshouldnotbedevastating.Itshouldn’tmakeEsmewanttocrawl
backintobed,pickarandomshowonNetflix,andbecomeauselesshumanbeing.

Butitdid.
Thethingsheneededtodoinstead—thefunctionalthing—wastoturnoffheralerts,getridofthe

radiothatallowedhertolurk,andfocusonthethingsthatactuallyneededherattention.Thatwould
bethehealthythingtodo.Ontopofthat,itwaswhatJonwouldwanthertodoifhewaswithherright
then.

SheknewallthatevenasherhandturnedonthedispatchradioandlistenedintomakesureHunter

stayedsafeassherespondedtoworkemails.

Chapter49

Onthesurface,thingshadgonebacktonormalbetweenherandJon.He’drememberedherraving

aboutTalula’sGardeninPhiladelphiaandhe—orhissecretary—haddonetheresearchtofindthe
nearestequivalentinSanFrancisco.Themealwasn’tthesame.Itwasn’tevenclose,buthewastrying.
Hereallywas.

Yetthetensionbetweenthemremained,anditwastoomuchtoignore.
Esmelookedupfromhersearedsalmon,andtookalong,studiedlookatherhandsomefiancé.He

wasn’thappy.Shecouldseethatfromthelinesetchedintohisface.Helookedstressed.Miserable.
Andatleastpartofthatwasonher.

Thefingersofherrighthandcameoverandstartedplayingwiththeringthatmarkedthe

beginningofallthestressbetweenthem.

“Jon?”shesaid,waitinguntilhishandsomehazeleyeslookedupather.
“Yeah?”
Shetookacalmingbreath.“Howdoyoufeelaboutpickingaweddingdate?”
Acrossthetable,Jon’sjawtensedandhiseyesdropped.“I’dsaywehaveawaytogobeforethat’s

agoodidea.”

Esmenodded,thefingersfiddlingwithherringnolongerfidgetingbutpulling.“Okay,thenIhave

aproposalforyou.”

Hegrewstill.“Okay.”
Shepulledoffherringandlaiditonthetablebetweenthem.“HowaboutIgivethisbacktoyoufor

amonth?If,inamonth,youwanttogiveitbacktome,thenwe’llstartthisengagementallover
again.”

ForseveralmomentsJonstaredatthering.Thenhishandmovedupontothetableandhepickedit

up.“Okay.”

“Okay?”
Henodded.“Ithinkthat’safairproposal.”
“Okay,”Esmesaid,notquitesurewhatshewasfeeling.Itwaslikeamixofsorrow,relief,and

hopeallwrappedupintoone.

Jonlookedupather.“Istillloveyou.”
“Loveyou,too,”shesaidwithouthesitation.
Thentheybothwentbacktoeating.

Chapter50

Forsomeonewhohadonlybeenboxingforafewmonths,Kennywasdoingwell.
Reallywell,Hunterdecidedasthekid’shookpunchstunghishandthroughthepad.
“Thirty-secondbreak,”Huntercalledout.“Getadrink.”
Kennydidn’tneedtobetoldtwice,movingquicklytograbadrinkwhilekeepinghisfeetmoving.
Thenextroundwastheirlastfortheevening,andHunterwatchedKenny’sformclosely,noting

howmucheffortthekidhadputintomakeeachpunchtextbook.Hewastechnicallygoodenoughto
putinaring,butHunterwasn’tsureKennywasreadytogetpunchedaround.Notyet.

He’dgivehimanothermonth.
Whenthelastroundwasover,Kennyrolledhisneckandtookoffhisgloves.Therewasafocus

aboutthekidthesepastfewweeksthatwasnew,andHunterwasn’tquitesurewhattomakeofit.Yes,
ittranslatedintobetterformwhenitcametoboxing,butthatcouldn’tbetheonlythingthatwas
changinginKenny’slife.

Somethingwasdifferent.
IfShaunahadn’tbeenavoidinghimthesedays,Hunterwouldhaveaskedhowthekidwasdoingin

hisday-to-daylife.ButeversincethatdayAaronhadflippedoutatthegym,Shaunahadstuckto
communicatingmessagesthroughLouandavoidedallcontactwithhim.

Itwassilliness,really,andshecouldplayhergirlgamesandkeepavoidinghim,asfarasHunter

wasconcerned.Shaunaknewwheretofindhimifsheeverdecidedshewantedtotalk.Hewasn’tthe
oneavoidingher.

“Stretchyourarmsandshoulders,”Huntersaideventhoughthekidalreadywas.Kennyknewthe

routineandhedidn’tfightitanymore,whichwasablessing.Somethingswereworthfightingover,
someweren’t.Thekidhadlearnedatleastthatmuchfromhim.

WhenHunterlookedoveratKenny,hefoundthekidwatchinghimwithanoddexpressiononhis

face.

“Gotaquestion?”hesaid,tossingthepunchingpadsintheirbin.
Kennypulledhisarmacrosshischestinastretch.“DoesMissWeekesstillhateyou?”
Man,itwaslikethekidwasamindreader.“She’snothappywithme.”
“BecauseoftheAaronthing?”thekidasked.
Itwasn’tsomethingheshouldtalkaboutwiththekid,butitwashardnottosinceKennyhadbeen

aneyewitnesstoAaronflyingoffthehandle.

Hunterchosehiswordscarefully.“IthinkyouandIbothknowMissWeekeshasaheartofgold.

Maybethat’swhyit’shardforhertoseewhenotherpeopledon’t.”

Tohissurprise,Kennynodded.“Iusedtothinkpeoplelikeherweresostupid.”
Usedto?Thatwasprogress.“She’snot.”
Kennynodded.“Iknow.”
Hunterlettheconversationstallthere.Hedidn’twanttopushthekid.Ithadonlybeenthepasttwo

weeksthatKennyhadgraduatedtobeingcivil.Hunterdidn’twanttomesswiththat.Soitsurprised

himwhenthekidkepttalking.

“IusedtotreatgirlslikeAarondoes.”
Againwiththeusedto.Anothergoodsign.Hunterrolledwithit.“Alotofmenactlikethatwhen

theyfeeloutofcontrol.They’reniceatfirst—”

“Untilyougetthegirlisolatedfromeveryoneelseandfocusedonlyonyou,”Kennyfinished.
“Yep,”Hunteragreed.
“Isolated…likeMissWeekesisnow,”Kennypointedout.
Hunterfroze,realizingthekidwasright.Hunterhadnoideahowherotherrelationshipswere

doing,butifShaunawaspullingawayfromeveryonelikeshewaspullingawayfromhim,thatwasn’t
good.

Huntersentthekidasearchinglook.“You’resmart.Youknowthat?”
Kennydidn’tblink.“I’vebeenaroundtheblock.”
“Yes,youhave,”Huntersaid,thinkingofShauna.“When’sthenexttimeyouseeMissWeekes?”
“Friday,”Kennysaid,packinguphisstuff.
Hunterchewedhislipandconsideredthat.“Sayhitoherforme,willyou?”
KennyslunghisgymbagoverhisshoulderandlookedHunterintheeye.“Sayhitoheryourself,”

hesaid,beforewalkingoutofthebuilding.

Hunterhadtohandittothekid.Heknewhowtolandapunchwhenhewantedto.

Chapter51

Threeweeksaftergivingtheringback,EsmeandJonwereofficiallydone.
Theweirdestpart?NopartofEsmewassurprised.Notevenalittle.Infact,finallycuttingthings

offfeltabitlikealong-awaitedcelebration…asifshe’dsteppedonthescalethatmorningtodiscover
thatthefinalfivepoundsshewasstillcarryingaroundfromDChaddisappearedovernight.

Thesadtruthwasthatthelightheartedfunthathaddefinedtheirfirstsixmonthstogethercouldn’t

makeacomeback.Jondidn’ttrusther,andEsmeresentedhisinabilitytotakeheratherword.That
wasn’ttheonlychasmbetweenthem,butitwastheonethathadultimatelykepttheringonJon’sside
ofthetable.

Asacouple,theysimplyweren’tmeanttobe.
“Tosinglelife,”Gracesaid,holdingupherpintoficecreaminthehottub.
Esmepulledthelidoffhercartonandpickedupherspoon.Yes,shestillhadfivepoundstogo,but

shedeservedalittleicecreamafterthedayshe’dhad.“Wecan’ttoastsinglelife.You’remarried,
Grace.”

“Iknow,”herfriendsaidastheytappedthepapercartonstogether.“Andtruthfully,Ican’twaitfor

youtojoinmeinthelandofthemarrieds.ButI’malsogladitwon’tbewithJonatyourside.Hewas
abitofapaperweight.”

“Hewasnice,”Esmesaid,thinkingofhowHunterhadcalledJonawhippet.Awhippetandapaper

weight.Notexactlyringingendorsementsofherfiancéfromthoseclosesttoher.Whyhadn’tshe
listenedtothemearlier?

“He’sniceforsomeoneelse,”Graceamended.“Notyou.”
“Iguessso,”EsmeagreedasGracesmiled.
“Fiftybuckssayshemarriesoneofhisclients.”
Thejabwasalittletoosoonnottostingabit,butEsmetriedforasmileanyway.“LastweekI

wouldhavetakentheothersideofthatbet,butnottoday.”

Graceshookherhead.“Philipdatedoneofhisserversforawhileafterwebrokeup.Ittookabout

fourmonthsforhimtorealizehowbeyondstupidthatwas.”

“Isheseeinganyonenow?”Esmeasked,happyfortheshiftintopic.
“Yeah.SomechickwholivesinNapaValley.Oldmoney,Ithink.”
“Soundslikehistype,”Esmesaid,aimingfordiplomatic.She’dneverbeenaPhilipfan,butthat

didn’tmeanshehadtopickonhimnowthathewaslonggoneoutofGrace’slovelife.

“Totally,”Graceagreed.“Pretty,fancy,andabitbland.Philip’stheonewholikestoshineina

room,sosheseemslikeagreatbalanceforhim.We’llseewhathappens,though.She’snotagirlwho
hastosettle,soIcan’timagineshe’llmarryhimifshedoesn’twantto.”

“Ihopenot,”Esmemuttered,takingabiteoficecreamandlettingoutalittlemoanasitmeltedon

hertongue.

Man,she’dmissedthis.
“See?”Gracesaid,asifreadinghermind.“Nomoreceleryinthehottub.It’sblasphemy.”

“Agreed,”Esmesaid,andforseveralsecondstheysimplyenjoyedicecreampairedwithjet

massagers.

“Sooooo,”Gracesaid,aftersettinghercartoninitsholder.“Shallwemoveontotheelephantin

theroom?”

TheicecreaminEsme’smouthsuddenlylostitsflavor.“Mustwe?”
“Wemust.”
Esmelookedovertothepersonwhoknewherbetterthanalmostanyone…anyonebeingnone

otherthantheelephantintheroom.“Imessedup,Grace.”

“Weallmessup.”
“Yeah,butIkindofoutdidmyself,”Esmeadmitted.“Istillhaven’ttalkedtohimoranything.Not

sinceJonaskedmenotto.”

Grace’smouthfellopen.“Evenafteryougavetheringback?Like,almostamonthago?”
“Wewerestilltrying,”Esmesaid.“IneededtoknowifJonandIreallycouldstandonourown

withoutHunterfillinginthegaps.”

“Whichturnsouttobeabig,fatnegative,”Gracesaid.
“Yeah.”
“Sohowlonghasitbeenthen?”Graceasked,clearlytryingtodothemath.“Whenwasyour

engagementpartyatV.Sattui?”

Esmedidn’tneedtodothemath.Sheknewhowlongithadbeenalmosttothehour.ButGrace

didn’tneedtoknowthat.“Twomonthsago.”

Gracecouldonlyblink.“You’retellingmeyouhaven’tspokento,texted,orseenHunterinthe

pasttwomonths?”

“Thatwouldbecorrect,”Esmesaid,takinganotherbiteoficecream.
Graceseemedtoprocessthat.“DoesheknowyouandJonhavecalleditquits?”
Esmeshrugged.“IfmymomtoldhismomandshetoldHunter,thenyes.”
“Oh,girl,”Gracesaid.“Youareanidiot.”
“Thankyou.Iknow.”
Graceturnedtofaceher.“Seriously,whatareyougoingtodo?”
Esmeputhericecreamdown.Therewasnopointineatingthecaloriesanymore.Thetastewas

gone.Itwasn’tworthit.“WhatcanIdo?”

“Talktohim,forone,”Gracesaid.
“Andsay?”
Grace’smouthopened,clearlyintentondroppingsomesortofknowledge,onlytofreezeand

closeagain.“Youknow,Iactuallyhavenofreakingclue.”Sheshookherhead.“Twomonths?And
youofficiallybrokeofftheengagementthreeweeksago?Youknowhe’sbeendyingwithoutyou,
don’tyou?”

ThewordsmadeEsmefeelsickinsideasthepictureofHunterandTanyaonthebeachcameto

mind.“No,I’mprettysurehe’sdoingjustfine.”

“Incorrect.Theguylovesyou,Ez.Healwayshas.BecauseI’myourfriend,I’llbetotallybluntand

saythatyoustabbedhimintheheartwhenyouchoseJonandcuthimoff.He’sdefinitelynotover
that.”

Esmedidn’trespondrightaway.Shedidn’tknowhow,becausedoingsowouldinvolvesayinga

lotofwordsshe’dneversaidbefore.Itwouldalsomeanexposingfeelingsshe’dneverexposedto
anyoneeither…feelingsthathadbeenbubblingandbrewingandbuildingeversinceshecould
remember.

Soinsteadofanswering,sheranherhandalongthesurfaceofthewater,notingthathermanicure

waschippedasifthatwassomehowimportantinthismoment.Itwasn’t.Itwasadistraction.

“I’mscared,”wasallshecouldmanageafteralongsilence.
“Of?”Graceprompted.
Again,Esmecouldn’tfindthewordseventhoughshefeltlikeshewasoverflowingwiththem.If

sheopenedhermouth,somethingwouldpourout.Shejustdidn’tknowwhat.

“Hmm,”Gracesaidafteralongsilence.“Maybewe’restartingwiththewrongquestion.”
Esmelookedup.“Andwhatwouldtherightquestionbe?”
Herfriend’sdarkeyesseemedtolookrightintoEsme’ssoul.“Whatdoyouwant?”
Thatwasthequestion,wasn’tit?Everythingelsedancedaroundit.
Theworstpart—ormaybethescariestpart—wasthatforthefirsttimeinherlife,Esmeknewthe

answer.She’dbeenthinkingaboutnothingelseforthepastthreeweeks.

“Thereisn’tamanontheplanetIwouldtradeforHunter,”Esmeconfessed.“ThisJonsituation

mayhavebeenamess,butittaughtmethat.”

“And?”Graceprompted,refusingtofillinthegapsforher.
Whycouldn’tshesayit?Aseaofwordswerebubblingtocomeout,andifEsmewasgoingtobe

honestwithherself,they’dprobablybeenbubblingaroundsinceshewasfiveyearsold.Shehadalot
ofpracticenotsayinghowshefeltorevenacknowledgingit.Andoldhabitsdiedhard.

“Hunterismysafeplace,”shefinallymanagedbeforelaughing.“Whichisironic,becausehe’s

completelyunpredictable.”

“Nottoyou,”GraceamendedandEsmeconsideredthat.
“Iguessthat’strue.Nottome.Iknowhim.”
“Justknowhim?”Gracepressed.
Esmeglancedover,gratefulforherfriend’spersistence.“Andlovehim,ofcourse.”
“Lovehimlikeyoudidtenyearsago,orlovehimlikeabrother?”
“Itriedforthatsecondone,”Esmebreathed.
“Andwhatdoyouwanttotryfornow?”
EsmesentaplayfulglareatGrace.“You’regoingtomakemesayit,aren’tyou?”
Grace’slipspursedwithamusement.“Iamatrainedreporter.Icansummarizeyouranswers,but

notanswerforyou.Sotellme,Esme,whyareyouscared?”

“Because…thelasttwomonthshaveshownmealifewithoutHunter,andthatreallyisn’tanoption

forme,”Esmeconfessed.“Imaylovehim,yes,butpartofmeisworriedthatIactuallyneedhimto
bewhoIwanttobe,andthatkindoffreaksmeout.”

“ThatyouandHunterhaveasynergeticrelationshipthathelpsbothofyoubebetterpeople?”

Graceasked.

“Notwhenyouputitthatway,no,”Esmesaid,finallydiggingdownanddaringherselftosaythe

fearthathadspinninginhermindforweeks.“But…whatifwedon’twork?Whatifwegotherewith
eachotherandwebombandthenIlosehim?”

“Firstoff,that’safear,notawant,”Gracesaid.“Second,youwouldn’tlosehimafterabreakup.

Worst-casescenario,you’dbothfinallyagreethatyoureallyaresiblingsandfallintoadifferent
relationship,butIdon’tthinkthat’sreallythethingthat’sholdingyouup.”

“Thenwhatis?”
Graceleanedforward,grinningfromeartoear.“Whatifit’samazing?Like,mindblowingly

amazing?Whatifit’sbeyondanythingyou’veimagined?Whatthen?Ithinkthat’swhatyou’reafraid
of—thatyou’llfallhelplesslyinloveandHunterwon’tfeelthesame.Thathe’llstillberegularol’
Hunterandnotreadytosettledown.”

Okay,maybeGraceknewEsmebetterthanshethought,because…yeah.
“Youwanttogoinknowingit’sasurething,”Gracesaidgently.“Butthere’sstillroomforthings

tofallapart,liketheydidwithJon.Thenwherewouldyoube,right?”

“Exactly!”Esmesaid,feelingvindicated.“Iknowtakingrisksispartofthegame,but—”
“Somerisksfeeltoobig,”Gracesaidwithaknowingnod.“Noneedtotellthattothechickwho’s

thinkingaboutgettingpregnant.TalkaboutRiskCentral.”

Esme’seyesdroppedtoherfriend’sflatbellyunderthewater ’ssurface.“Wait.Areyou—”
“No,I’mnotcurrentlypregnant,”Graceclarified.“Butit’sadiscussionAshandIarehaving.So

trustme.Igetit.Because,inaway,Ithinkyou’rehavingthesameconversationwithyourselfabout
HunterasI’mhavingwithmyselfaboutababy.Areyoureadytostartdownapathandneverturn
back,comewhatmay?”

Thatwasthequestion,wasn’tit?
“Themaindifferencebetweenus,”Graceadded,“isthat,metaphoricallyspeaking,Ithinkyou’ve

alreadysteppedoffyourpersonalcliff,whereasI’mstillpacingatthetopofmine.”Gracereached
outandgrippedherhandinthewater.“You’realreadyfalling,babe.Thinkingaboutwhetheryou
shouldhavesteppedoffthecliffispointless.Whatyouneedtoaskyourselfiswhoyouwanttocatch
you…comewhatmay?”

“Yeah,”Esmeagreed,givingherfriend’shandalittlesqueezebeforesmiling.“Whydopeople

pretendlikefallinginloveisfun,whenit’sreallythemostterrifyingthingontheplanet?”

“Itcanbe,”Gracesaid.“Whenyoufightit.Theparteveryonewritesstoriesaboutarethetimes

whenpeopleletgo,fall,andembracetheride.Whenyoufighttheride,I’mprettysurethat’swhat
peoplecallangst.”

Esmelaughedandreachedforhericecreamagain.“IsthatwhatI’mdoinghere?Creatingmyown

angst?It’snottheuniversetorturingme?”

“Nope,”Gracesaid,reachingforhercartonaswell.“Prettysurewhatyou’regoingthroughis

self-inflicted,nottheuniverseconspiringagainstyou.”

“Darnit,”Esmesaidonamelodramaticsigh.“IhadawholePityMespeechpreparedand

everything.”

“Sorry.”
Foramoment,theybothateicecreamandlookedoutoverthebay.
“SowhatdoIdo?”Esmeaskedatlast.
“Youtellhim.”
“He’shurt.He’llshutmedown.”
“Soplanonthat,”Gracesaideasily.“Tellhimhowyoufeelasclearlyaspossible,thengivehim

spacetoprocessit.Then,whenhe’sready,he’llcometoyou.Oncehismindwrapsaroundthefact
thatyou’rereallywillingtogivehimachance,he’llbeknockingonyourdoor.Butfirstyouneedto
lethimknowyou’veunlockeditforhimandhe’sinvitedover.”

Withthatsimplethought,Esme’sicecreamsuddenlyhadflavoragain.Sheleanedbackagainstthe

jetsofthehottub,allowingtheluxurytorelaxherassheplayedoutGrace’ssuggestionoverand
overinhermind.

Herfriendwasright.Esmehadfallenofftheloveclifflongago,andshe’dbeenwaitingforever

forHuntercatchher.Hermistake?She’dneveraskedhimtocatchher.She’dalwaystoldhimshe
wantedsomeoneelseto.

Itwastimetochangethat.

Chapter52

Hunterfeltherbeforehesawher.Hestraightenedinhischair,feelinglikesomeonehadopeneda

windowinthebarlettinglightin,orlikesomeoneleftthedooropenandabreezesnuckinand
touchedhischeek.Heinstinctivelyknewwhohe’dseeifhelookedoverhisshoulder.

Sohedidn’tlook.
Instead,heglancedinthedirectionofthemen’sroom,willingLuketocomeback.Butapparently,

heandLukeneededtoworkontheirpsychicconnectionbecausethedoorstayedshut.Great.Theone
andonlytimethey’dbeenseparatedallnight,andEsmechoosesthatmomenttowalkin.Suchwashis
luckinlife,apparently.

Hunterspunhisglassinhishand,tryingtopickagameplan.Upuntilamonthago,he’dactively

wishedforascenariolikethis,whereEsmewouldseekhimoutandsayshewassorryandaskfor
himtocomebackintoherlife.Butthingshadchangedinthepastmonthashe’drealizedthatthere
wasnogoingbackforhim.Onlyforward.Hehadtomoveforward.Lifeinthefriendzonewas
paralyzing.Therewasnoprogressthere.Nolife.Nolove.IfHunterallowedhimselftogobackthere
withEsme,hecouldseetherestofhislifealltoowellbecauseitwouldbethesameaseverydayhe’d
knownbefore.

Forward.Evenifitfeltlikecuttingofftherightsideofhisbodytodoso,hehadtomoveforward.

Hedeservedtomoveforward.HeandTanyamaynothavebeenalovematch,buthe’dactually
enjoyedspendingtimewithher.He’dneverreallydatedanyoneseriouslyoutofhismisguided
loyaltytoEsme,soitwasabitofarevelationtolearnthathangingoutwiththesamepersonweek
afterweekcouldactuallybefun.Meetingnewfriendgroupscouldbefun.Connectingonsocial
media,beinginformedofeventsinthearea,andactuallygoingwasfun.Hunterhadmademore
friendsinthepastfourweeksthaninthepastfouryears.

AshefeltEsmedrawcloserbehindhim,hedebatedheadingintothebathroomhimself.Esme

didn’tknowthatheknewshewasthere.Hecouldgetoutofthedangerzoneandleaveherhanging,
justlikeshealwayslefthimhanging.

Unfortunately,Hunterwasn’tacoward.
Asgoodasitwouldfeeltorun,thatwasn’thisthing.Whentroublecamehisway,helookeditin

theeye,andthat’swhathehadtodonow.LookEsmeintheeyeandletherknowthatshewasn’tthe
onlyonewhohadmovedon.Hehadto.Maybehewasstillinlovewithherandmaybehealways
wouldbe,buthestillhadtomoveon.

Sohestayedwherehewasuntilapairofheelsclickedagainstthefloortohisrightandapinkskirt

andblondehairappearedinhisperipheralvision.

Strong.Hehadtobestrong.Nomatterwhatendearinglooksherazureeyesthrewathim,hehadto

beabrickwall.

Brickwall.Brickwall.Brickwall,HunterwaschantingtohimselfwhenEsmestoodnexttothe

chairLukeshouldhavebeensittingin.Thetraitor.Whatdudetookthatlonginthebathroom?

EsmegesturedtoLuke’schair.“Isthisseattaken?”

Shelookedgorgeous.Shealwayslookedgood,butheknewherwellenoughtoknowthatshe’d

putsomeeffortintogettingreadybeforeshowingup.Herhairwasdown,flowingpasthershoulders.
Heloveditdown,althoughhewasprettysureshedidn’tknowthat.Healsoloveditwhenshedidn’t
wearlipstick…andshewasn’t.Justaglossthatmadeithardnottolookatthebowofherlip.Andwas
ithim,orwassheabitcurvierthanthelasttimehesawher?Hecouldswearshewas,andhelikedit.

Thesadthingwas,oneglanceatherwasenoughtoderailallhisthoughtsofpushingheraway.She

madehimweak,andHunterhatedbeingweak.

Still,hedidhisbesttosendnothingmorethanadismissiveglanceherwayasheanswered.“Yep.

It’staken.Sorry.”

“MindifIsithereanyway?”sheasked.“Iwon’tstaylong.”
“Actually,Idomind,”Huntersaid,rightasamanfromthebarwalkeduptoEsmefrombehind,his

eyeslockedonherrearupuntilhereachedouttotapherontheshoulder.WhenEsmeturnedtosee
whohadtouchedher,themansmiled.

“Hellothere,beautiful,”theguysaid.“Doyouhaveaname?”
“Ofcourse,”shesaid,hersmilepinchedassheofferedhimherhand.“Esme.”
“MynameisBlaine,”theguysaid,onehandgrippingherswhiletheothercameuptosandwich

herlonehandbetweenthetwoofhispossessively.“Butawomanlikeyoucancallmewhatevershe
wants.”

“Thanks,Blaine,”shesaid,eyestwinklingasshemethisgazeheadon.“I’mlookingforwardto

that.”

Hunterhidasmile.Thatwashisgirl.Huntermayhavethereputationforbeingajerk,butthetruth

wasthathetookadistantsecondplacetoEsmeintheartofsnark.Whenhedissedpeople,theyalmost
alwaysknewit.WhenEsmedissed,peoplepurred.Thewomanhadagift.

Blainebeamed.“CanIgetyouadrink?”
“Notnow,”Esmesaid.“Butthankyoufortheoffer.Ineedtotalktothisman.”
“Okay,”Blainesaid.“Wheneveryou’reready.”
“Thanks,Blaine,”EsmesaidbeforedroppingintotheseatacrossfromHunter.Whenhesaid

nothing,shesimplysmiled.“So…tryingoutnewbars?”

Huntershrugged.“Thisonehasmorepooltables.”
“Ofcourse,”shesaid,asifeverythingsuddenlymadesense.Theyhadn’tspokenineightweeks

andEsmewasmakingsmalltalk.Shewasuptosomething.

Whateveritwas,hewasn’tgoingtoplayalong.
“YouherewithDarylorLuke?”
“Luke.”Darylwastooinlovetospendafreenightawayfromhisladythesedays.“He’sinthe

bathroom.”

Esmeglancedaroundthebar,hereyeslandingonthethreeemptypooltables.“Whyaren’tyou

playing?”

“IsaidIcameherebecauseithadmorepooltables.Ididn’tsayIwantedtoplay.”
Shesmiled.“Ofcourse.”
Silence.AwkwardsilencethatEsmepretendedtoignore,butHunterknewherbetterthanthat.Esme

knewshewasbeingawkward.Thequestionwaswhy,andHunterknewshewouldn’tleavehimalone
untilshe’dsaidherpiece.Mightaswellgettheballrolling.

“Whatareyoudoinghere,Esme?”
“Imissyou.”
Therewasnothinggoodtosaytothat,soHunterstuckwithshakinghishead.
Sheleanedforward,lookinghimintheeye.“Iwantyouback.”
Thatonegotalaughofhim.“Yeah?WhatdoesJonthinkaboutthat?”

“WhatJonthinksisnolongeroneofmypriorities.”
Onceuponatime,thenewsofEsmebreakingupwithJonwouldhavegottenacheeroutofHunter.

Butthosedayswerepast.

“Sorry,babe,”Huntersaid,takingadrink.“Notinterestedinlisteningtoyoucryaboutyourmost

recentbreakup.Ionlydocraplikethatforfriends.”

“AndifIwanttobebackinyourlifeagain?”sheasked.
“Wellthen,Isuggestyourewindtimeaboutthreemonthsandtalktoyourselfaboutwhatitactually

meanstobeafriend.”

Acrossfromhim,Esmechewedherbottomlip.“Imightdeservethat.”
WherewasLuke?Thedudesurewastakinghistimeinthebathroom.Hunterbobbedhisheadin

Blaine’sdirection.“Youcangogetthatdrinkwithyouradmirernow.I’msureBlainewouldloveto
hearyoursobstory.”

Esmedidn’tbudge.Shejustwatchedhimwitheyesthatdaredhimtoblinkfirst.“You’regoingto

makethishardforme,aren’tyou?”

Huntersethisdrinkdownandstood.Itwastimetoclosehistab.ApparentlyLukehaddecidedto

moveintothebathroomfulltimeandabandonhim,butitdidn’tmatter.Huntercouldwalkhome.

Esmestoodaswell.“Hunter,let’stalkaboutthis.”
“Nothingtotalkabout,”hesaid,turningawayandwalkingovertothebar.
“Really?”shesaid,trailinghim.“BecauseI’velearnedthatIdon’treallyworkwithoutyou,andI

haveafeelingyou’vecometothesamerealization.”

“You’reright,”hesaid,holdingouthiscreditcardtothebartender.“Idon’tworkwithoutme

either.I’veknownthatforawhile.”

“YouknowwhatImean.”
Hunterkepthiseyesonthebartenderasheranthecard.“Iknow.Ijustdon’tcare.Notsinceyou

askedmenotto.”

“Ineveraskedforthat.”
Huntershookhisheadandscoffed,willingthebartendertohurryup.
“Ididn’t.”
“No,”Huntersaid,tryingforapatheticandfailing.“Youletmeknowyouweredonewithmeand

replacedme.Andguesswhat?Ididthesamewithyou,althoughIhavetosayIhonestlythoughtit
wouldbeharder.Ididn’tthinkanyotherwomancouldfillthegap,butasitturnsout?Notthathard.
Therearealotofgoodwomenoutthere.”

Lie.Itwasatotallie,butwhatever.Maybesomedayitwouldbetrue.
“Yeah?”Esmesaid,leaningagainstthebar.“Lookmeintheeyeandsaythat.”
Thebartenderreturnedwiththereceiptandapen.Finally.Itwaslikethewholeworldwasmoving

inslowmotionjusttospitehim.

“I’mwaiting,”Esmeteased,andHuntershookhishead.
“I’mnotatyourbeckandcallanymore,Ez,”hesaidasheaddedatipandscribbledhisname.“You

heardwhatIsaidandI’mnotgoingtorepeatmyself.”

“Okay,”shesaid,thosetoo-observantblueeyesofherswatchinghimlikeahawkasheslidhis

creditcardbackintohiswallet.“Soyou’reseeingsomeone?”

“Yep.”
“What’shername?”
“Tanya,”hesaidbeforementallykickinghimself.OnepeekonFacebookwouldshowEsmethat

wasover.Butwhatever.Whatwasdonewasdone.“She’snice.”

“I’llbet,”Esmesaid,herexpressionunreadable.
Whenheturnedandstartedawaywithoutsayinggoodbye,thesofthandonhisarmmadehim

pause.

“Hunter?”
Hedidn’tturn.“What.”
“IcameheretotellyouIloveyou,”shesaidsoftlyoverhisshoulder.“Chooseme.Bewithme.”
Thewordshithimlikeaharpoonthroughthechest,skeweringhissoulandthreateningtodrag

himaboardtheGoodShipEsme.Ifhesomuchasturned…ifhesomuchaslookedherintheeyein
thatmoment,he’dbegone.

Sohedidn’tturnandhedidn’tlook.
“Thatshiphassailed,Ez,”hesaid,shruggingherhandoffhisarmandwalkingoutthefrontdoor.

Chapter53

HunterhadreactedexactlyhowEsmehadexpected,sowhydidshestillfeelcrushed?Whyhadshe

staredattheceilingallnightandwokenupincapableoftakingevenasipofhermorningsmoothie?

Esmedidn’ttakesickdaysoften,buttodaywasdefinitelyone.Onaprofessionallevel,shewas

useless.Nopointintryingtofakeit.Instead,shesetupanauto-responseonheremailandstayedin
bed.Whenthatgotold,shesatonherbalconyandstaredatthebay.Orthat’swhatshetoldherselfshe
wasdoingwhenreallyshekeptglancingdownatherphone.

NocallsfromHunter.Notexts.
Aroundtwoo’clock,Esmewentinsideandpassedoutonthecouch,finallygettingafewhours

sleepbeforewakingupalittleafterfour.

Shereallyneededashower.Gettingoutofherpajamaswouldbeagoodideatoo,because…

dignity.Also,whatifHuntershowedupatherdoor?Shedidn’twanttobefrumpedoutandcovered
inafilmofgrossnessfromsittingaroundallday.

Sosheshowered.Shegotdressed.AndHunterdidn’tcome.
By5:30thatevening,stayinginhersilenthousewastoodepressing,soshegrabbedherkeysand

headedintothecity.

Rushhourwasmovingoutofthecityandshewasmovingin,soitdidn’ttakelonguntilshewasin

thecitywithnoideawhereshewasgoing.Thatmeantsheendedupatthespotshealwaysendedupin
whenshewantedtothink.

Asalways,walkingthroughthePalaceofFineArtswaslikestrollingthroughechoesofherlife

andlettingthemplaymemoriesbacktoher.Therewasthespotshe’dbrokenherfirstbone…the
benchwherehermomhadtoldEsmeshewasabouttohavealittlebrother…theplacewhereJonhad
proposedtoher…thespotwhereshediscoveredcookiescouldbedecadent…thepatchofgrasswhere
she’dpushedHunteraway…

Esmedidn’tintentionallyseekoutthatparticularpatchofgrass,butitwaswhereshewassitting

whenMissPearlabandonedhercookiecartandwalkedupthegrasstojoinher.Maybeitshouldhave
beenoddthatthewomandidn’tsayanythingasshesatnexttoEsme,butforsomereasonitfelttotally
normal.Comforting,even.

Theydidn’tspeakforawhile,bothsimplysittingandwatchingtouristsmillthroughthepark.

Esmekeptwaitingforpeopletostopbythecookiecarttotrytogetacookie,butpeoplekeptwalking
pastitasiftheydidn’tseeitatall.

“Isn’tisamazinghowlovecanmakeusstupid?”MissPearlsaidafterawhile.
Esmeraisedaneyebrowandlookedatthewoman.“Areyoucallingmestupid?”
Thecornerofthewoman’slipslifted.“WasitForestGumpwhosaid’stupidisasstupiddoes’?”
Esme’smouthfellopenatthewoman’sboldness,unsurehowtodefendherselfagainstthenear-

strangerwhowasasunpredictableasshewasnosy.

“SpaceisnotwhatyouandHunterneed,”MissPearlsaid,eyeingEsmesagely.“Timespentalone,

imaginingthatsomehowtheotherwouldbehappierwithsomeoneelse,iswhathaskeptyouandyour

firemanapartalloftheseyears.Whenyouareapart,yourfearssetin.Butwhenyouaretogetherand
lookintoeachother ’seyes,everythingfeelsright.Easy.Complete.”Thewomantookaslow,
thoughtfulbreath.“No.Youandyourfiremandonotneedtimeapart.You’vehadfartoomuchofthat
already.”

Esmecouldn’tdenythat,butthepreviousnightwasstilltoofreshinhermind.“Hedoesn’twantto

seeme.”

“Hedoesn’twantyoutohurthimagain,”MissPearlcorrected.“There’sadifference.”
Okay,maybethewomanhadapoint.
“Areyouupforachallenge,MissTaylor?”
Thatwascertainlyanoddquestion.“Whatkindofchallenge?”
MissPearlsmiled.“Twowould-beloversneedyoutonight.”
Esmearchedaskepticalbrow.
“WithoutyouandHunter,theywillnevermeet,”MissPearlsaid.“Tonighttheywillbeinthesame

placeatthesametimewithHunter.Butwithoutyouthere,theywillneverspeak.Theywillnevermeet
orfindtruelove.”

Thewomanwassly.Esmewouldgiveherthat.“Youtalklikethere’sone‘right’personfor

everyone.Idon’tbelievethat.”

“Interesting,”MissPearlsaid.“Butyou’renotwrong.Therearemanymatchesformostpeople.

Butforsomepeople,therearefewermatches.Forothers,evenfewerstillthattheycantrusttohold
theirheartandleadthemtotheirfullpotential.”

Huh.Whenthewomanputitthatway,itwasactuallyquitelogicaltohaveasmallpoolofpotential

mates.

“Thetwowhowillmeettonightifyouacceptmychallengearesuchacouple,”MissPearlsaid,her

eyesalittlesad.“Twosoulswithdamagedheartswhoareperfectlysuitedtoloveeachother
completely…butonlyifyoumeetyourfiremanbyhistruckattheboxinggymby7:02.”

“7:02?”Esmesaid,lookingatthetime.“That’sveryspecific.Anditdoesn’tgivemeverylongto

getthere.”

“Butenoughtime,”MissPearlsaid.“Andwhereelsedoyouhavetoberightnow?”
Fairpoint.Esmeliterallyhadnowheretobe.
“Forgetyourselftonightandmeetyourfiremanbyhistruckat7:02,”MissPearlsaid.“Youand

Hunterworkfive-timesbettertogetherthanyoudoapart.Also,IpromisethatifyoudoasIsuggest,
thetwoofyouwilltalkaboutthisnightforyearstocome,andtwofriendswillmarryandblessyour
namesforbringingthemtogether,”MissPearlsaidbeforelookingEsmeintheeye.“Oryoucansit
hereonthishillwithmeandpout.Yourcall.”

Esmelaughed—shecouldn’thelpit—beforeshestoodanddustedoffthegrassthatwasclingingto

herpants.“Well,whenyouputitlikethat.”

Thewomansmiled.
“Haveagoodevening,MissPearl.And…thanksforthekickinthepants.”
“Mypleasure,”thewomansaidwithacheekysmilethatgotagrinoutofEsmeinreturnasshe

startedaway.

EsmemadeitallthewaytohercarbeforerealizinghowunlikelyitwastothinkthatHuntermight

beatthegymrightthen.Therewaseverychancethatshe’ddrivethereandhistruckwouldn’tbein
thelotatall.

Oh,well.ItwaslikeMissPearlsaid.Itwasn’tlikeshehadanythingelsegoingon.Soifthiswasa

nightshemighttrulyrememberforyears,shemightaswellshowupandgiveitago.

Chapter54

Hunterexitedtheboxinggym,pullinghisjackettighteraroundhisneck.Thefallairhadabitofa

bitetoittonight.

Itprobablyisn’tcoldinSantaCruz,hethoughtashestartedtowardhistruck.
Tonightwaslaundrynight.Itmightbetimetograbsomeofhiswinterjacketsoutofthebackof

hisclosetandgivethemawash.Nopointingettingsickatthebeginningoftheseasonwhenhecould
avoiditjustaseasilybykeepingwarm.

OrhecouldtransfertoSantaCruz.
Itwaswarmdowntherewithzerochanceofrandomrun-inswithEsmewhenhewentoutat

night…showingupoutofnowhere,lookinglikeadream,andplantingideasinhisheadthathadkept
himupallnightresurrectingdaydreamsfromhischildhood.FantasiesofEsmebeingsurroundedby
agroupofguystryingtogetherattentionandherreachingforhishandinsteadandsaying,“Sorry,
guys.I’mwithHunter.”Dreamswherehewastheonewhogotthekiss,andotherguysweretheones
whogotthepunchestothearmwhensayinghello.

Lastnight,onequestionhadloopedandhauntedhimuntilthesuncameup:IfhehadkissedEsme

inthebaraftersheaskedhimtochooseher,wouldshehavekissedhimback?

Hunterhatedthatthesimplehopethatshemighthavecouldcrumblehisresolvetostaystrong.It

wouldhaveonlybeenakiss,forcryingoutloud.He’dhadthousandsofthoseinhislifetime,yethe’d
belyingifhedeniedthefactthathe’dalwayswishedtofeelaveryspecificpairoflipsagainsthis
own—thathe’ddreamedofitasrecentlyaslastnight.

Man,hewasweak.
GivingseriousthoughttotheideaofescapingtoSantaCruz,Hunterfishedhiskeyoutofhisbag

ashemovedthroughthefirstrowofcarsintheparkinglot.Oncehegottotherowhistruckwason,
hehadtoblinkwhenhesawtheblondehewaskissinginhismindleaningagainsthisfender.

Foramomenthethoughthisimaginationwasgettingawayfromhim,butno.ThatwasEsme

leaningagainsthistruck,eyeinghimasheapproached.Herefusedtoflinchandkepthisheadhigh
untilhewasinspeakingrange.

“Ez,”hesaid,singlingouthisignitionkey.“Areyouastalkernow?”
Sheshrugged.“Maybe.”
“Goodtoknow,”hesaid,walkingpasthertothedriver ’ssidedoor.
“Ormaybealittleladywithacookiecarttoldmetobehereatthisparticularmoment.”
“MissPearl?Andyoulistenedtoher?”Hunterasked,althoughhisfeetdidslow.MissPearlhad

toldEsmetobehere?Whatwasherangle?

Esmeshrugged.“Shesaidthatifthetwoofusweregoingtobestupidwiththeeachother,theleast

wecoulddoisintroducetwofriendswhoaremeanttobe.Thenshetoldmewheretobe.”She
glancedattheclockonherphone.“I’mrightontime—asareyou,coincidentallyenough.Shesaidto
meetyoubyyourtruckatthegymat7:02pm.”

Huntercheckedhisownphone.7:02.“Thatwomanissoweird.”

“Eccentric,perhaps,butshehasyettobeinaccurate.Shecalledwhatwouldhappenwithmeand

Jonafteronecookie.”

Aftertwocookies,Huntercorrectedinhishead.ThefirstwithJonandthesecondwithme.Butit

didn’tmatter.Esmewasright.MissPearlwasanoddityinthefirstdegree,butherfortunecookie
wisdomalwaysseemedstrangelyonpoint.

“Sowhatarewesupposedtodo?”heasked.
Esmeshrugged.“Idon’tknow.Shejusttoldmetobehere.SoI’mhere.”
“Shedidn’tgiveyouacookieorsomethingtoopenwhenyougotheretogiveusaclue?”
HesawatugpullatthecornerofEsme’slips.“Nope.Sorry.”
Huntershookhishead.“Thatwoman…Iswearplayingwithourbrainsisherversionoffun.”
Esmepushedawayfromhistruck,turningtofacehim.“Well,I’mwillingtoseeifshe’sright

abouttonightifyouare.Maybetheanswerlieswithyou.Wherewereyouplanningonheadingnext?”

“Nowhere,”Hunterconfessed,eventhoughhewantedtoclaimhehadahotdate.“Laundrynight.”
“Okay,”shesaidwithalittlesmile.“Maybewestartthere.”
“Inalaundryroom?Yeah,Idon’tthinkwe’llbefindinganyofourfriendsatmyplace.”
“Well,then,whatdoyou—”
“Hunter!”amalevoicecalledoutfromacrosstheparkinglot.
Onlytheparkinglotwaslitsothevoicemusthavecomefromthesidewalkarea,butitdefinitely

hadthesoundofsomeonerunningtowardshim.Outofinstinct,HuntersteppedinfrontofEsmeand
eyedthedirectionthevoicehadcomefromuntilhesawafamiliarfacerunintoview.“Kenny?”

“Yeah,”thekidsaid,stillsprinting.“Don’tleave.Holdup!”
ApparentlysatisfiedthatHunterknewthepersonrunningatthem,EsmesteppedoutfromHunter ’s

protectionandstoodnexttohimastheteenapproached.KennyfalteredwhenhesawherandHunter
wasabouttowarnthekidthatlewdlooksandcommentsweren’tallowed,butKennydidn’tevengive
Esmeaonce-over.HelookedrightatHunter.

Somethingwaswrong.
“I’mhere,Kenny,”Huntersaid.“What’sup?It’snotournighttotrain.”
“Iknow.”
Astheteenapproached,EsmeglancedatHunter.“Doyouneedmetoleaveyoutwoalone?”
Huntershookhishead.“Actually,heandIaren’tallowedtobealone.Ineedyoutostay.”
Hunter ’smindjumpedtoMissPearlforasplitsecond,wonderingifbysomeforceofmagical

woowooshe’dforeseenKenny’sarrivalintheparkinglotandknownthatthey’dneedachaperone.
Butthatwasstupid.TherewasnowayMissPearlcouldhaveknownthathe’dneedachaperonetotalk
toKennyinthismoment.Thiswasnothingmorethanaluckybreak.

“What’sgoingon?”Hunteraskedwhenthekidstoppedinfrontofhim.He’dclearlybeenrunning,

andHunterknewexactlyhowfitKennywas.Ifhewasheavinglikecurrentlywas,he’dbeenrunning
fastandhardforawhile.

ForamomentKennyfocusedonbreathingwhilesendingnervouslooksatEsme.“Who’sshe?”
“Someoneyou’regoingtorespect,”Huntersaid.
Kennystilllookedwary.“Canshebetrusted?”
“Morethanyouorme,”Hunterreplied,surprisedwhenthekidnoddedandappearedtotakethe

answeratfacevalue.“So,Kenny,wanttotellmewhyyousprinteda10Ktogethere?”

Again,theguyhesitated—lookingatHunter,lookingatEsme,thenlookingbackatHunter.“Ineed

totellyousomething,butyou’regoingtobemadatme.”

“Okay,”Hunterprompted.
Kennykepthiseyesontheasphalt,clearlyhesitanttomakeeyecontact.“I’llprobablygetin

trouble.Maybebigtrouble.Triedasanadultkindoftrouble.”

HuntersawtheintriguedtiltofEsme’sheadfromthecornerofhiseyebeforereplying.“Sounds

likesomethingyoushoulddefinitelytellmethen.”

KennystayedsilentandEsmesentHunteraglancethatsaid,Makehimtalk.He’sserious.
“Areyougoingtotellme?”Huntersaidinhisusualcoachtone.
“I’mdebatingwhetherornotyou’llbelieveme,”Kennysaid,glancingup.“It’snotworthgetting

introubleifyou’renotgoingtobelieveme.”

“Ifyou’relying,I’llknowit,”Huntersaid,adjustinghisgymbagonhisshoulderashejabbeda

thumbinEsme’sdirection.“AndifIdon’t,shewill.Thisladyeatsliarsaliveforaliving,sodon’tlie
andwe’llbelieveyou.”

Kennynodded,eyesreassessingEsmeandnotappearingtodoubtHunter ’sclaim.“Remembera

fewweeksago,whenMissWeekes’boyfriendgotalldramaticatthegym.”

“Ofcourse,”Huntersaid.
Thekidtookaslowbreath.“Afterseeingthat,Ifoundoutmoreabouthim.I’vekindofbeen

followinghim.”

Hunterfoughtthesurprisefromshowingonhisfaceandlimitedtheoutragedresponsesplaying

outinhismindtoacalm,“Okay.”

“It’slikewesaid.He’sbadnews.”Kennylookedup,angerfillinghiseyes.“He’sgoingtohurther,

Hunter.”

Hunter ’smindracedashesearchedforaresponse,butultimatelyheendeduplookingatEsmefor

herreaction.HerlipswerepressedtogetherinaflatlineasshesentaquicknodHunter ’sdirection.
ShebelievedKenny.

“Imean,reallyhurther,”Kennyadded,gettingHuntertolookbackhisway.“Iknowhistype.I

knowwhattheydo.And…”

“And?”Hunterprompted.
Kenny’sjawflexedacoupleoftimesbeforedecidingtoanswer.“Heownsagun.Unregistered.”
“Howdoyouknow?”
“I…lookedatit,”Kennyconfessed.“Theserialnumberisfiledoff.Heprobablygotitonthestreet.

Hekeepsitinhisnightstand.”

Holycrap.Yes,KennycouldgetintoallsortsoftroublebasedonwhathewastellingHunter.

Breakingandentering?Stalkinghissocialworker?Hecoulddefinitelygotojail.

“Didyoutouchthegun?”Hunterasked,andKennylookedassurprisedasHunterfeltthatitwashis

firstfollow-upquestion.

“I’mnotstupid.”
Ofcoursehewasn’t.“Okay.Good.”
Kennytiltedhishead,probablysurprisedhewasn’tbeingyelledatyet.ButHunterwasafireman,

notacop.Hehadnoobligationtocuffthekid.What’smore,hecaredaboutShaunaandtheremust
havebeenamassiveredflagsomewhereforakidlikeKennytostepforwardandincriminatehimself
inmultiplefelonies.

“SowhatdoyouthinkAaron’sgoingtodo?”Hunterasked.
Kennyclearlywasn’texpectingthefollow-upquestionbecauseheblinkedinsurprise.Whenhe

answeredthistime,itwaswithmoreconfidence.“Thedudekindoflostitlastnight.Imean,he’sbeen
gettingworseeachday,butlastnightwaslikeatippingpoint.Isawit.He’satthatplacewherethey
switchfromwordstoactions.Andhewasscreamingatherlastnight.Ithinkshebrokeupwithhim,
andhewasyellingandyelling.Thenhewenthomeandloadedhisgunandputitinthegloveboxof
hiscar.Hedidn’tleaveagainlastnight,butifit’sinhisglovebox,he’sthinkingsomething.”

Huntergrewstill.“Andyou’resureit’sstillinhiscar?”
Kennynodded.“Totallysure.I’vebeenobsessingaboutitalldayandtellingmyselfIcantakecare

ofit,andIdon’tneedtotellanyone.Icanhandlethedude.Butyoukeptcomingtomind,andIkept
rememberingallthosesessionswithyouwhereIthoughtallIhadtodowasraceinandgiveitmyall
towin.Butyoutookmedownsoeasilyeverytime.Itmademethinkthatmaybeitwouldbethesame
ifItriedtohandlethisalone.BecauseIknowI’mtough.Icouldbeatthisguywithfists,butI’mnot
tougherthanabullet.”

“Noneofusare,Kenny,”Huntersaid,ashethoughtoverwhatthekidhadsaid.
“DoyouknowAaron’sfullname?”Esmeaskedfromnexttohim,andpartofHuntercalmeddown

abitasshetooksomecontrol.Esmeunderstoodcrisis.Sheunderstoodescalationandsheknewhow
tostopitwhilestillmovingthingsforward.IfHuntercouldpickasinglepersonontheplanettobe
standingnexttohimrightthen,itwouldbeher.

“AaronSarvo,”Kennysaid.
“Doyouknowhislicenseplate?”sheasked,hervoiceoddlysoothing.
Kennynodded,beingsurprisinglyunguarded.“Itookapicture.”
Hunternoddedandpulledouthisownphone,knowingwhohewantedtocall.
WhileKennyfishedhisphoneoutofhispocketandscrolledtotheimageofaMercedes,Hunter

pulledupacontactonhisownphone.“I’mgoingtomakeacallandIneedyoutotrustme,okay,
Kenny?”

KennylookedfromhimtoEsme.WhenshenoddedinagreementwithHunter,thekidshrugged.

“Whatever.”

HuntersearchedhiscontactsforOfficerFlynn’snumberandselectedit.Fourringslater,thecop

pickedup.

“What’sup,Chase?”OfficerFlynnsaid.“Onduty.Can’ttalk.”
“Thisisactuallyanon-dutycall,”Huntersaid,takingKenny’sphonefromhim.“Ihave

informationtothrowyourway,butIdon’tknowwhatyoucandowithit.”

“Okay,”Flynnsaid,hislighttoneshiftingevenasKennystartedstress-pacingacrossfromhim.
“Ihaveitfromaprettyreliablesourcethataguyboughtanillegalgunoffthestreetandisdriving

aroundwithitinhisgloveboxwithintent.IfIgaveyouhisnameandlicenseplatenumber,isthere
anythingyoucandowiththatinformation?”

“Idunno.Howreliableisthissource,Chase?”
“It’sastreetsource,”Huntersaid,watchingKennyashestartedbitinghisnails.“Astreet-smartkid

feelslikethisguyisgoingtodosomethingbad.”

“Sincewhendostreetkidscarewhatpeopledowithgunsboughtontheblackmarket?”Flynn

challenged.

“Sincetheythinkthetargetisawomanwhohelpsstreetkids.”
“I…see,”Flynnsaid.“Givemetheinfo.I’llseeifIcanfindareasontopullthisguyover.”
“Thatwouldbemuchappreciated,”Huntersaidbeforerepeatingthenameandgivinghimthe

licenseplatenumber.WhenFlynnhungup,HunterhandedKenny’sphonebacktohim.

“Youcalledthecops?”Kennybalked,takinghisphoneback.“That’sallyou’regoingtodo?

They’renotgoingtodoanything.”

“It’stherightplacetostart,”Huntersaidcalmly.“Thisisoneofthoseareaswheretherearerules,

Kenny.Andsomerulescanbebentandafewcanbebroken,butthemajorityofthemwillprotectyou
andyouneedtofollowthem.”

“Well,Idon’tcareaboutmerightnow,”Kennysnapped.“I’vedealtwithmenlikeAaronSarvomy

entirelife.Iknowhistype.Iknowhowtheyoperate.Iknowwhattheydo,andI’mtellingyouthathe’s
readytoblowandhehasaguninhisglovebox.NowImaynotknowexactlywhattodoaboutthat,
butI’mnotgoingtostandaroundhereanddonothing.”

“DidIsaythat’sallweweregoingtodo?”Huntersaid,pullingupShauna’snumberinhisphone

asEsmewatched.“PuttingAarononthepolice’sradarwasstepone.Nowwe’regoingtotalkto
Shauna.”

ThatcalmedKennydownabit.“Yeah?CanIcomewithyou?”
“Isaidtalk,”Huntersaid,wigglinghisphone.“BasedonwhatShaunahastosay,we’lldecidewhat

todonext.IfshesayssheandAaronhaveadatetogotoagunrangetonight,maybewebackoff.If
shesayssomethingelse,maybewedon’t.Remember,Kenny,thereareonlythreereasonspeople
fight.Whatarethey?”

“Pride,practice,andprotection,”thekidsaidlikehe’dsaiditahundredtimes.Becausehehad.
“Andwhataretheonlyacceptablereasonswecanfight?”heasked.
“Practiceandprotection,”Kennyrecited,stillannoyed.
“AndifAaronisreallygoingtohurtMissWeekestonight,whyishefighting?”
“Pride,”thekidspat.
“That’sright,”Huntersaid,feelingEsme’seyeswatchinghimcloselyevenasheavoidedlooking

back.HehadtostaystrongandkeephiseyesonKenny.“Andthat’swhatmakesusdifferentthanhim.
Wepracticefightingsowecanprotect.Butifwestartafightoutofpride,we’renodifferentthat
Aaron.Doyouseethat?”

“Iguess,”thekidgrumbled.
“AnddoyouwanttobelikeAaron?”
ThatearnedHunteraglare.“Obviouslynot.Nowcanwesavetheafter-schoolspecialhere?The

clockisticking.”

“Iknow,”Huntersaid.“I’mcallingMissWeekesnow,okay?”
Kennynodded.“Okay.”Hestartedpacingunderthelamplightagain.“Okay.”
AgutfeelinghadHunterhesitatingbeforepressingsendonhisphone.WhatifAaronwaswithher

andsawhisnameonthephone?Hecouldn’timaginethatwouldhelpthesituation.Heglancedat
Esmeandheldouthishand.“Switchmephones?”

Shenodded,notaskingquestionsashelookedthenumberonhisphoneandtriedtotypeitin,but

hisstresslevelwasimpactinghisdyslexiasohehandedhisphonetoEsme.

“Readhernumbertome.”
SheunderstoodthesituationwithoutbeingtoldandwaiteduntilhewasreadytohearShauna’s

number.Onceitwaskeyedin,Hunterpressedsendandputthecallonspeaker.HewantedEsmeto
hearwhateverhappened,andKennydeservedtohearittoo.

Hesentthekidawarninglook.“Saynothing.”
“Forsure.”
ThephonerangandranguntilitwenttovoicemailandKennyswore.
“It’stoolate,”hehissed.“Igotheretoolate.”
“Youdon’tknowthat,”Huntersaid,evenashisownheartstartedpoundingnervously.
Hehitredial,onceagainputtingitonspeaker.
ThistimeShaunaansweredonthesecondring.“Hello?”
“Hithere,Shauna,”HuntersaidasKennydrewcloser.“Isthisagoodtime?”
“Oh,hithere,”sherepliedasifshehadn’theardhisquestion.“I’mnotalone.CanIcallyou

later?”

Hervoicesoundedhighandoverlypolite,andwhenHunterglancedatEsmeherjawwassetand

shewasshakingherhead.Somethingwasoff.

“Ijustneedtoknowifeverything’sokay,Shauna.Areyousafe?”
“Notatall,”shesaidcordially.“Whatdoyouneed?”
TensionwashedthroughHunter ’sbody.“IsAaronwithyou?”
“Yeah,”shesaid,hervoicestillperma-happy.

HunterglancedupatKennywhohadhishandintheshapeofagunandwasgesturingmadly.“And

doeshehaveagun?”

“Surething,”Shaunasaid,stillperkybeforeadding.“Hey,mindifIputyouonspeakerphone.I’m

cookingrightnowandneedmyhands.”

Nexttohim,Esmereachedherhandoutdemandingthephoneassheshookherheademphatically.

Italktoher,shemouthed.Youcall9-1-1.

Hunternoddedandhandedoverthephone.Esmetookitoffspeakerbeforepressingittoherear

andhandingHunter ’sphonebacktohim.ThensheturnedtoKennyandmouthed,What’sherjob?

“She’smysocialworker,”KennywhisperedasHunterdialed9-1-1.
“Yep,”EsmesaidintothephoneinatoneHunterwasn’tusedtohearingfromher.Shedidn’tsound

likeadumbblonde,butdefinitelylikeaperkyone.“Icantotallyhearyou.Iknowit’swayafterhours,
andI’msosorrytohavetocallyouaboutthis.DidIcatchyouathome?”

TherewasamomentofsilencebeforeEsmelookedupatHunterandmouthed.She’shome.
Huntercouldhavekissedherforgettingthatdetail.Hecouldhavekissedherforanynumberof

reasons,butespeciallyforhavingthepresenceofmindtograbkeyinformationlikethatwhenhe’d
totallyspacedit.

HelookedatKenny.“What’sheraddress?”
EsmekepttalkingnexttothemwhileKennylookedituponhisphone.Hunterkepthisphonetohis

earwaitingforanoperatortopickup.

“It’sjustaboutthiscasefileyoupassedofftome,”Esmesaid.“It’smyfirstappointmenttomorrow

morningandIwantedtogetyourthoughtsonthechild.Icanseeyou’veputalotofworkintohim.”

KnowingEsmewoulddoeverythingrightonthecallwithShauna,Hunterre-focusedonthe

equallynecessarycallwhenanoperatorfinallypickedup.

“9-1-1.Whatistheaddressofyouremergency?”
Hunterturnedawaysohisvoicewasn’tpointingEsme’sdirection,Shauna’saddressjumblingin

hismindashelookedatitonKenny’sphone.Hecouldhavescreamedinfrustrationbutinsteadhe
lookedatKennyandmouthed,Readittome.

HedidandHunterrepeateditbacktotheoperator.
“Andwhatisthenatureofyouremergency?”theoperatorasked.
“Myfriendisonthephonewithawoman—ShaunaWeekes—whoclaimsherboyfriendisinher

homewithagunandthatshe’sindanger.”

“AreyouatthisaddresswithMissWeekesnow,sir?”
“I’mnot.Butmyfriendisstillonthephonewithher,pretendingtobeacoworkerwithquestions.”
“SoShaunaisspeakingwithsomeoneonthephonerightnow?”
“Yes,”Huntersaid.“Butshehasthephoneonspeaker,soI’massumingtheboyfriendcanhear

everything.Idon’tknowhowmuchwecansaytoherwithoutraisingredflags.”

“I’mdispatchingofficerstotheaddressnow,sir,butcanyouanswersomemorequestionsforme?”
“Ofcourse,”HuntersaidasEsmewavedtogethisattentionandpointedtothetruck.
Let’sheadovertoherplace,shemouthed.
“WoulditbeeasierifIjustcameover?”Esmesaidintothephone.
Huntershookhishead.Theyshoulddefinitelynotheadover—especiallywithKennyintow.What

intheworldwasshethinking?

Kennymuttered,“I’mwithher,”andgrabbedforHunter ’skeys.Huntermovedthemoutofhis

reach.

Incasewecanhelp,Esmemouthed.Trustme.
“Sir?”theoperatorsaid.“Didyouhearthequestion?”
“Sorry,no,”Huntersaid,reluctantlyheadingtothedriversidedoor.Esmewasrarelywrong.Ifshe

saidtheyshouldheadover,theyshouldheadover.“Couldyourepeatthat?”

“Whatisyourphonenumber,incasewegetdisconnected?”
Huntertoldher.
“Thankyou.Nowtellmeexactlywhathappenedleadinguptothiscall.”
Hunterrecountedeverythingasbesthecouldashepulledoutofthegymparkinglotwithhistwo

passengers.Hespokesoftly,hopingEsme’sphonewouldn’tpickuphisvoiceandletAaronhearwhat
hewasdoing.Whenhewasdonerepeatinghisversionofeventstotheoperator,morequestions
came.

“Doyouknowtheboyfriend’sname?”
“AaronSarvo.”
“AndShaunahasindicatedthatheisarmedanddangerous?”
“Asmuchasshecanwhileheislisteninginontheconversation,yes.I’mprettyconfidentAaron

hasagun.”

“Okay,I’mgoingtoneedaphysicaldescriptionofbothShaunaWeekesandAaronSarvo.”
Hunterkeptansweringtheoperator ’squestionswhilefollowingKenny’sfingersastheypointed

forhimtogoright,left,orstraight.Whenthekidwasn’tgivingsilentdirections,heanswered
questionsEsmetypedintohisphoneaboutShaunawhileEsmekepttalkinginheralmost-dumb
blondevoice.

“Youknowwhat?”Esmesaidastheoperatortypedupdatesintoacomputer.“Maybethiswouldbe

easierifIjustcameovertoyourplace.Howaboutanightcapandwe’llchataboutTommy?”

TheoperatorspokeinHunter ’sotherear.“Isthatyourfriendtalkingtoherinthebackground?”
“Yes,”Huntersaid.
“IsthereanyindicationthatShaunahasbeenharmed?”
“Notsofar,”Huntersaid.
“Okay.TellyourfriendtokeepShaunaonthephoneaslongasshecan.Ifanythingchanges,please

interruptmeimmediatelytogivemetheupdate.”

“Willdo,”hesaid,thenkepttalkinguntiltheoperatorsaidshehadeverythingandtoldhim

officerswereonthescene.Atthatpointtheoperatorendedthecall,buttoldHuntertokeephisphone
closeincasesomeoneneededtocallhimbackformoreinformation.

Hangingupwiththeoperator,HunterturnedandmadeeyecontactwithEsmetocheckin.Shewas

stilltalking,andmakingitlookeasy.Sheputaquestioninhereyesastheylookedateachother,
silentlyaskinghimwhattheoperatorhadsaid.

Talkaslongasyoucan,hemouthed.
Esmesenthimasolemnnodbeforechipperlysayingintothephone,“Iknow,right?Thissystemis

soinefficient.Thankheavenforpeoplelikeyou,whoactuallycare.”

EsmewashumanizingShauna.ShewaslettingAaronknowshewasapersonwhowouldbe

missed.Shewastryingtourgehimtorethinkthingswithherlanguage.

Inshort,Esmewasamazing.

Chapter55

Huntersawthepatrolcarassoonastheypulledontothestreet—lightsoffandstoppedinoneof

thedarkerareasofthestreet.They’darrivedsilently.Thatwasgood.Reallygood.

KennypassedhisphoneupfromthebackseatwiththeanswertoEsme’smostrecentquestion.

He’dbeeninsideShauna’sofficeandknewalotofthingsEsmedidn’tknow,andtheyseemedtobe
workingtogetherprettyseamlesslytokeepEsme’scoverstoryofbeingacoworkerontrack.

HunterparkedhistruckinthefirstavailablespothefoundonthestreetandmotionedforEsmeand

Kennytostayinthetruck.Esmenodded,andsodidKennyafterHuntersenthimasternlook.Only
thendidHuntergetout.

Ashewalkedforward,anauthoritativevoicecalledout,“Stoprightthere!”
Huntersquintedhiseyes,tryingtoseethesilhouetteinfrontofhimbetter.“Flynn?”
Therewasapause.“Chase?”
“Yeah,”Huntersaid,movingforwardagain.
“Thisisyourcall?”Flynnasked,steppingforwardaswell.
“Yeah.IcalledShauna—thewomanintheapartment—afterhangingupwithyou,”Huntersaid.

“Sheisdefinitelyinthereandtheguydefinitelyhasagun.”Hejerkedhisthumbbacktowardthe
truck.“Esme’sstillonthephonewithher.”

“Youbroughtherhere?”Flynnasked.“Chase,that’s—”
“Look,Esmemanagescrisesforaliving,”Huntersaidoverhim.“Ididn’twanttocome,butif

Fortune500companiestrustherjudgment,Ishouldtoo.Andshesaidweshouldbehere.”

Flynnshookhishead.“Well,Ican’tletyouneartheapartmentcomplex.”
“ButifyouknockonthatdoorandAaronseesyou,he’sgoingtoshootShauna.I’vemettheguy.

Thinkingthingsthroughisn’thisforté.Gotanyoneinplainclothes?”

“Youtellingmehowtodomyjob,Chase?”
“Justtryingtohelp,”Huntersaid,eyeingShauna’sapartmentcomplex.
Flynn’ssmilecurvedupintoasmirk.“Well,whydon’tyouhelpmeoutbygoingbacktoyour

truckandnama-stayingoutofmyway?”

Hunterletoutaquickchuckle.“Iseewhatyoudidthere.”
“It’skarmadude.Foronceyou’rethestupidpersononthesceneofanemergency.”
“Iguess,”Huntersaid,lookingathistruck.“Areyousureyoudon’twanttotalktoEsme?She’s

stillonthephonewithShauna.Maybeshecancodesomethingintowhatshe’ssaying,orgetAaronto
focussomewherethatgivesyouablindspot.She’sreallygood,Flynn.”

“Iknow,”hesaid.“I’vemether.Butshe’sacivilian.”
“She’sanasset,”Huntercountered.“Ahighlytrainedassetincrisismanagement,andshe’snotin

anydanger.Shecanstayoutofsightinthetruck.Letherknowwhatyouneed,andshe’llgetitdone.”

Flynnsighed,thenheldouthishand.“Stayhere,man,”hesaid,thengotontohisradioandwalked

outofhearingrange.

Chapter56

“I’velookedinthatfilingcabinet,”Esmesaidintothephone.“ButI’lllookagain.Thefile

obviouslyhastobeheresomewhere.”

Ontheothersideoftheline,Shaunasoundedabitmorestressedthanshehadthirtysecondsagoas

shereplied.“Youknow,let’sjustsortthisallouttomorrow.”

“Oh,”Esmecomplained.“Thatwouldmeanbothofuscominginearly,andI’dreallyliketoavoid

that.Wealreadystaysolateeverynight.”

“Iknow,”Shaunasaid.“It’sjustthatmyguestsarehereandI’mbeingrudebystayingonthe

phone.”

TheboyfriendwasapplyingpressureforShaunatohangup.Esmecouldtellbythetensioninthe

otherwoman’svoice.Shaunawasstrong,butthestressofwhateverwashappeningontheotherside
ofthelinewascrackingher.Esme’sbestplaywasnottoescalateandtoonlydotheminimumittook
tostayontheline—likereintroducingthepossibilityofexposingShauna’scoverstoryofhaving
guestsover.ApplyingtheslightestamountofpressuretherehadthepotentialofmakingAaron’s
behaviormorepredictableifthepolicemadethedecisiontouseher.

“DoyouthinkyourguestswouldmindterriblyifIjustswungbyforasec?”Esmesaid.“I’monly

afewminutesaway,andthingswouldjusthappensomuchfasterface-to-face.Ifwecanjustlookat
everythingatthesametimeandgetyourinput,Iprobablywon’tevenneedthismissingfile.”

Esmedideverythinginherpowertomakehervoicecasualandnon-threatening.Itwasimportant

thattheboyfriendbelievethatShaunawastalkingtoahalf-wittedwoman,notsomeonewhowasan
actualthreat.Nobigwords,nopowerstatements,andapepperingofwordslikejustandyouknow
andliketodiminishherselfintheman’seyes.

Itwasgettinghardertodo,though.SheandShaunahadbeenonthephoneovertenminutes,and

therewereonlysomanytimesyoucouldcirclethesameconversationaldrainwithoutgetting
flushed.Allshecoulddonowwastrytostayonthephonelongenoughtodosomegood.

Adarkshadowwalkeddownthestreettowardher,andEsmeknewitwasanofficerbythe

silhouetteoftheutilitybeltthemanwore.

“No,”Shaunasaidonthephone.“Iwouldreallypreferitifwecoulddothisoverthephone.Can

youlookinthebeigecabinetonemoretime?Seconddrawerdown?”

“I’velookedtwice,”Esmesaidastheofficerstoppedinfrontofherandpulledoutatablet.“I’lltry

onemoretime.Holdon.”

Acrossfromher,theofficerheldthetabletoutsoshecouldseeit.Onithehadwritten:Mynameis

OfficerFlynn.IamafriendofHunter’sandhesaysyouaretrainedincrisissituationsandcanhelp.

Esmesentthemananodbeforespeakingintothephone.“I’mstillnotseeingit,Shauna.”
OfficerFlynnclearedthetextandstartedwritingsomethingelse.
“Areyousure?”Shaunapressed.“Itshouldbethefourthorfifthfileback.”
“Nope,”Esmesaidafterabeat.“Isthereanywhereelseyouwouldhaveputit?Anywhereatall?

Didyoutakeitwithyousomewhere?”

OfficerFlynnheldupthetabletagain.Doyouthinkyoucanseparatethem?
Esmeshookherheadandreachedoutforthestylustheofficerwasusingtowrite.Underhis

questionshewrote.I’vetried.He’sonherlikeglue,butseemsunwillingtohurtherwhileshe’sonthe
phone.

“…Inevertakefilesoutoftheoffice,asarule,”ShaunawassayingwhenEsmetunedbackin.
“Andnoexceptionstothatrule?”Esmepressed.
OfficerFlynnheldupthetabletagain.Doyouthinkyoucangetthemoutoftheapartment?
Esmehesitated,thennoddedbeforetheofficerquicklyscribbled,Giveus60secondstogetinto

position.

“Tellyouwhat,”EsmesaidintothephoneasOfficerFlynnranoutofsight.“Ifeelhorribleabout

holdingyouupwhileyouhaveguestsover,sohowaboutthis?I’llcheckallthefilesonemoretime,
andifIstillcan’tfindit,thenyoucheckaspotforme.Ifwestillcan’tfindit,thenwe’llcallitanight
andI’lljustcomeinearlyandtryagain.Thatsoundokay?”

“Thatsoundsperfect,”Shaunasaid,stillclearlytense.
Esmekeptchatteringon,pretendingtogothroughfilingcabinetsuntiltheclockonherphone

showedithadbeenoveraminute.Thenshemadehermove.

“I’msosorry,Shauna,”shesighedintothephone.“I’mstillnotseeingit,sowillyoujustdomea

favorandcheckyourcarforme?WheneverIcan’tfindmyfiles,ninetimesoutoftenthat’swhereI
findthem.ItakethemwithmeasareferenceandIjustforgettore-filethem.”

“Oh,”Shaunabreathed,andEsmewasn’tsureifthewomanwasactingorifshereallyfoundthe

idearevelatory.“Youknow,nowthatyoumentionit,Ithinkitmightbeinthecar…inthepocket
behindtheseat.”

“Couldyoucheck?”Esmegushed.“Forme?IswearIwon’tsleeptonightuntilIknowwhetheror

notit’snotinyourcar.”

“Yeah.Givemetwominutes.”
Esmecoulddothat.Atwo-minutebreaksoundedfabulous.“I’llberighthere.”
Thegoodnews?Shaunahadjumpedonthebait.Thequestionnowwaswhetherornother

boyfriendwasactuallygoingtoletherwalkouttothecarornot,orifhewasgoingtoforceherto
pretendshehad.Esmewasn’tinlineofsightoftheapartments,soshehadnowaytoknow.Allshe
knewwasthatShaunahadputheronmute,whichmeantsheandtheboyfriendwerelikelyarguing.

IfthecombinationofAaronwantingtogetEsmeoffthephoneandShaunaconvincinghimthat

thiswouldgetridofherforthenightwasconvincingenough,thenAaronmightletShaunawalkout
tohercar.

Tensecondspassed.Twenty.Thirty.Esmebegantothinkthatherbaithadn’tworked.Thenthere

wasawholelotofyellingto“Getdown!”

PartofEsmewaswaitingforgunshotstofilltheairandwasrelievedwhentherewerenone.Aaron

hadn’tfired.Thepolicehadn’tfired.Whentheyellingstopped,noonehadbeenshotandEsmefelt
herselfslumpagainstthetruck.Thephonewasstillsilentinherhand,andwhenshelookeddownit
wasshaking—orrather,herhandwasshaking.Odd.Shecouldn’tfeelthetremors.

Sheslippedherphoneintoherpursesoshecouldflexherhandsinanefforttostoptheshaking.It

didn’twork.Ifanything,thetremorsstartedmovingupherarms.

Hearingthecommotionriseandfalloverattheapartmentcomplex,Kennyopenedthetruckdoor.

“Isitover?”

“Ithinkso,”Esmebreathed,hidingherhandsfromhissight.“Ithinkthey’vegothim.”
“IsMissWeekesokay?”hechokedout.
“I’mprettysuresheis,”Esmesaid,reachingoutahandtowardtheboy.“Comeon.Let’sgocheck,

hero.”

Chapter57

HunterdidhiscivicdutybystayingbehindthetapewhileFlynngrabbedEsmeandbroughther

insidethetapetotalk.IthadbeenamazingtowatchFlynnandtheofficersonthescenetakeAaron
downsosmoothly.

Somehow,EsmemusthavegottenShaunaandAarontowalkoutoftheapartment,andwhenthey

had,officershadbeenframingthedoor.ShaunahadwalkedthroughfirstwithAarononlyastep
behind,butitwasenoughtogetthedroponhim.He’dhadhisgunhiddeninhisjacketpockettohide
itfromanyonewhomightseethem,sohe’dhadexactlynotimetorespondtothemultipleguns
aimedathimfromthreedifferentdirections.Inlessthanasecond,Shaunahadbeenpulledbehindone
oftheofficersandAaron’shandshadbeenintheair.

Andthathadbeenthat.
Noofficershadtrulybeeninharm’swaythatnight,allbecauseEsmeunderstoodhowtotalkto

people—evencurrentlyinsaneones.

“Amazing,isn’tshe?”alightlyaccentedvoicesaidfromnexttohim.ItwasoddtoHunterthat

whenhelookeddownandoverhewasn’tsurprisedtoseeMissPearl.Forsomereason,itseemed
totallynormalforhertobehangingaroundacrimescenemakingidleconversation.

“Where’sthecookiecart?”heasked.
Thewomansmiled.“Idon’tneeditanymore.”
“No?Doyounotneedyouraccenteither?”
MissPearlshookherhead.“Ineededtotrickyouintolisteningcarefullybefore.Youcanbevery

dismissiveofnewideaswhenyouthinkyouhavesomethingfiguredout.Ispokedifferentlybeforeso
youwouldheardifferently,butIthinkyouhearmewellenoughnow.”

Huh.Hopefullythiswomannevermethismotherorhe’dneverbeabletositatafamilydinner

containingcorrectgrammaragain.

MissPearlcastapointedglanceatEsme.“Youloveher,”Itwasn’taquestion.
Helookedacrosstheyellowtapeandlethisbreathcatchinhisthroatatthesightofher.“Ido.”
Sheheldupacontainerwithtwocookiesinit.“Youalsoknowwhatthesecookiestastelike.My

questionforyouishowlongareyougoingtopretendyoudon’twanttotasteitagainfortherestof
yourlife?”

Hunter ’seyesmovedbacktoEsme.“Lookather.Shecouldhaveanyone.”
“Exceptyou,itseems,”MissPearlmused.
“It’snotthat,”Huntersaid.“Youknowit’snotthat.”
“Thenwhatisit?”
Hunterdidn’thaveareadyanswer.
“Imatchupalotofcouples,Hunter,butyouarearareman.”
Hegrinnedatthecompliment.“Iam?”
Shenodded.“Sostubborn.Manymenarestubborn,butyouarespecialinyourstubbornness.”
Man,helikedthiswoman.“Thankyou.”

“Itwasn’tpraise.”
“Iknow,”hesaid,stilllookingatEsme.Helovedthateventhoughherheelslefthershorterthan

allthemenaroundher,shestillstoodamongthemasequals.Flynnseemedtobeinterviewingher,
askingquestionsandjottingdownanswersashegotahandleonthefullpicture.

He’dalwayslovedthataboutEsme—herabilitytolookeveryoneintheeyeandtalkstraight.Sure

herdimpledchin,curvybody,andsapphireeyesdidn’tdoanythingtoharmhisaffection,butitwas
herspiritthathadalwaysheldhimcaptive.Hercleargazethatseemedtoseeall;herinabilitytotella
lie;and,yeah,itdidn’thurtthathefoundherincrediblybeautiful,either.Looksneverhurt,butHunter
likedtothinkthathisfeelingswouldstaythesamenomatterwhatEsmelookedlike.

“Yourloveistrue,”MissPearlsaidsoftly.“Hersis,too.Sowhatisityoufear,Hunter?”
Fear.Hunterdidn’twanttoadmitthatfearwasdrivinghim,butthecookieladyhadnailedit.
Hewasterrified.
“She’smynorth,”heconfessed.“Alwayshasbeen.”
“Doyouthinkrunningawayfromherwillchangethat?”
“No,”Hunterbreathed.“Butshewalkedawaysoeasilylasttime.”
HefeltMissPearl’swiseeyesstudyinghim.“Howdoyouknowitwaseasyforher?”
“Hunter!”afemalevoicecalledoutfromthecomplexandHunterlookeduptoseeShaunarunning

hisdirection,tearsstreamingdownherface.

“Givemeasec,”hesaidtoMissPearlonlytofindhimselfalone.MissPearlwasnowheretobe

seen,buthedidn’thavetimetoprocessthatsinceShaunawasonlyafewstepsawayandclosingin
fast.HuntersteppedallthewayuptotheyellowtapeandcaughtShaunawhenshethrewherself
againsthischest.Hedidhisbesttocatchherwhilestillkeepingthecookiessafe.

Lookingoverhisshoulder,hemotionedtoKennywherehestoodinthebackground.IfShauna

washandingouthugs,thekiddefinitelydeservedone.

“Thankyou,”Shaunasobbed.“Thankyousomuch!”
“Don’tthankme,”Huntersaid,squeezingherback.“Kennywasyourguardianangeltonight.He’s

theonewholetmeknowyouwereintrouble.”

Shegrewstillagainsthim.“How?”
“Don’tworry,”Huntersaid,pullingaway.“AfterwhatAarondidatthegym,hedidsomedigging.

Hewaslookingoutforyou.”

Apparently,thatwasenoughofanexplanationbecausewhenKennywalkedupbehindHunter,

Shaunareleasedhim,duckedundertheyellowtape,andgrabbedtheteen.

“Thankyousomuch,Kenny,”shesaidfiercelyasshewrappedhiminahug.
“Whatever,”thekidsaidasifhehadn’tspentthelasthourfightingtogetShaunathehelpshe

needed.

Shaunaputsomedistancebetweenthemwhilekeepingherhandsonhisshoulders.“Yousavedmy

life,”shesaid,lookinghimrightintheeye.“Doyouunderstandthat?”

ToHunter ’ssurprise,Kennytearedupbeforetryingfornonchalanceagain.“Well,I’mgladyou’re

okay.”

“Becauseofyou,”sherepeated,thenpulledhimintoanotherhug.“I’maliverightnowbecauseof

you.”

Thistimethekidhuggedherback,atearslippingoutasheheldontohissocialworker.Hunterdid

thekidthefavorofpretendingnottonoticethathiseyeswereleaking.

“MissWeekes,”Flynnsaid,comingupbehindher.“We’regoingtowanttotakeyoutothestation

andtalktoyou,ifthat’sokay.”

“Ofcourse,”Shaunasaid,dabbingathereyesandpullingawayfromherhugwithKenny.

Squeezinghisshoulder,shesteppedaway.“Imeanit,Kenny.Thankyou.”

ThenFlynnledherawaytowhereEsmestood.
Nexttohim,Kennywipedthetearsfromhisfaceandstraightened.“Thanksforbelievingme,”he

said,keepinghiseyesstraightforward.

“Trustisearned,”Hunterreplied.
Thekidnodded.“SoisthepartwhereIgetintroublenow?”
HunterconsideredthatbeforeplacinghishandonKenny’sshoulder.“Thisisthepartwheremaybe

webendtherulesabit.”HepointedEsme’sway.“TalktoEsmeinprivatebeforeyougiveyour
statementtothepolice.Thepoliceneedtotalktoyou,butthere’ssuchathingastheFifthAmendment.
Youcantellthemallthestuffthathelpsthemclosethiscasewithoutincriminatingyourself,sotalkto
Esmebeforeyoutalktothem.Ifshetellsyounottosaysomething,don’tsayit.Understand?”

Kennynodded.“Gotit.”
“She’snotalawyer,butshedealswiththemeveryday.Sheknowswhatneedstobesaidandwhat

doesn’t.She’llguideyourightandkeepyououtofcuffs.Listentoher.”

“Iwill.Itrusther,”KennysaidbeforewalkingtowardFlynn.
Kennytrustedsomeone?Thatwasnews.AndwhenHunterglancedbackovertowatchEsmeasshe

spokewithShaunaandFlynn,Huntercouldn’thelpbutfeelasurgeofpride.Apparently,therewasno
limittothenumberofmiraclesEsmeTaylorcouldpulloffinonenight.

GetFlynntoletyoutalktoKennyprivatelybeforehegiveshisstatement,Huntertextedherashe

walkedbacktohistrucktohelpclearthescene.

Chapter58

EsmeopenedherUberappassheexitedtothelobbyofthepolicedepartment.She’darrived

around8:30p.m.anditwasnowaftermidnight.

Shefeltlikeaflagafterawindstormandcouldonlyhopeshedidn’tlookit.Notthatitreally

mattered.ThestationwasmostlyemptyandonlyanUberdriverwouldbeseeingherbeforeshemade
ithomeandfellintobed.Itwouldfeelgoodtopassoutandleavethisdaybehindher.

Talkaboutlifehappeningwhileyouweremakingotherplans.Esmedidn’tregretasinglething

thathadhappenedthatnight,butshehadn’treallyseenanyofitcomingeither.Thepastfivehourshad
beenatotalblindside.She’dstartedoutthinkingthatMissPearlhadplantedtheredherringofanidea
thatsheandHunterweresupposedtoconnecttwofriendsonlytogetherandHunterinthesamespace
longenoughforthemtorealize“thecouple”wasreallythemallalong.

Instead,they’dsavedalifeandEsmewasstillalone.
Noloveconnectionstonight.
ThenexttimeEsmesawMissPearl,she’dhavetoremindherthathercrystalballmightbeduefor

alittlepolish.Ornot.Ifgiventhechoicebetweensavingalifeandmakingalovematchthatnight—
evenherown—Esmedefinitelywouldhavechosensavingalife.Andtherewasnooneshewould
haveratherspenttheeveningwiththanHunter.

Theremightnothavebeenaremotelyromanticmomentallnight—unlessyoucountedthefull-

bodyhugShaunalaidoutonHunterthemomentshesawhim—butthenighthadonlyaffirmedto
Esmesomethingshehadknownallherlife.

SheandHunterwereoppositesidesofacoin.Together,theywereseamless.
Esmehadworkedthroughnumerouscrisissituations,butneversoeffortlesslyandwithsuchlittle

miscommunication.Hunterknewher;sheknewHunter;andtheybothknewwheretohangbackand
wheretopickupslack.Theytrustedeachother.Theyrespectedeachother.Theyhadeachother ’s
backs.

Shewasn’tsurewhenshe’dtalkedherselfintotheideaofwhatasuccessfulmarriagelookedlike

—thatithadacertainwardrobeorsocialcalendarordynamic.Butaftertonight,Hollywoodcould
shoveit,becausetherewasonlyonemanforherandhisnamewasn’tPrinceCharming.ItwasHunter
Chase.Andshewasabouttoturnhislifeupsidedownuntilhewasdownonhiskneesbeggingforher.

Butfirst,sleep.Somuchsleep.She’donlyhadatwo-hournapinthelastfortyhoursandshewas

feelingit.Aftershewokeup,thenshecouldplanherbigspeechtoHunterabouthowtonightonly
provedtheywereperfectforeachother.She’dtellhimhowmuchitmeanttoherthatthrough
everythingthey’dbeenthroughthatnight,ithadn’toccurredtohertobeafraid.NotwhenHunterwas
there.Shecouldn’thavefeltsaferormoresupported,andthat’showithadalwaysbeenwhenthey
weretogether.

Hunterwatchedherblindside.Always.Andhediditwithoutevermakingherfeelembarrassedor

ashamed.

JonwouldhavenevertrustedherlikeHunterhadtonight.Hewouldn’thavehandedoverthephone

whensheasked.Hewouldn’thavedriventothecrimesceneifhethoughtitwasabadidea.He
wouldn’thavespokentotheofficersatthesceneandintroducedherasatrainedasset.Andhe
wouldn’thavesteppedinbetweenEsmeandanapproachingteenagerinthedarkanddemandedthat
theteentreatherwithrespect.

Jonwasagoodman.Therewasnothingwrongwithhim,buthewasn’ttheloveofherlife.Hunter

was.Andshe’dbrokenhisheart.Worsethanthat,she’dbrokenHunter ’strustandshehadnoideahow
toundothat.Shereallydidn’t.Allsheknewwasthatshewouldgiveprettymuchanythingforashot
toearnitallback.

Tomorrow.She’dhavetotakeanothersickday,butitneededtohappentomorrow.Hunterhadto

knowshewasallinandreadytomoveatwhateverpacehechose.

HerheelsclickedonthetileofthestationlobbyastheUberappinformedherthatpriceswereata

premiumduetothelowamountofdriversout.Thatwasnoproblem;shecaredmoreaboutthefact
thatthenearestdriverwasfourteenminutesaway.Shehonestlydidn’tknowwhethershecouldstay
awakethatlong.

“Needaride?”afamiliarvoiceaskedfromofftoherright,stoppingEsmeinhertracks.
AglancetothesiderevealedHunterleaningagainstthelobbywalllikeheownedit,handstucked

inhispocketsandfeetcrossedattheankles.Hehadtohavebeenstandingforhours,yethelookedas
ifhe’donlybeenwaitingforheraminuteortwo.

Hereyesmovedtothethickfiveo’clockshadowonhisjaw,theonlyevidencethathe’dbeenup

forthepasteighteenhours.Therewasnofatigueinhisblueeyesandhishairstilllookedperfect.
Unlikehers.

Esmedidn’tneedamirrortoknowthathermakeupwasafewhourspastitsprimeandherhair

wasdefinitelygoingrogue.Shehadtolooklikeawiltingflower,andknowingthatmadehershift
uncomfortably.IfshehadknownHunterwaswaitingforher,shewouldhavestoppedbythe
bathroomtofreshenup.

Butshehadn’tknown,soheretheywere;Hunterlookingperfect,perusual,andherlookingmore

likeausedmop.

“Hey,”shemanaged,steppingtowardhimwhilecurbingtheinstincttotryablindfix-upofher

hair.“Ithoughtyoutookoff.”

Hiseyeslookedheroverasiftryingtogaugehermood.“Ifiguredyou’dneedaridebacktoyour

car.”

Esmegrewstill.Washecallingatruce?“Well,that’sthoughtful.”
Henodded,pushingawayfromthewall.“That’sprobablyoneoftheniceradjectivesusedto

describemetoday.”

“Ah,c’mon,”shesaid,steppingtowardhim.“Youhelpedsaveawoman’slifetonight.Surelythat

earnedyouafewfavorableadjectivesfromsomeone.”

Heappearedtoconsiderthat.“Stupidwasdefinitelymentioned.Stubborn,too.”
“Stubborn,definitely,”shesaid,stoppingaboutthreefeetawayfromhim.“Stupid,notsomuch.”
Heshrugged.“Ifithelps,itwasaguywhocalledmestupidandawomanwhocalledmestubborn.”
Esmecouldn’thelpbutsmile.“Well,thatexplainsthat,then.Thewomannailedit;theguywhiffed

it.Suchislife.”

TherewasanawkwardsilenceasEsmeconsideredthedistancebetweenthem.Threefeet—not

closeenoughthatshecouldreachoutandtouchhim,butiftheybothreachedoutatthesametime…

“Youlookexhausted,”Huntersaid,handsstillinhispockets.
Esmemanagedasmile,onceagainkickingherselffornotswingingbythebathroombefore

headingout.Itmightbegrossandfilledwithfluorescentlight,butithadamirror.“Thanks.”

“Howaboutthatride?”hesaid,pullingouthiskeys.“Yougoodtogo?”

Shealmostnodded,thenstoppedherself.Therewassomethingsheneededmorethanarideatthe

moment.“Hunter?”

“Yeah.”
Shetookanervousbreath,notquitemeetinghiseyes.“Youwerehandingouthugsearlier.Think

you’vegotonetospare?”

Toherrelief,henodded.“Yeah.IthinkI’vestillgotoneinthetank.”
WhenHunter ’sarmsopenedwideinfrontofher,Esmedidn’thesitate.Shesteppedupandfellinto

himwithasigh.Herarmsbarelywrappedaroundhimassherestedherfaceagainstthefirmmuscles
ofhischestandmeltedin.EverythingaboutHuntermadeherfeelsmallandshelovedit.

Whenoneofhishandsmovedupanddownherbackinasoothinggesture,alightsoundescaped

herthroatandpartofherrelaxedevenfurther.

“Youwereamazingtonight,Esme,”hesaidoverthetopofherhead.“Youreallywere.”
Heronlyresponsewastotightenthesqueezeofherarmsaroundhim.Forthemoment,shewastoo

contenttotalk.Innotimeatall,Hunterwouldpullawayandthey’dwalktohistruckandthismoment
wouldbeover.Nowwasatimetoleaninandholdon.Therewasnotellingwhenhernextchance
wouldbe.Soon,ifshehadherway.Buttherewasnoguarantee.

“Ez?”
Shefelthisvoiceasmuchassheheardit,thedeeprumbleofitvibratingagainsthercheekthrough

hischest.Shekeptleaningin.Shekeptholdingon.“Yeah?”

Shefelthimmovetoputdistancebetweenthemandpartofherbroke.Hewaspullingaway.Again.

Resigningherselftohiswishes,EsmesteppedbackandlookeddownatherUberapp.

“Look,thanksforwaiting,but—”
Herwordswerestoppedwhenafingertiltedherchinupandfirmlipspressedagainsthers.Wereit

notforthescruffpressinglightlyintoherupperlip,Esmemighthavethoughtshewasimaginingthe
kiss,butno,framingthesoftnessofhislipswasadefinitenon-fantasyscratch.

Therewastoomuchtotakeinatonce,allofitjumblingtogetherinhermindasherfeettripped

forwardinanefforttopressbackintoregainthecontactshe’dhadwhentheywerehugging.She
pushedhigherontoherachingtoesandwrappedherhandaroundthebackofhisneckinaneffortto
getevencloser.

This.Esmedidn’tevenhavewordstodescribetheswirloffatigueandreliefandexhaustionand

elationflashingthroughher,butsheknewshewasholdingontotheonepersonintheworldwho
couldeffortlesslywatchoverherassherodeitallout.Nomatterwhatshewasfeeling,thesewerethe
onlyarmsshetrustedmorethanherowntomakethingsrightagain.

Andhismouth…nottobepicky,butdidhehavetobesogentle?Didthetouchofhishandsonher

waisthavetobesolight?She’dkindofhadaroughfewhours,andfeather-lightwasn’tcuttingitfor
her.

Still,therewassomethingbreathtakingaboutthetendernessunderneathhistouch.
Overtheyearsshe’dimaginedkissingHuntercountlesstimes,butneveroncehadsheimaginedhis

touchwouldbesogentle.Hunterwasmanythingsinhermind,butsoothingwasn’toneofthem.
She’dalwaysimaginedhimtobeabitmorecommanding—sweepingheroffherfeet.Literally.

Notoncehadsheeverimaginedascenariowherehewaitedfourhoursforherinapolicestation

onlytoturnthemostneededofhugsintothesoftestofkisses.Norhadsheimaginedthesimple
contactwouldhaveherfeelingeachheartbeatupherthroatandoutthetopofherhead.Andshe’d
definitelyneverimaginedthatshewouldbetheoverzealousandgrabbyone.Yetheretheywere—
HunterthemodelofproprietywhileEsmegrippedontothefrontofhisshirtwithonehandand
tangledherotherhandintohishairtomakesureherhandsdidn’twanderanywherehewasn’tready
for.

Butitwasn’tenough.
Sheneededthehandsatherwaisttowraparoundherandpullherclose.Sheneededhisheadtodip

downaboutahalfaninchandmakeherforgetherownname.Sheneededtofeelthatthisnewwayof
touchingbetweenthemmeantasmuchtohimasitdidtoher,whichwaswhyshehadtoputastoptoit
andlookathim.

Ittookprettymucheverythingshehadinhertopullaway,butshemanagedtopullbackfarenough

tolookHunterintheeyes.“Whatwasthat?”

Nopartofhimflinchedawayorpulledback,evenasshefelthishandsstarttoshakeatherwaist

beforeonehandcameupandhisthumbtracedalongherjaw.“ThatwasfornotchoosingJon.”

Esme’sheartdouble-timedathiswords,thentriple-timedwhenhesteppedinsotheywerealmost

touching.Sheknewsheshouldsaysomething,buthermouthsuddenlyfeltveryuncooperative.

“Icouldn’tchoosehim,”shefinallymanaged.“Ibelongwithyou.”
FewwordseverfeltbetterleavingEsme’slipsandshewassogratefulshe’dchosentosaythem

whilelookingrightintoHunter ’seyessoshecouldseethatherwordswerebothreceivedand
believed.

“Idon’trememberadayinmylifewhenmyheartwasn’tyours,”hesaidsoftly.
Itwasn’tuntilEsmefeltthescratchoffiveo’clockshadowonherchinthatsherealizedshehad

surgedupontohertoestoconnecttheirlipsagain.Herkissprovedtobefarlessdelicatethan
Hunter ’shadbeen,causinghimtotakeafewstepsbacktobalancethetwoofthembeforetheyhitthe
wall.

Shedidn’tmeantoletafewtearssneakoutassheurgedhimintoadeeperkiss,buttheycameout

anyway.Esmeignoredthemandfocusedinsteadonthetickleofhisscruffagainstherpalmsashis
handsmovedaroundherwaistandupherbacktopullherclose.

Esmewasputtingeverythingshe’dneversaidintothekissandHunterwasrighttherewithher,

armswrappingaroundherasshethreadedherfingersthroughhishairandpulledhimdowntoher.
Hard.

This,wasallshecouldthink.Yes.This.
Hertoesbarelytouchedthegroundasshestoodweightlessinhishold.Thistimehismouthfelt

likeshe’dalwaysexpected—orrather,hoped—itwould.Andhername?Well,she’dfigurethatout
someothertimebecausetheonlythingthatmatteredatthemomentwassinkingdeeper.

“Areyoutwolost?”avoiceaskedofftoherright.“Needsomeonetopointyouthedirectionof

home?”

ShesawtheworldthroughafogwhenHunterpulledaway.Itwasn’tuntilshelookedtowardthe

soundofthevoiceandsawOfficerFlynnthatsherememberedtheywerestandinginthemiddleofthe
policestation’slobby.

Whoops.Maybenotthebestplacetomakeout.
“Hey,Flynn,”Huntersaid,stillholdingherclose.
“Hey,”hereplied,obviouslyquashingasmile.“Maybemoveitalong?Wehaveanambiencewe

liketomaintainhereatthestation,andyoutwoaredefinitelythrowingitoff.”

Esmesmiled,appreciatingthehumorevenassheresistedtheideaofpullingaway.
“Noproblem,man,”Huntersaid,droppingoneofhishandsandthreadinghisfingersthrough

hers.“We’llbeonourway.”

“Theprecinctthanksyou,”OfficerFlynnsaidbeforesendingthemawinkandwalkingback

towardtheoffices.

WhenshefeltHunter ’seyesonher,Esmelookedup—herheartpoundingsohardwhentheireyes

lockedthatshecouldhaveswornsheheardahighwhistleinherears.

“Comeon,”hesaid,givingherhandalittlesqueeze.“Youlookreadytopassout.Let’sgetyou

homeandwecantalkinthemorning.”

“Yes,”sheagreed,suddenlyanxioustogettohistruck.“Weneedtotalk.Buttonightyouneedto

knowthateverythingonmysidecomesdowntothefactthatI’myoursforthelonghaul.Yes,Ilove
you,butthat’salmostsecondarytothefactthatyou’realreadymyhomeandthereisn’tathingI
woulddotochangethatfact.”Shebroughttheirclaspedhandsupandpressedakisstothebackofhis.
“Thishotmessisallyours,HunterChase.Whetheryouwantme,ornot.”

Hishandtightenedonhers.“Oh,Iwant,”hesaid,beforepullinghertowardtheexit.“Nowlet’sget

outofherebeforewekillthevibeagain.”

NowthatwasaplanEsmecouldgetbehind.
“Also,ifyou’reinthemoodforoneofMissPearl’scookies,Ihavetwointhetruck.”
JustwhenEsmewassurethenightcouldn’tpossiblygetbetter,itdid.

Epilogue

5MonthsLater

ThefirstdayofSpringclockedinatanunbelievable80°F.Itwasunprecedented,whichwaswhyit

tooktheguysatthefirestationalloffiveminutestoorganizeanearlyafternoonpicnic.

Thirtyminuteslater,EsmewasinthepassengerseatofHunter ’struckheadedtothepark.
“Thisweatherisunbelievable,”shesaidassheletthebreezefromtheopenwindowwashoverher.

“Seriously,hasthiseverhappened?Like,ever?”

“We’llhavetolookitup,”Hunterreplied,hisownhandhangingoutsidehiswindow.
Esmeletherselfbaskforamomentbeforehabithadherpickingupherphonetoseehoweveryone

elsewasenjoyingtheday.SheopenedherFacebookappandstartedscrolling.

Itwasofficial:everyonewasoutside.
Alotoftheimagesinherfeedwerefromthefirefamily.Thegatheringintheparkwasapparently

alreadyinfullswing.SheandHunterwerealittlelate,butthefoodinthebackseatwouldmorethan
excusetheirtardiness.

AsshekeptscrollingthroughtheSaturday-morningadventuresoffriendsandfamily,herfinger

pausedoverthepictureofacookiecartwithafamiliarAsianwomanstandingnexttoit.

Esmeglanceduptoseewhosepostshewaslookingat.ShaunaWeekes.SheandShaunahad

“friended”eachotherwhileworkingonthecaseagainstAaronSarvo,butEsmehadn’tseenherin
overamonth.

ShaunahadtaggedherpostinthePalaceofFineArtswithBradFlynn.Thecaptionread:Best

cookiesontheplanetavailableTODAYONLY.Theycostakiss,sograbsomeoneyouloveandcomeon
over!

“Hunter,”Esmesaid,beingverycarefulnottokeephervoicecalm.“Ineedyoutochangelanes

andtakethenextright.”

Heglancedherwayfromthedriver ’sseat,lookingasperfectashealwaysdidalbeitconfused.

“Why?What’sthedetourthistime?”

Esmeheldherphoneupsohecouldseethepictureataglance.“WhatifItoldyoutherewasa

cookiecartin—”

ThejerkofHunterchanginglanesinterruptedherbeforeshecouldfinishthesentence.
“Safely!”shesaid,belatedlycheckingtheirblindspot.
“Itwasclear,”Huntersaid,hittinghisblinkerandpullingintotheturninglane.“Whopostedabout

her?”

“Shauna,”Esmesaid,lookingbackatthepicture.
Hisbrowfurrowed.“Andwhodidshekiss?”
“You’renotgoingtobelievethis,”Esmesaid,thinkingbacktothelasttimeshesawMissPearland

herpromiseofhowtwowould-beloverswouldmeetifshemetHunterbyhistruckat7:02.She’d

figuredthatwasallaredherring,but…maybenot.“She’swithBrad.”

“Flynn?”Hunterlookedassurprisedasshe’dfelt.“Ididn’tknowtheyweredating.”
“Well,ifthey’renot,theyshouldbe.She’sdeclaredthecookiestobethebestontheplanet.”
Hunterwiggledhiseyebrowsandsentheraplayfullook.“Yeah?Well,I’mstillbettingthattheirs

weren’tasgoodastheoneswe’llget.”

Shetriedtobitebackasmile,butitsnuckthroughanyway.“It’snotacompetition,Hunter.”
Hislipspursedplayfully.“Ifyousayso.Butifitwas…”
“We’dwin,”shefinishedforhim.
“That’sallI’msaying,”hesaidwithasmilebeforeglancingtoherphone.“IfMissPearlreallyis

there,don’tyouhavesomepeopletotext?”

Thatwasright.She’dnearlyforgottenherpromisetoalerttheworldifMissPearl’sCookieCart

madeanotherappearance.GraceandAsh.Herparents.Shehadtogetthemoverthere.

Esmespenttherestofthedrivespammingeveryonesheknewandtellingthemtogetovertothe

PalaceofFineArts.Whentheyarrived,itlookedlikeshewasn’ttheonlyonewhohadinvitedasmall
armyeither.Theparkwaspacked,andnearlyeveryonewascirclingthecookiecart.

“Hurry,”shesaid,openingthedoorasHunterparked.“Beforesherunsoutofcookies.”
Huntersmiledathereagernessandgotoutofthetruckathisusualpace.Itwastemptingtoscurry

aheadandgetinline,butallittookwasthesimplegestureofHunterholdingouthishandher
directionforhertofallintohisgravitationalpullandtuckherselfunderhisarmsotheycouldwalk
overtogether.

“Let’sgogetussomecookies,”Huntersaidasshewrappedherarmaroundhiswaist.
ThiswasoneofthebiggestperksofofficiallybeingwithHunter:howperfectlyshefitunderhis

armwhenevershewasathisside.Itdefinitelylandedonthetoptenlistofnewfavoritethings,for
sure.

“Ican’tbelieveshe’sback,”Esmesaid,slightlyoverwhelmedbythesizeofthecrowd.Howinthe

worldcouldalittlecartholdthismanycookies?Itwasn’tlogisticallypossible.

“Yeah,Ithoughtshewasgoneforgood,”Huntersaid,soundingdistracted.OnlythendidEsme

lookawayfromHunterandrealizethatsherecognizedseveralfacesinthecrowd.

Herparentswerealreadythere,forone,aswasherlittlebrother,allthewayfromStanford.It

wasn’tSpringBreak.Whatwashedoingintown?ThenextfamiliarfacewasAli’s.Standingnextto
her,lookinglessthanthrilled,wasKade.

Whatintheworldwasgoingon?
Esme’smomwalkeduptothem,cookieinhand.“You’reright,honey.Thesecookiesare

unbelievable!”

“Right?”Esmesaid,bothgladtoseehermomandconfused.“Buthowdidyoubeatushere?I

textedyoulikefiveminutesago.”

“Itwasme,”Huntersaid.“Iwasgoingtosurpriseyou,butIactuallyfoundoutthatMissPearlwas

hereearlierthismorningandalreadymessagedeveryone.”HeglancedinAli’sdirection,hiseyes
glintingmischievously.“IdareyoutoaskAliandKadehowtheircookiestaste.”

Esme’scouldn’thelpbutlooktheirdirectionandnotethattheywerebothstillholdingcookies

withonlyafewbitesoutofthem.

“We’llstealtheircookies,”Esmewhispereduphim.“They’llletus.”
“They’dbetter,”Huntersaid,givingheralittlesqueezeagainsthimastheymadetherestoftheir

waytothecart.Esme’sparentswerethereeverystepoftheway,andshortlyjoinedbyHunter ’s
parents.

“Audra,”Hunter ’smomsaid.“Wesimplymustfigureoutthisrecipe.It’sdivine.”
“Youreadmymind,”hermomrepliedastheybothsavoredwhatremainedoftheircookies.Esme

wasdistractedfromconversation,however,duetothefamiliarfacespoppingupintheseaofpeople
—facesshehadn’tseensincehighschool.

“Stacey?”Esmesaid,spottingherfellowcheerleaderfromadecadeago.“Isthatyou?”
Staceygrinnedfromear-to-ear.“Hey,Ez.Longtimenosee.”
EsmeunwoundherselffromHuntertorunandthrowherarmsaroundheroldfriend.“Ohmy

gosh!Howlonghasitbeen?”

“Sincethefive-yearreunion,”shesaid,pullingawaytogetalookather.“Sogoodtoseeyou.No

fairthatyoustillweighthesameasyoudidincollege.”

“Well,Ihaven’thadthreekids,”Esmesaidfeelinglikeherfacewouldbreakfromthesmile

stretchingherface.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Cookies,”Staceysaid,asifitshouldbeself-explanatory.Andyes,ifshehadbeentheonly

familiarfaceinthegroup,Esmemighthaverolledwiththat,butthatwasthemomentshecaught
Grace’seye.Herfriendheldupacookieandleanedagainstherhusband’schestasshetookabite.

“Comeon,”Huntersaid,reachingouttotakeEsme’shandandleadhertothecart.“Beforeshe

runsout.”

Esmethreadedherfingersthroughhisevenashereyesmovedaroundthecrowd,spottingBette

andDavis,Luke,andwasthatherolddanceteacher?AndthatwasdefinitelyDarylwithKambri.
Weren’ttheysupposedtobeatthepicnic?

ShewasabouttoaskwhensuddenlyshewasstandinginfrontofthecookiecartandHunterwas

holdinguptwofingers.

“We’lltaketwocookies,please,”hesaid.
MissPearlarchedabrow,asmiletuggingatherlips.“Youknowtheprice.Payfirst.”
HunterlookeddownatEsme,thelookinhiseyesliterallytakingherbreathaway.“Gladly,”he

said,steppinginandnearlypickingherupoffthegroundashepulledherintoakiss.

This.ThiswasthebiggestperkofbeingwithHunter.Whenevertheirlipsmetandtheirbodies

wentflush,Esme’sbrainrewiredabit.Whenshegrippedhisshirttopullhimdownevencloser,some
catcallssoundedoffovertoherright.

Okay,thathaddefinitelybeenAndy,andsheknewhewassupposedtobeatthepicnic.Nothere.

Esmepulledawayfromkisstofindhisfaceinthecrowdonlytobepresentedwithherpromised
cookiewrappedinarednapkinwithgoldChinesewritingit.WhenshelookedupatHunter,hewas
alreadytakingabiteoutofhis.

“Mmmm,”hesaid,eyesdriftingshut.“EvenbetterthanIremembered.”
“Notpossible,”Esmesaid,abitebeforeturningtolookforAndyinthecrowd.
SheimmediatelyforgotaboutHunter ’scoworker.
“Ohmy,”shebreathed,lookingupatHunter.“Itisbetter,isn’tit?”
Hissmilewassurprisinglytender.“Noquestion.”
Inthatmoment,itoccurredtoEsmethatshemustbeinthemiddleofadream.Shehadtobe.Itwas

theonlyexplanation.Themoreshelookedaroundthecrowd,themorefamiliarfacesshefound—
facesfromherchildhood,friendsfromcollege,andcontactsfromwork.Therealclincherwasthe
weather,though.

Itwas80°withbright,clearsunnyskies.InApril.InSanFrancisco.
Yep.Thiswasadream.
Still,shemightataswellenjoyituntilsomethingwokeherup.
Behindthecart,MissPearlwaswatchingthetwoofthemwithasmile.“Soyoustilllikemy

cookies?”

“Bettereverytime,”Esmesaid.Andsincethiswasadream,shedidwhatshewouldneverdoin

reallifeandwalkedaroundthecarttogivethewomanahug.“Imissedyou,youknowthat?”

Thelittleladylaughedagainsthershoulder.“Igotalittleattachedtothetwoofyou,aswell.It’s

whyIcamebackwhenHunterasked.”

Dreamornot,thecommentstruckEsmeasodd.“Hunteraskedyoutobehere?”
MissPearlsmiled.“Yourmancanbeveryconvincingwhenhechoosestobe.”
Myman,Esmethought,ashiverofpleasurerunningthroughherathowmatter-of-factlyMiss

PearlhadcalledHunterhers.Theyhadn’treallymadeanythingofficial,butthatwasdefinitelyhow
Esmefelt.

“Hecanbe,”Esmesaid,sendingalookhisway.Onlythendidsherealizethatliterallyeveryone

aroundthecookiecartwaslookingather.Everyonehadstoppedtalking,andtheywereallnow
watchingasEsmeandHunteratetheircookies.Shefeltlikeshewasstandingonastage.

Acrossfromher,Huntertookanotherbiteofhiscookieandhummedhisappreciation.“Youknow,

there’sonlyonethingIcanthinkofthatIwantmorethantherecipetothesecookies.”

Esmeignoredthelurkingdream-crowdlongenoughtoarchaskepticalbrow.“Yeah?What’s

that?”

Hunterreachedbetweenhiscookieandthenapkinandpulledoutaring.
Esmefroze,hermouthfallingopenasshelookedfromtheringtoHunter,thenbacktothering

andbacktoHunteronelasttimeashedroppedtohisknee.

Noway.
Asfarasdreamswent,thiswasamazing,butEsmestilldidn’tknowwhattodo.
“I’velovedyoumyentirelife,EsmeTaylor,”Huntersaid,offeringtheringuptoher.“Willyou

make‘us’officialbymarryingme?”

Theworldfellsilentaroundher,everyonewaitingforheranswer.Shedidn’tgiveitrightaway.

Shesimplystoodthere,lettingherselfdrinkinthemoment.

“Ez?”Huntersaidafterseveralsecondsofsilence.
“Shhh,”shesaid,holdingupherhand.“I’mtryingtoremembereverything.Best.Dream.Ever.”
Hunter ’sexpressionshiftedbetweenstressedtointrigued.“Youthinkthisisadream?”
Shepointedtotheskyandnodded.“Thesun’sout,Hunter.It’s80degrees.Whenhasthatever

happenedinApril?”Thenshelookedaroundatallthepeoplewatchingon.“AndIhaven’tseenhalf
ofthesepeopleinadecadeormore.Whatintheworldwouldtheybedoinghereifthiswasn’ta
dream?”

“They’reherebecauseIinvitedthem,”Huntersaid.“Everyoneyouseehereissomeonewhotried

togetmetoaskyououtalongtimeago.Thesearethepeoplewhobelievedinuslongbeforewe
everdid.SoIinvitedthemtowatchmemake‘us’official…ifyousayyes.”

Esme’smouthfellopen,surveyingthecrowdwithfresheyes.
Shedidn’tknowsomeofthesepeople;sheknewallofthem.
Stillstunned,Esmelookedbackupatthesky.“Okay,Icanbuythat,butI’mnotbuyingthe

weather.”

“It’llstickaroundforaboutanotherhour,thenyou’regoingtoneedthecoatyouleftinthetruck,”

MissPearlsaid,asifthatexplainedthat.ThecookieladycouldnowapparentlypredictSanFrancisco
weather.TheweirdpartwasthatEsmebelievedherwithoutanyhesitation.

Esmeblinked,lookingbackatHunter—stillonhisknee—assheprocessedeverything.“Sothis

isn’tadream?”

Hereachedoutandtookherhand.“Doesyouranswerchangeifitis?”
“No,”shesaidwithouthesitation.“I’mallyours,Hunter.Dreamorno,thatringisgoingonmy

hand.Andonceyou’vesliditonmyfinger,you’regoingtostandupandkissmelikenooneis
watching,eventhoughI’mprettysureIseemyfirstgradeteacheroverthere.”

Acheersoundedoutaroundthematherresponse,andamomentlaterMissPearlhadreclaimed

boththeircookies.Hunterstayedonhiskneelongenoughtoslidetheringonherlefthand.The
momentitwasinplace,however,hestood—catchingherlipsonhiswayupinakissthatdefinitely
madetheassumptionthatnoonewaswatching.

Thecheersaroundthemincreasedinvolume,thistimeaccentedbyaheckleortwo.
ItwasthekissthatconvincedEsmethateverythingelsewasreal.Somethingscouldbereplicated

inadream;somecouldnot.ShewasdefinitelykissingtherealHunter,whichwaswhysheforced
herselftohavethedecencytopullawayandacknowledgetheiraudience.

Whatshefoundwasaseaofsignsbeingheldupbyallthepeoplesurroundingthem,creatingasea

ofcolorthatmadeEsmefeellikeshewasataconcertorpoliticalrally.Herparent’sposterread,IT’S
ABOUTTIME!Grace’ssaid,IKnewItTheFirstDayIMetYou.Stacey’sread,Won’tLie:Iwanted
himformyself,buthewasalwaysyours.Herlittlebrother ’s:BROTHER-APPROVED.

Atleastahundredsigns,allwithdifferentcustommessagesthatbasicallyboileddownto:Itold

youso.

Esmedidn’trealizeshewascryinguntilsomethingtickledherfaceandherhandcameawaywet

whensheswipedatit.

“Ican’tbelievethis,”shewhispered.
“Ican’tbelieveyousaidyes,”Huntersaid,squeezingherhand.“Notgonnalie.Therearegoingto

bedaysyou’regoingtoregrethavingmeasyourpartnerincrime.”

“Impossible,”shebreathed,lookingupathim.“Iloveyou,Hunter.Withoutyou,Ican’tbeme.”
“Nottrue,”hesaidsoftly.“ButI’lltrytoliveasifitis.”
TheireyeslockedandEsmewasgoinguponhertoestokisshimagainwhenMissPearlstepped

inbetweenthem.

“Howaboutafewpictures,lovebirds?”shesaid,gesturingtotheiraudience.“You’renevergoing

toforgetthis,butyou’restillgoingtowantpictures.”

“Definitely,”Esmesaid,gesturingGrace’sdirectionandholdingoutherphoneforherfriendto

takeapicture.“Andwewantthefirstonetobewithyou,MissPearl.”

MoreBooks!

ThankyouforreadingKingoftheFriendZone!

Tothoseofyouwhotookthetimetopostareviewofthisbook,DOUBLEthanks!

Tothoseofyouwhosharedyourreview,TRIPLEthanks!

KingoftheFriendZoneisBook#9inthePoweroftheMatchmakerseries,releasedin2016.If

youwantmoreromancefeaturingMissPearl,checkouttheother11booksinthisseries.Someare
funny;someareserious.Somearecontemporary;somearehistorical.Theonethingtheyhavein
commonisthattheyallfeatureMissPearl,andthey’reallagreatread.

Checkthemoutandreadtheminanyorderyoulike.They’reallstandalonenovels.

Ifyouhaven’treadTheKissthatLaunched1,000GIFsyet,featuringGraceandAshfromthis

novel,thenkeepturningthepagestogetasneakpeekofthatromcom.

Morebooksbyme:

TheKissthatLaunched1,000GIFs

(Nowavailable)

Pimpernel

(NowAvailable)

WalkofInfamy(ComingSoon!)

MorebooksinthePoweroftheMatchmakerseries:

PoweroftheMatchmakernovella
BrokenThingstoMend
NotAlwaysHappenstance
IfWeWereaMovie
LoveisCome
FourChambers
O'ertheRiverLiffey
ChasingFireflies
BetweenHeavenandEarth

KingoftheFriendZone
ToMovetheWorld
HowIMetYourBrother
TheReformer

SneakPeek

TheKissthatLaunched1,000GIFs

Ashtonleanedbackinhischairasifhe’dbeenshot.“Seriously?”hegroaned.“Onlyawoman

wouldsaythat.”

Fourstudiomicrophonessurroundedtherecordingtable,withGraceandAshtonsetupontwo

microphonesthatputthemface-to-face.Thewebcambroadcastingtheirradioshowlivewas
perpendicularlypositionedbetweenthemandangledever-so-slightlyinAshton’sdirection.Grace
hadlongacceptedthatanyonewatchingBattleoftheSexeslivewaslikelyfemaleandoglinghereye-
candycohost,AshtonMiller.Ifthemandidn’tlooklikeadark-haireddoppelgangerofthelatePaul
Walker,Gracewascertaintheshowwouldn’tgethalfthecallsitgot.Peopledidn’treallylineupto
listentoaLatinarantaboutwomen’sissues.

Ashton’sjockfactorwasanecessaryevil.Gracetriedtorememberthateverytimehiscasual

arrogancerubbedherwrong.ItwasmenlikeAshtonwhoshowcasedhowsensibleherstanceswere.
Inaway,hismisogynywasagift.

SheleanedintohermicandtriednottolaughatAshton’scurrentstance.“Youthinkthatonlya

womanwouldsaythatrelationshipsshouldbeequal?”shescoffed.“Thatonlywomenwouldthink
thatsplittingresponsibilitiesdownthecenterinthisdayandageisagoodidea?Ithinkplentyofmen
wouldvoteforequaldivisionoflaborandfinancesinarelationship.”

Thosebabyblueeyesfocusedonherplayfully.“Well,thosemencansurrendertheirManCardthe

nexttimetheyorderarazzleberrysmoothiethen,becausemenlikethataren’tlookingforawoman.
They’relookingforaroommate.”

Graceletoutamelodramaticsighthathintedtotheirradioaudienceoftheexpressiononherface.

“Gosh,Ashton,justwhenIthoughtyouhadpeakedwhenitcametohowmanypeopleyoucould
offendinasinglebreath.”

Ashtonlookedfarfromconcerned.“WhoamIoffending?Idareonemanouttheretocallusright

nowanddeclarethathewantstotradeoffmakingdinnerandmoppingfloorswiththewomanhe
loves.Orforaguytocallinandsaythathewantsallbillstobecutdownthemiddleandsplitequally
betweenmaleandfemalebankaccounts.”Heheldupafinger.“Oneguy.Anyguy.Callnowand
explainyourself.Thelinesareopen.”

GracelaughedandsharedalookwithFrank,theirproducer,ontheothersideofthesoundbooth

glasstolethimknowthatshewantedthatcalltheseconditcamein.

“Seriously?”shesaid.“Youdon’tthinkanymenwouldvotetotradeoffpayingfordates?”
“Maybeatfirst,”hesaidwithoneofthecarelessshrugsheusedwheneverhemadeapowermove.

Gracebracedherself.“Whenhe’stestingthewatersaguymightbeupforthat.Butthat’snot
somethingamanwantsifhe’sinlovewiththewoman.IfI’minlovewithawoman,I’mgoingtosend
hereverysignalpossiblethatshedoesn’tneedanyoneelseinherlifetotakecareofher.I’vegother
covered.I’vegotusbothcovered.Period.Idon’tneedhermoney.Ineedher.”

Gracesworeshecouldhearmembersoftheirradioaudienceswoon.Ashtonwasdefinitelygoing

togetsomefemalecallshavinghisbackonthatstance.Gracehadtochangeherapproachtokeepthe
conversationonherside.

“Andyouthinkthatmenareuniversallyunitedbehindyouwhenitcomestothedivisionof

householdneeds,likepreparingdinner?”

“Iwouldsaythat99outof100menwoulddefinitelysidewithme,”Ashtonsaid,leaningbackin

hischairasifhe’djustresolvedthematter.

Hardly.
“Evenifthey’reinarelationshipwhereboththemanandthewomanworkfulltime?”she

challenged.“Eventhen,youthinkcookingdutiesshouldlandonthewoman?”

“Ido,”hesaidunapologetically.“It’spartofbeingexcitedtoseeherattheendoftheday.”
“Youdon’tthinkawomanwouldfeelthesameaboutknowinghermanwascookingforheratthe

endoftheday?Thatshewouldn’tgetexcited,too?”

“Maybeforawhile,”Ashtonsaid.“Butthatwouldwaneovertime.Eventually,she’dgetcriticalor

tiredofthefactthathemakesthesamethingsoverandover.”

“Hecouldtrynewthings.”
Ashtonshookhishead.“Hewon’twantto.Theaveragemanhasnodesiretotrynewtime-

consumingrecipeswitheventheslightestpossibilityoffailure.Nomanwantstoscrewupinfrontof
hiswoman.Welikethingswecan’tscrewup—likegrillingmeat—straightforwardstuffwhereno
onecankickyouinthenutsbymentioninghowtheseasoningcouldbeadjustednexttime.Youwant
morepepperonyourmeat?Here’stheshaker.Youwantmorebarbecuesauce?Here’sabottle.That’s
howmenliketodothings.”

“That’showyouliketodothings,”Gracecountered.
“Meandmostmen,”hesaid,loungingwithhishandsbehindhishead.ThemoveputAshton’s

finelysculptedarmsondisplayforthewebcam—yetanothertacticheusedtogetfemalelistenerson
hissidewhenGracewaswinningadebate.Theguywaswillingtowinatanycost.

“Oddlyenough,thatisnotmyexperience,”Gracemused.
“That’sbecauseyourboyfriendisaprofessionallytrainedchef.”
“Andhowdoesthatchangeanything?”
“BecausecookingiswhatPhillip’sgoodat,”AshtonsaidwithasmilethatletGraceknowshe’d

justwalkedintoatrap.“OnemightarguethatcookingiswhatPhillipisbestat,socookingmeans
puttinghisbestfootforward.He’dlikethat,aswouldtheminorityofmenwhoconsidercooking
amongtheirbestskills.”

GracebitherlipatAshton’sbaitthatcookingwaswhatPhillipwasbestat.Itwasajabbelowthe

belt,butcallingitoutwouldonlymakeherlookliketheimmatureone.Gracesenthimaglareandlet
itslide.ThegrinthatcurvedAshton’slipsletherknowheconsideredherlackoffollowupawin.

“AskingPhilliptocookwouldbelikeaskingmetoplayvolleyball,”Ashtonsaid,pickingupthe

stresstoyhealwayshadonhandandgivingitasolidsqueeze.“It’saskinghimtoshowoff.Noman’s
goingtotakeapassonanopportunitytodothat.Butcookingnewrecipesweekafterweekisnotan
opportunityformostmentoshowoff.It’sanopportunityforustofail,andwemendon’tlikethose
opportunitiessomuch.BecauseIcanpromiseyouthatifIgooutonalimbandmakesomethinglike
ricepilafandyoudon’timmediatelyjumpmybones,Iwillneverwanttomakericepilafagain.Itwill
befiledtogetherwithshagcarpetanddryerlintassomethingIneverwanttoseeagain.”

“Or,”Gracecountered.“Youcouldfigureoutwhatyouwanttododifferentlythenexttimeandtry

again.”

“No,”hesaid,wagginghisheademphatically.“Idon’tthinkyoucomprehendhowmuchIdonot

wanttodothat.Atall.AndIdon’twanttositacrossthetablefrommywomanandhavehercoachme
onhowtodobetternexttime,either.That’satotalwomanthing.Mendon’twantnuancedfeedback.

Theywanttobeawesome.AndI’mtellingyourightnowthatsettingamanuptofailrightbefore
bedtimeisnotgoodforanyromanticrelationship.”

Dangit.Shecouldn’tletAshtonhaveafinalwordlikethatbeforesegueingtothecallers,yetallthe

lineswereblinkingred.SheandAshtonhaddonetheirjobs;peoplewerecallingin.ButFrankhadn’t
giventhesignalthatamanhadcalledintobackherup,andbasedonthenotesbuildingupinthecall
logqueueonthescreen,Gracewasn’tcurrentlywinningthedebate.

Womenwerecallinginsayingthattheylikedcookingfortheirmen.Onecaller ’snotewentsofar

astosay,Jennthinksmenshouldcookasoftenaswomenshouldpickupthebill—rarely.

Great.Justgreat.
Ashtonputhisarmsbehindhishead,pretendingtoleanbackinhischairashenot-so-subtlyflexed

forthewebcam.“Lookslikewehaveacoupledozencallerswhowanttoweighinonthematter,”he
saidwithalazysmile.“Howaboutwehearwhattheyhavetosay?”

ApparentlytheyhadreachedtheportionofGrace’sdaywhereshewouldbeforcedtolistento

womanafterwomandeclareherdesiretocookforthemanshelovedand/orAshton.Heronlyhope
towinanyofthemovertohersidewastobringupdishes.Surelynosanewomanwoulddeclarethat
sheshouldbothcookanddothedishes.

Right?
Thenagain,womencarryingonaconversationwithAshtoncouldnotbedeclaredsanebydefault.

Themandidhavehismojo,anditwasnottobeunderestimated.

“Sure,”shesaidthroughgrittedteeth.“Let’sseewhatourlistenershavetosay.”

Chapter2

“Greatshow,youtwo,”Franksaidintotheirheadsetswhenthebroadcastlightturnedoff.

“Remember,Ineedtoseeyoubothinmyofficerightnowforaboutfifteenminutes.It’sstrategy
time.”

Afifteen-minutemeetingwithGraceinvolved?Ashwouldbelievethatwhenhesawit.Butatleast

therewouldn’tbeatableforGracetoleanoverinFrank’soffice.Heavenhelphim,butAshcould
haveswornGraceworetailoreddressesjusttothrowhimoffhisgame.IfAsh’sneckwasn’ttense
fromdealingwithallthecurveballsGracethrewhisway,itwastensefromkeepinghischinandeyes
up.

Because,man,thewomanknewhowtofilloutadress.
Gracestoodfromthetablebeforehedid,eyesonhercellphone.Thewomanwasaddictedto

socialmedia.Hereyesstayedlockedonthescreen,fingerstypingassheturnedawayfromhimand
headedforthedoor.

Forthefirsttimeintwohours,Ashallowedhimselftotakeintheviewsheoffered.
She’staken,heremindedhimself.GraceVasquezwasoffthemarketandhadbeensincetheday

he’dfirstmether.Therewasnoringontherelationshipyet,butGraceandPhilliphadbeengoing
strongfornearlythreeyears.

Lookingwasuselessandhopewasfutile.Experienceandtwoyearsofunreciprocatedflirtinghad

taughtAshthat.

Ashmovedataslowsaunter,trailingGracetoFrank’sofficewithoutpassingher.He’djustdealt

withthefuryofhertonguefortwohoursstraight.Anintermissionofwatchingthegentleswayofher
hipsasshetreatedthehallwaylikearunwaywasawelcomereprieve.

Asalways,shenavigatedwithherthirdeyewhilehertwophysicaleyesstayedgluedonthesterile,

virtualworldAshavoidedasardentlyasGraceavoidedthedirtoftherealworld.Hewastheguywho
ditchedhisold-schoolflipphonethesecondhewasofftheclockwhileGracewasthewomanwho
hadaslightpanicattackifherphonewasmorethananarm’sdistanceaway.

Theycouldn’tbemoredifferent.Ashknewthat,andyetshedrewhimin.Hersmile.Herhumor.

Herattitude.Thediabolicalglintshegotinhereyewhenhepushedherbuttonsjustright.And
Grace’sbody—yes,definitelythat.Hecouldapproveofhercurvesinallcapsandstillnotbe
emphaticenough.

Shewasperfect,whichwasprobablywhyshewasdatingPhillip,a.k.a.Mr.Perfect.Phillipwasa

successfulrestaurateurwiththesamesleek,Latinlooksandhigh-endwardrobeasGrace.Theywere
quitethepowercouple,withGracebeingonbothTVandradiowhilePhillipwasonthewho’swho
listinbusinessandfoodiecircles.

Theyphotographedwell.Ashhadtogivethemthat.Butinhisimagination,helikedtopretendthey

hadthechemistryofsiblings.

Aheadofhim,GraceturnedthecornerintoFrank’soffice,givingAshafewsecondstogethis

headbackinthegame.Theirradioshow,BattleoftheSexes,wasonthebubble.Theyallknewthat.
Theoddsofbeingrenewedwereagainstthem.Theyallknewthataswell.Sowhatevertheywere
abouttotalkaboutwasaHailMary.Iftheyweregoingtogodown,whatkindsofswingsdidthey
wanttothrowbeforethecurtaindropped?

That’swhatthismeetingwasabout.
AshenteredFrank’sofficeafewsecondsafterGrace,surprisedwhenhesawthreemembersofthe

marketingteamthere,includingEmily.Cute,peppyEmilywithbrightblueeyes,blondehair,anda
readysmile.Shewassittingbetweenherboss,Jan,andoneofthemarketinginternsfromthe
university.Theywerealllinedupontherightsideoftheroomwithaprojectorpointingatthe
oppositewall.

“Goaheadandshutthedoor,”Franksaidtohim.“We’reallhere.”
“Icanseethat,”Ashsaid,smilingatEmilybeforetakingthelastavailableseatnexttoGrace.
“I’msureyoubothrememberyourphotoshootsfromafewweeksback,”Franksaid,gesturingto

Emily’ssideoftheroom.“Jan,Emily,andMarkareheretoshowusthemockupsofyournew
billboardsbeforewegivefinalapprovalanddiscussotherstepstohelpushavethebestshotata
renewal.”

“Idon’tunderstandwhywe’retheonesontheblockhere,”Gracesaid.“We’rethetop-ratedlocal

talkshowinanyafternoontimeslot.Theyshouldbepickinganothershowtoreplace.”

“Emphasisonlocal,”Franksaidwithanod.“Butwhenyoucountsyndicatedtalkshows,youtwo

comeinatnumberfour,behindRushLimbaugh.”

Graceshookherhead.“Youhavenoideahowmuchthosewordshurtme.”
Frankcrackedasmile.“Andwhilethereisnoarguingthatyoutwopullinwaymorelistenersthan

anyotherlocaltalkshowintheafternoon,weallknowhowmanagementlooksatthings.Youand
Love411pullthesameaudience,andthataudiencelistensduringtheday.Movingeitherofyoutoa
nightslotwouldslaughteryournumbers.”Frankleanedforward,givingGraceasoulfullook.“Trust
me,Grace.NooneisdispleasedwithwhatyouandAshtonareaccomplishing.Iftheshowgets
canceled,itwon’tbebecausetheboardthinksyouunder-delivered.Youknowhowtheywork.
They’rejustdoingthemathonwhattheycanselladvertisingtimeforwitheachshow.Thisisa
decisionofdollarsandcents,notquality.”

“Andspeakingofdollarsandcents,”Jansaid,jumpingin.“Westillhavemarketingbudgetto

spend,andwe’vedecidedthatwereallylikethebillboardapproachforbumpingupyournumbers.”

Sheflippedontheprojectorandanimageoftwokittenswiththeirtonguespokingoutdisplayed

ontheoppositewall.

“Thatshoulddoit,”Ashsaidwithanod.“Billboardslikethatwillbringwomenindroves.”
Janlaughedself-consciously.“Sorry.That’smylaptop’swallpaper.”
Ashshrugged.“Stillawininmybook.”
EmilylaughedwhileGracesenthimadisapprovingglance.Hewasn’ttakingallofthisseriously

enoughforGrace’sliking.Thatmeanthewasdoingsomethingright.

Janclearedherthroat,pullingeveryone’sattentionbacktoher.“Wethinkit’stimetocapitalizeon

thefactthatneitherofyouhavefacesforradio,”shebegan.“Iknowwe’vealwaysavoidedgoing
overtlyinthatdirectionbecauseyoubothhaveTVcareerswhereyouneedtobetakenseriously,butI
thinkwecanplayaroundwithyoursexappealjustabitwithouthurtingyournewsjournalistbrands.”
SheturnedtoGrace.“We’llbemostcautiouswithyou,andmaybetakeafewmorelibertieswith
Ashton,sincehe’sanoutdoorandenvironmentalreporter.Peopleareusedtoseeinghimthrougha
moreinformallens.”

Gracearchedabrow.“Abillboardcampaignsellingsexappeal?That’sourHailMary?”
Frankgaveahelplessshrug.“WorksforHollywood.”
Gracepressedherfulllipstogetherlikeshealwaysdidwhenshedisagreedwithsomethingthat

hadjustbeensaid.Shedidn’tlikeit,butshealsorefrainedfromsayinganythingasJanhitakeyon
herlaptoptomakeaPowerPointpageappearontheoppositewall,entitledRenewalStrategy.

“Thefactofthematteristhatmostofyourlistenershavebeenlisteningtoyoutwobanterfor

nearlytwoyears,”Jansaid.“Yes,theyallknowthatGracehasbeendatingPhillipforthreeyearsand
thatAshtonhasn’tmaintainedarelationshiplongerthansixmonths,butourmarketresearchstill
showsthatyouhavesomeshippersoutthere.”

Ash’sbrowfurrowed.“Shippers?AmIsupposedtounderstandthat?”
“It’satermforacelebrityorfictionalcoupling,”Emilysaid.“LikeBrangelinaorKimye.”
Ashblinkedtwice,hismindbringingupablank.“Brangelina?”
Tohisleft,Graceletoutasighoffrustration.“They’resayingthatlistenersliketoimaginethat

we’rehookingupbehindthescenes—thatwe’reinarelation-ship.”GraceglancedbackatJan,a
smilecurlingthecornerofhermouth.“Althoughthey’rehavingtroublewithcomingupwithaship
name.Ournamesdon’treallygotogether.”

Allthewomenweresmilingnow.
“Grash,”Emilysaid,thenstartedlaughing.
“Graton,”Graceadded,wrinklinghernosewithdistaste.“Ithinkthatoneisalittleonthenose.”
“Yeah,”Janagreed.“Therearen’treallyanyhashtagsworkingforyou,buttheshipisstillthere.

Youtwobringtheheatmoreoftenthannotonyourshows,andalotofyourlistenerswonderwhere
allthatheatgoesafterthemicrophonesturnoff.”

“Toourotherjobs?”Ashsaid.
“That’sthereality,”Jansaid.“Butifwewanttobringinnumbersthatwillgetyoutwoinfor

anotheryear,Ithinkplayingintothetopicthatcomesupinover30%ofthecommentsonyoursiteis
ourbestplay.”Shepunchedakeyonherlaptop,advancingherscreentothenextslidewhereAshwas
surprisedtoseeashirtlesspictureofhimselfnexttothewords,Sexyorsexist?Youdecide,weekdays
at2:00.

Ash’seyebrowsshotup.“Ithoughtwetookthosepicturesasajoke.”
Emilyblushedslightly.“Wedid.Butsincewehadthemonhand,wedecidedtomocksomeupand

testthem,and…well,theytestedreallywell.”

Nexttohim,Gracesighed.“Ithoughtwemighttaketheradicalapproachofbecomingtheone

venuethatdoesn’tpeddlepicturesofAshtonshirtless.”

“Shirtless?”Ashlaughed.“Idon’tknowwhatyouladiesaretalkingabout,butIdon’tdisplay

shirtlesspicturesofmyselfandIdefinitelydon’tuploadthemtotheinternet.YouallknowI’mnot

intosocialmedia.”

“Butyourfansare,”Jansaid.
“Andtheydefinitelyuploadpictures,”Emilyadded.
Whywaseveryonesmiling?EvenFrank.“Butwherewouldtheygetshirtlesspicturesofme?”
“Atyourpoolparties,”Emilysaid.
“Boatparties,”Janadded.
“Let’snotforgetvolleyball,”Gracesaid,soundingresigned.“Seriously,Ashton,youmustseeall

thepeopletakingpicturesthere.”

“Sure,”hereplied.“ButIdon’tpostthem.”
Gracewaggedherheadinpity.“Soclueless.”
Janlookedmoreconcernedthanamused.“Almostcriminallyso.”Sheleanedforward,studying

him.“Ashton,yourealizethatnooneneedsyourconsenttopostandtagyouinaphotoonline,right?
Theycanevencreateanaccountthat’sallaboutyouandposttofansonyourbehalf.”

“Andtheydo,”Emilysaidwithabitofasmile.“Thereareliterallythousandsofpicturesofyou

shirtlessonline,withnewpicturesaddedaftereachweek’svolleyballpractice.”

Ashwasn’tsurewhethertobealarmedorflattered.“Wait,youcanjustdothat?Listenerscando

that?JustlogontoFacebookandseepicturesofmeinmyswimmingtrunks.”

“YoushouldseetheTumblrfeeds,”Gracemuttered.
“Tumblr?”heechoed.Heliterallydidnotknowwhatthatwas.
Emily’sfaceflushedslightlybeforesheclearedherthroat.“Iknowyoumakeapointtoavoid

socialmedia,Ashton,butsocialmediahasalifeofitsown…kindoflikenature.Justbecausemostof
usdon’tgooutintothewoodslikeyoudo,doesn’tmeannothinghappensoutinthewildwhilewe’re
ignoringit.Socialmediaislikethat,initsownway.Somethingisalwayshappening.Andyes,itis
goodtoassumethat100%ofthepicturespeopletakeofyouwillmaketheirwaytosocialmedia—
especiallysinceyouareaTVpersonality.”

Ashfelthimselfpale.Allthepicturesanyonehadevertakenofhimmightbeonline?Thatdidn’t

soundgood.Atall.

Frankleanedforward.“Ashton,IknowthatGraceofferedtohandleyoursocialmediaaccounts

fortheshow,andshe’sdoneanamazingjobofit,butitmightbetimeforyoutologinonaplatform
ortwoandstartconnecting.Youareliterallytheonlynewsteammemberwhoisnotactiveonsocial
media,andthatwillhurtyouinthelongrun.”

Ashfoughtbackagroan.“Ijustdon’twanttobeoneofthosepeoplewhowalksaroundthisworld

withmyfacetrainedonascreen.”

Gracesenthimalook.Asin,alookthatlethimknewshehadn’tmissedthebarb.Hegazedback,

standinghisground.Sure,maybehewasn’tonTwitter,butatleasthewasn’taworkaholicwho
couldn’trelaxfortwoseconds.

Janclearedherthroat.“Well,toGrace’scredit,sherunsalloftheaccountsfortheshowandhas

amassedmorefollowersoneachaccountthanthestationhasingeneral,soshe’spullingherweight
inallofthis.”

Ashgotthedistinctsensethattherewasasilentaccusationintheresomewherethathewasnot

pullinghisweight.

JangoteveryonerefocusedbypressingthenextkeyandbringingupamockupofAshposing

wearingjeansandatoolbeltwiththesametextofftotheside:SexyorSexist?Youdecide,weekdays
at2:00p.m.

“TherearealreadyhundredsofAshtonplayingbeachvolleyballwithhisshirtoff,”Janesaid.“So

it’snotlikewe’regivingouraudienceanythingtheyhaven’tseenbefore.We’djustbedoingitin
higher-res.”ShelookedatAsh.“Thatis,aslongasyou’recomfortablewithit.”

“Youcan’tbeserious,”Gracemoaned,apparentlyoffendedbytheimage.
Ashsmiled.“Well,Iwasgoingtosayno,butyouknowwhatIalwayssay:anythingthatbothers

Graceisworthdoublingdownon.Soifthistestedwell,maybeweshouldgiveitago.”

“Ay,Díosmio,”Gracemutteredunderherbreath,butAshwasprettysurehewastheonlyonewho

heardher.

Jannodded,advancingtothenextslide.ItshowedanimageofGraceinabluesundressand

wearingtartanboxinggloves.Thetextnexttoherread,Deliveringknockoutsweekdaysat2:00.

“Ourresearchshowsthatwomenreallyidentifywithhowstrongyouareinallofthe

conversations,”JanexplainedtoGrace.“Youdon’tbackdown.Youpushthedialogtothenextround,
whichishowwecameupwiththisimagery.”

Gracestudiedtheimage,clearlycriticalofwhatshesaw,thenshrugged.“Well,I’mwillingtobet

onitifyouare.”

Ashblinkedinsurprise.IfhehadpitchedthatideatherewasabsolutelynowayGracewouldhave

rolledwithit.None.YetheretheywerewithAshnoddinghisheadforabunchofshirtlessshotsand
Graceapprovingmockupsofherlookinglikeacelebutanteboxer.

Thedaywascertainlytakingaturnfortheweird.
“We’relookingtoleasetwelvebillboardsinhigh-trafficareas,”Jansaid.“Andwe’dliketoputa

differentimageoneachone.SixofGrace,andsixofAshton.”

“Soundsequitable,”Ashsaidwithagrin.“Nextthingyouknowwe’llbesplittingchoreshereat

work.”

Grace’slipspursed.“Ishouldbesolucky.”
Janignoredtheirbarbsateachotherandpressedon.“Thesetwowerethemostextremeofthe

shotswe’rechoosingfrom,soIthoughtI’dshowthemhereincasetherewaspushback.Butwethink
thatthisvisualcampaigncombinedwithyoutworaisingtheheatoneachotheronlinecouldreally
givetheshowtheliftitneedstohaveagoodshotatarenewal.”

“Heat?”Graceasked,growingstill.“Whatkindofheatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Nothingphysicaloranythinglikethat,”Emilyjumpedin.“Weareallwellawareofyour

relationshipwithPhillip,Grace.Wedon’twanttodoanythingthatthrowsthatintoquestion.Butwe
dothinkitwouldhelpratingstoraisethefrictionlevelwithAshtonabit.”

WhenGracesaidnothing,Ashknewhewasn’ttheonlyonewhowaslost.
“Yeah…”hesaid.“You’regoingtohavetospellthatoutalittlebetterforme.Wedudesneedexact

instructions.”

“It’ssimplestuff,really,”Jansaid,focusinginonAsh.“Ideally,wewouldgetyouhookedupona

socialmediaplatformandhaveoneortwointeractionseachdaybesomethingthatpolarizes
followers.Andweneedittobeyou,Ashton.Yourlistenersknowyoureallywell,andtheywould
sniffoutastand-inprettyquickly,Ithink.”

Ashfoughtbackagroan.“SoIneedtostartpostingonFacebook?”
“Instagramwouldbebetter,”Gracesaidfromhisleft,andAshlookedtoJanandEmilyfor

confirmation.

“Eachsitehasitsprosandcons,”Jansaid.“Twitterisforbusinessandinfluencers,butgiventhat

mostofyourfansarestay-at-homemoms,that’snotyourbestbet.MomsuseFacebook,Instagram,
andPinterest.”

“AndtheywouldnotwanttoseeanyPinterestpageAshtoncreated,”Gracesaidwithagrin.“Plus,

wecanduplicateanythinghedoesonInstagramstraightovertoFacebookandgetdoublethetraction.
Imagesgetmoreresponsesonbothplatforms.Wecanjusttakesomethinghesaysandmemeit,or…”

“Or?”Janprompted.
“Wecancatcheachotherdoingsexiststuffandpostitforfeedback,”Gracesaid.“Ithinkthefew

shipperswehavemightmultiplyifAshtonandIpostpicturesofeachother.”

AshsentGraceaplayfulscowl.“You’rejusttryingtogetmeontosocialmedia.”
“Yes,”Gracesaidwithoutblinking.“Iam.”
Jansmiled,ignoringthetensionbuildingbetweenthem.“Wetalkedalotaboutthatinourmeeting,

actually.AndIthinkcallingAshtonoutonlineisagoodwaytokeephimengaged,andtaggingand
one-uppingeachotherwouldgooververywell.”

AshliterallydidnotunderstandwhatJanwastalkingabout,butapparentlyEmilydidandjumped

onthetrain.

“Wethinkitwouldbegreattoridethisrivalryintoaneventthatkindoforganicallyappearsinthe

frayofyoutwopickingoneachother.Wecanwatchthecommentsandseewhatpeoplewant,then
createaneventrightbeforeourrenewalD-Daytoshowmanagementhowmuchsupportyoutwo
have.”

“We?”Ashechoed.“Whois‘we’inallofthis?Andwho’sgoingtogetmeuptospeed?”
Emilygrinned.“Ican.Icandropbyyourdesk,walkyouthrougheverythingandcoachyouon

howtorespond.”

Ashreturnedhersmile,likinghowsheblushedlightlywhenhesaid,“I’dlikethat.”
Nexttohim,Gracepickedupherphone.“Soundsgood.Wantmetogettherivalrygoingnow?”
“Now?”Frankasked,hisbrowarchingwithcuriosity.
“Yeah,”Gracesaid.“OnInstagram?”
Ashfelthimselftense.“Wait.Shouldn’tIgetanaccountfirst?”
Gracesenthimaskepticallook.“Andwhenisthatgoingtohappen?Rightafteryoutextmeyour

Christmaslist?”

Ashrolledhiseyes.“It’sJune.”
“Exactly,”shesaid,lookingoveratJan.“SaythewordandI’llgetthisballrolling.”
JanandEmilystaredateachotherforseveralbeatsbeforeJansmiledandsaid,“Word.”
TherewasnohesitationonGrace’sside.Withaflickofherfinger,herscreenlitupandshegotto

workdoingsomethingAshwasprettysurewasn’tgoodforhim.

“Whatareyoudoing?”
Hereyesstayedonherscreen,herfingerswipingsideways.“You’llhavetogetanInstagram

accounttofindout.”

“I’mdoinganinterviewafterthis,”hesaid,morenervousthanthesituationprobablyrequired.
“Well,weallhavepriorities,”Gracesaid,fingersstillworking.
Hefelthisjawtense.“It’scalledwork,Grace.”
Shedidn’tlookup.“Andisn’titamazinghowoneofusmanagestodobothsocialmediaandin-

personjobresponsibilitiesatthesametime?”

FrankletoutatreacherouschuckleasAshtriedtoapeekatGrace’sscreen.Sheangleditawayand

outofsight.

“Ifyou’rethrowingmeunderthebusrightnow,Ihavearighttoknow,”hesaid.
Gracenodded,typingsomethingonherphone.“Ashton,Iamtotallythrowingyouunderthebus

rightnow.”

Hereachedforherphone.“Letmesee.”
Shegaveherphoneonelastdecisivetapthenturnedthescreenblackagain.“Sorry,buddy.You’re

goingtohavetogetonInstagramtoseeit.”

Ashlookedaroundtheroomforhelpandsaweveryonewassmiling—well,everyonebutthe

intern.Thatguyjustlookedlikehe’dcheckedoutofthemeetingassoonasitbegan.

“Oh,c’mon.IhavearighttoknowifIneedtorespondimmediately,”hepled,butnotevenEmily

lookedsympathetictohisplight.

“No,Ithinkthisisfair,”Jansaid.“Ihavenoideawhatshejustposted,butmyfeminineintuition

tellsmethatyoushouldgetanaccountsoonerratherthanlater.”

Emily’scuriositywasclearlypiquedbecauseshepickedupherphoneandbegantodosome

swipingofherown.

“ButIdon’tevenhaveasmartphone.”
“Youhavethecompanyphoneyouneveruse,”Frankremindedhim.
Oh.Yeah.That.Itwassomewhereinhisdesk.Ithadtobesincethat’swherehehadstoweditthe

dayFrankhadgivenittohim.Crap.Hedidhaveaphone,althoughitprobablyneededtobecharged
atthispoint.

Frankclearedhisthroat.“Asmentioned,thismeetinghastobeshortbecausebothAshtonand

GracehaveTVassignmentstheyneedtogetto,butIfeelgoodaboutourdirection.I’llapprovethe
budgetandwe’llgetthosebillboardsup.”

Acrossfromhim,Emily’seyebrowsshotupbeforesheshowedherphonescreentoJan.Theyboth

sentlooksGrace’swayandAshsawthedistinctlookoffeminineapprovalintheirgaze.Intheireyes,
Gracehadjustscoredasolidpointforwomankind.

“Ashton?”Jansaid.“I’dgetonInstagramprettyquick.Yourcohostisplayinghardballwithyou.”

VisitAmazontokeepreading

TheKissthatLaunched1,000GIFs

Copyright

Copyright©2016SheralynPratt

Allrightsreserved.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Anysimilaritytopersons
livingordeadiscoincidental.
Thisbook,oranyportionthereof,maynotbe
reproducedorusedinanymannerwhatsoever
withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofthe
publisher,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotations
inabookreview.

CoverDesign:RachaelAnderson

FirstPublished,September2016

WickedSassy,LLC
SaltLakeCity,Utah

www.SheralynPratt.com

Document Outline

Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Epilogue
More Books!
Sneak Peek
Copyright

Wyszukiwarka

Podobne podstrony:
Mike Resnick King of the Blue Planet # SS
The King of the Swords Michael Moorcock
R A MacAvoy L2 King of the Dead
The friend zone
King of the Hill James Blish
King of the Fairies inst in B
King of the Dead R A MacAvoy
King of the Fairies inst in Es
King of the Fairies inst in C
^THE JOKER RED AKA Andrzej Jęziorski; THE RULER OF HUMANITY AI EMPIRE @KING OF THE MONARCH RED PROJE
King of the Hill Chad Oliver
2003 03 king of the mountain
The King of the Swords Michael Moorcock

więcej podobnych podstron

King of the Friend Zone – Sheralyn Pratt

Document Outline