Award winner 12 - Ever After Awaits

bChapter /bb12/bb: /bHunter bPOV /b

bI /bcan’t believe my luck! This beautiful goddess is here! On my campus!

Since the first time I met her, I haven’t been able to get her off my mind. It sucked balls when I didn’t hear from her when I gave her my number that day. Yes, we lost a couple of months of not being able to spend time with each other, but I am more than willing to make up for it from here on out.

Her unusual, amber–colored eyes have haunted me daily. Not just in my dreams but during my waking

hours as well.

I have fantasized numerous times about her dark auburn hair – spread over my pillow after an intense night of passion, wrapped around my hand as I m into her from behind, falling like a waterfall around us as she leans over while straddling me.

I’m not aplete sex fiend, even though my fantasies indicate otherwise.

I also want to walk her to her car after a night out on the town, I want to surprise her with her favorite Danish after a long day of sses, and I want to do silly activities with her like ten–pin–bowling, go- karting, or paintballing. Hopefully, she is into those kinds of activities, but I get the distinct feeling that she is not like the other girls on campus – dolled up, spackled with make–up, and afraid to break a nail.

The weird thing is, I’ve never felt like this about any other girl.

Sure, I’ve had girlfriends over the years but nothing this intense, this soon. Case in point, I don’t even know her name. Yet. But strangely enough, it doesn’t bother me. It adds to her appeal and is par for how our rtionship started.

Honestly, I’ve been in two minds about this new school year. A huge positive is the fact that I get to move into a house with my closest friends. Until now, we had to live in the dorms. Yes, we were in the same building, and even on the same floor, but it just wasn’t the same. We had no shared spaces that were ijust /ifor us. There were always other students hanging around in the background.

On the negative side is the fact that I’m having second thoughts about my future. Yes, I’m studying Finance and Economics so I can join my dad at his firm one day. And there was a point in time when that prospect intrigued and excited me. But recently, it just doesn’t resonate with me anymore.

I know my parents will support me if I choose to change my future career, but I’ve seen how happy my dad gets when he talks about all the things he has nned for when I join him after graduation. After everything he and Mom sacrificed to get me here, it just doesn’t sit right with me to let them down like

that.

Working at the restaurant over summer vacation allowed me to save up some money so we could afford to move into our own ce, and I even enjoyed the experience. Especially all the new people I met. Like the gorgeous girl holding my hand and walking next to me.

b1/3 /b

Chapter 12: Hunter POV

I’ve never been the lovey–dovey, hearts–and–flowers, mushy guy. Yes, I opened doors for my partner (my momma raised me with manners) and would even walk her to her carte at night. But I have never wanted to be a better version of myself for my partner.

I almost always forgot anniversaries. If my calendar hadn’t reminded me of her birthday, I most definitely would have let that slip as well.

But now, with her, I iwant /ito be those things for her. And so much more!

We get to my car, and I open the passenger door for her, refusing to let her hand go until the veryst

second before I have to close the door behind her.

Running around to the driver’s side, I slip inside and start the SUV. I nce over at her and smile at her as we pull out of the parking lot. After she’s buckled in, she nts her body in my direction. It seems I’m not the only one feeling this invisible pull between us. Nice!

I guide us through traffic and instead of switching on some music, I decide to make small talk – the sound of her voice feels like a balm to my soul.

We talk about mundane things like what our ss schedules look like this semester. We both realize we have a Thursday afternoon off. You can bet big bucks on the fact that I will make sure we spend those together. If she has a shift at the coffee shop, I’ll be a dedicated customer. If she is free, we will either be

studying or doing whatever tickles our fancy.

At the restaurant, we’re seated at my regr table. Being here at this time of day, the ce is only dotted with patrons. The din in the room is therefore minimal and I can give her all my attention without straining to hear her.

For the next two hours we talk, we eat our body weight in sushi, weugh at the most ridiculous things, and we flirt non–stop. I love every second of it. It feels natural and organic. There are no awkward silences or ufortable subjects.

I love the fact that she isn’t afraid to enjoy her food. Not counting calories or only ordering sds. And judging by those delicious curves, she has perfected the art of not pandering to other’s ideas of what she ishould /ilook like. I can’t wait to slide my hands over all her luscious valleys and sink my fingers into those juicy thighs.

Somewhere along the line, our hands drifted toward the others across the table, and we can’t seem to stop giving each other gentle caresses. She draws patterns on the back of my hand, and I stroke my thumb over her knuckles. And every single time, I feel sparks where our skin touches.

Eventually, my phone chimes with a reminder that I have a workout session with my boys. I almost say fuck it and spend the rest of the afternoon in herpany. But football season is starting soon, and we are making sure we aren’t total couch potatoes by the time the coach gets his hands on us.

Shepletely understands, not using me of choosing sport over her like most other girls have in the

Chapter 12: Hunter POV

past. She is ticking more and more boxes as I spend time with her.

On the way back to campus, my hand naturally drifts over the console toce my fingers with hers,ying it in herp. The soft smile that she gifts me makes my chest inte five sizes. I would do almost anything to be on the receiving end of that smile for the rest of my life.

Parking next to her sedan, I walk her over to her driver’s side door. For the longest time we just stand there, looking at each other, my hand resting gently on her hip, her hand over my heart.

“Thank you for today,” I say and lean down to give her a lingering peck on her cheek. She smells like strawberries and honey, mouthwatering.

As I lean back, I catch a glimpse of disappointment mixed with doubt that I didn’t kiss her properly. Patience, beautiful. Once I’ve tasted those lips, nothing will stop me from ravaging them daily.

She shakes the emotion off and says, “I enjoyed myself, thank you. Good luck with your workout.”

Without another word she steps back and gets in her car, driving off as I stare after her, wishing I could haul her back to my ce to show her exactly how I feel about her. All in good time, all in good time.