Izabelle

The afternoon at the lake with Hunter was the best date I'd ever had, and it wasn't even a real date.

That didn't stop me from daydreaming about it—or him. Hunter made me happy, and I felt safe with him. He might not be interested in me as more than a friend, but I was encouraged that he'd agreed to dinner. That only was enough for alarm. Encouragement could lead to heartbreak.

I probably only imagined those heated looks and tingling touches, and because I was terrible at hiding my feelings, he'd known I was attracted to him. This explained why he'd admitted to being afraid of me. The poor guy was thinking my teenage crush would turn into something from a horror movie.

He was my hero. I was his potential stalker. What a disaster. If it wasn't for my outrageous suggestion to find each other dates, I doubt I'd be seeing much of him. That made no sense either. Hunter Donovan did not need my help to find him a date. Why was he hanging out with me?

Whatever his reason, I wouldn't question my good fortune. I loved—I froze at the word. Love. I loved Hunter for years, and I wanted to be with him. If friends was all I could have, I'd be grateful for that.

When I met Scott he was romantic and attentive. He was a respected doctor and he pursued me like I was someone special. I liked him, but I'd never loved him like I did Hunter.

An image of Scott shoving me against a wall made me shiver. I could still hear him screaming at me. Still feel the pain of his fists. I'd been stupid. Just like Darryl had always said.

No. I wouldn't think of that. But I couldn't stop. Hunter's words condemned me. Sin separates us from God. Not even Jesus could wash away my sins even though Hunter believed otherwise.

He might say he wasn't a Christian, but something in his voice when he talked about Jesus told me he was as much a believer as Kyle and Lucy. Hunter had simply forgotten.

"Hey, Izzy." Lucy slid into the seat across from me and set down her lunch. "Looks like you have a lot on your mind."

Just your dad. I glanced down at my chicken spaghetti, which I'd let get cold, and pushed it around on the plate with my fork. "I was thinking about John."

Lucy's delicate brows drew together. "Who's John?"

"For God so loved the world..." I couldn't remember the rest

Her expression could only be described as joyful. Her eyes shined. Taking a sip of coffee, I waited for Lucy to finish the verse I couldn't recall but she sat quietly watching me happily.

"Go ahead. Say it. I'm waiting." I motioned for her to continue.

To my astonishment, Lucy got up, came around the table, and hugged me. "I love you, Izabelle."

My heart melted. I patted her arm, which was encircling my shoulder. "Love you too Lucy, but this is weird."

She released me, and I actually think she did a little hop. "I've been waiting for this a long time."

Guilt at getting her hope up made me feel terrible. "I just read a few verses. I'm not even sure I believe."

"You're reading the Bible, it doesn't matter why," Lucy said with an excited clap of her hands.

I glanced around. "People are staring."

"Let them. This is an amazing day. Have you told Kyle?"

"No, he's busy with therapy and Ava."

She blinked, her expression strange. "Ava?"

Lucy sounded surprised. "Yes, Ava. His soon-to-be girlfriend." I suddenly remembered I was supposed to meet her tonight. It was the last thing I wanted to do, and it would interfere with my dinner plans with Hunter.

"My dad said he saw you the other day." The comment was off-hand and given in between bites of her lunch.

"Yeah, he did." I felt nervous and guilty. "I uh, have a friend I was thinking about setting him up with. Renee is thirty-six, a nurse, divorced, and a single mom. She's also gorgeous."

Lucy stared a moment before giving me a curious look. "You want to find my dad a date? You're quite the matchmaker lately."

"Not really. My efforts with Kyle and Ava crashed and burned, but I'm not giving up hope. What do you think about Renee and your dad?"

"I don't know. You should ask him."

I'd hoped for a hard no. My mood deflated like a popped balloon. "Maybe I will. Does your dad date a lot?" I tried to sound casual like the answer was of no significance to me.

"No, but he's been seeing this woman for a few years." Lucy seemed uncomfortable.

"A few years?"

"It's not serious. At least I don't think it is."

I felt sick. "He's sleeping with her?"

"I don't want to know and don't ask." Her phone dinged and she checked the message. "I've got to get going. See you soon?"

"Absolutely."

***

I did not want to cancel my plans with Hunter.

A crowded bar held no appeal, but Ava was depressed about Kyle. The more I thought about it I figured it would be better to tell her to stay out of bars if she truly wanted to get her boyfriend back.

Hunter called and said he would be working late. Nine was the earliest he'd get away and he suggested rescheduling, but I convinced him that wasn't too late. Everything would work out, or so I thought.

The first disaster struck when Rooster refused to obey my numerous efforts to bring him to life. I paid good money to Scott for a lemon. I hoped it was something simple like a battery, but it never seemed to be less than half a grand when I had to put the car in the shop.

Ava picked me up in her flashy new sports car her dad had given her for her birthday last month. I knew I was going to end up driving that ridiculously expensive car home, which was fine because I could still see Hunter. Ava had good intentions, but she rarely left a club sober enough to drive. Hopefully, she wouldn't notice if we left early.

Dressed in blue jeans with a black t-shirt and sandals, I looked plain beside Ava's snug leopard print dress and flashy red heels.

Her gaze raked me critically. "I'm not sure they'll let you in dressed like that."

I shrugged, unconcerned. "Is there a dress code?"

"Yes, it's called sexy. You look like you're in high school. You're for sure getting carded."

"I'm not drinking."

"Hey, I'm driving. It's your turn to have fun. I guess it doesn't matter what you wear when you look like a model." She tossed me another look, her eyes hardening.

"Uh, thanks." I watched her reapply lipstick and fluff her hair. "You look amazing. Having second thoughts about getting back with Kyle?"

"No!" She shot me a get-real look. "I was hoping you could go back and tell him all the guys that hit on me tonight. You know, make him jealous."

I thought about that, and it wasn't a bad idea. It wasn't a good idea either, but maybe Kyle had gotten used to Ava being around and was taking her for granted. "That might work."

Ava flashed a wicked smile. "We'll see."

The club was packed.

The music was loud.

The drinks were outrageously expensive. I couldn't afford a drink even if I wanted one. Still, I managed to try to have a good time. I danced and Ava drank. A lot.

I'd thought getting her home would be easy, but I hadn't counted on the line of men eager for her attention. She didn't lack dance partners or drinks. Twice I told her we were leaving and she agreed, but then some dude would steal her away.

I was tired, frustrated, and hungry. I knew I needed to cancel my plans with Hunter, but I could not do it. I waited and hoped.

Around ten o'clock my cell vibrated and my heart slammed against my chest.

Hunter: Are you home?

I wanted to cry.

Me: I'm downtown at the new club called Smokescreen

Hunter: You driving?

Me: Ava drove but it looks like I'll drive home

Hunter: Have you been drinking?

Me: If I say yes, will you arrest me?

Hunter: Cute. No, but I'll  pick you up

Me: Too bad I'm not drinking

Hunter: Let me know when you leave

Me: OK ;-)

An hour later, I hauled a drunken, stumbling Ava to the car. We stopped several times when she lost her balance or her shoe and once to throw up. Unfortunately, I was not fast enough to avoid projectile vomiting.

Exhausted and stinking, I rested my head against the steering wheel for a moment. I sent a text to Hunter. He answered quickly, asking for Ava's address, which I gave him.

Turning to Ava, who was slouching in the seat looking a little pale, I frowned. "You're not going to get sick again, are you?"

"Maybe."

I pulled a plastic bag out of my purse that I'd brought just for this reason.

"You'ra-lifesaver-Isbelle." Her words slammed drunkenly together.

Then she bent over and vomited. Again. The smell rolled my stomach, making the half-hour drive seem to take three times that long, but finally we arrived at her apartment.

She showered and fell into her bed. Before I let her sleep, I made her drink a glass of water and take a painkiller.

"Thanks, Izabelle."

At least she was talking better. "You going to be okay now?"

"Don't know. Will Kyle give me another chance?"

"I think so." I didn't want to give her false hope, but I didn't know what else to say. A moment later, I heard her soft snore. Pulling the covers over her, I left her apartment and locked the door with the spare key.

I didn't think twice about heading for the parking lot because I knew even before I saw Hunter standing outside his SUV that he'd be waiting for me. He was that sweet.

My heart tripped a beat at the sight of him. He was wearing a blue dress shirt with a tie, and slacks. He still had on his gun, badge, and holster. His short brown hair looked as if he'd raked his fingers through it, and his strong jaw was covered with scruff.

I'd borrowed one of Ava's shirts, but I could still smell vomit.

He opened my door, but I threw him an apology. "I stink. She threw up on me."

"Get in, Izabelle," he said gently, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I can still fry fish." I heard the eagerness in my voice and didn't even care if he knew how much I wanted to spend time with him. "I got up early and chopped vegetables for a salad. I even cut potatoes for fries."

"It's late." He smiled. "We can have fish tomorrow."

I deflated, sinking into the passenger's seat. Of course, he was probably exhausted and wanted to go to bed. "Sure, tomorrow."

"You hungry?" he asked sliding into the SUV.

"Starved." My stomach rumbled as if adding its input. I flushed, but if he heard he didn't let me know it.

"I know an all-night diner. The food's great."

"Really?" I sounded giddy.

He nodded. "It's been a long night. I got here as fast as I could. Did you lock your friend's door?"

"I did. Checked it twice."

"Good. You and your friend have fun tonight?"

"Nope. I didn't want to go in the first place. She drank. I watched. We came home. End of story, minus a few gross details I will not mention." I stole a glimpse of Hunter with his arm propped on the steering wheel. Butterflies danced in my belly. "I wished I'd have stayed home."

"Why didn't you?"

"She's depressed. Ava wants to get back together with my brother, but he's not cooperating." He pulled into a gravel drive and parked. "Men," I grumbled, throwing him a smile.

Hunter shook his head, his eyes lit with amusement. "Women."

"Speaking of women, I've been thinking about who would be perfect for you."

"I'm sorry, I haven't had the chance to do the same."

"No hurry. We still need to hammer out the details." I forced a smile. "No lists, I promise."

He chuckled, the deep, throaty sound teasing my senses.

Taking my hand, we walked inside the diner and I thought that to anyone passing by we looked like a couple catching a late-night dinner.

I wished with all my heart and soul that it was true.