Heaven With You by Rebecca Julia Lauren Read Free Book Online Page B

you want from me?” I asked, flustered.
    “For starters you can stop looking at me like you’re afraid of me. You can also stop offering to pay me back. I’m not trying to collect on a little money that I gave you over ten years ago.”
    I let his words sink in. “I’m sorry.”
    He gave me a measured look. “What exactly are you apologizing for?”
    “For offering to have sex with you,” I responded, though the moment I said it I was sure it was the wrong thing to say.
    “See, Isabelle, that’s not the kind of thing a woman needs to apologize to a man for. You don’t know much about men if you think I need an apology for that.”
    “Okay,” I said cautiously. “Then you won’t accept my apology?”
    “It depends. If you’re sorry for thinking I’m an asshole that would actually want a woman to pay him back with sex, then that apology I’ll take.”
    “Fine. I’m sorry for thinking you’d do something like that. For the record, I was shocked when I thought that’s what you wanted. You don’t seem like the type.”
    “Thanks,” he smirked. “It’s good to know I don’t seem like a pervert.”
    Relaxing, I couldn’t help but smile. “You’re a funny guy, Hunter McAllister.” I caught those mesmerizing eyes and couldn’t look away. “I’m not afraid of you.” I wasn’t sure how much I should tell him. “You have probably figured this out, but I’m not all that comfortable around men.”
    “I know,” he said gently. His eyes held mine. “Why is that?”
    I smirked. “My therapist hadn’t gotten to that part before I had to drop out.” I saw the question in his eyes. “It cost too much, but it probably has something to with me not having a respectable father figure.”
    He didn’t say anything, just continued to watch me with those striking blue eyes that seemed to miss nothing.
    “What about you? Have any lingering issues from your childhood?”
    Tilting his head, he seemed to consider the question. “I don’t know.”
    “It’s not fair that you know my embarrassing baggage, and I know nothing about you.”
    “Well, Izzy. I’m forty and still single. Maybe I’ve got some commitment issues. I don’t really give it much thought.”
    I had the strange notion that he was humoring me. Instead of overthinking that, I asked what I was dying to know. “Are you still in love with your wife?”
    I knew from Ellie that her mom and dad had been madly in love, but Hunter seemed surprised at the question.
    “I don’t think that’s it,” he answered. “I loved Anna, but we were kids. It’s been sixteen years since she’s been gone. It seems like another lifetime ago.”
    I hadn’t realized I’d been holding my breath until I relaxed and let it go. Why it was so important that Hunter not be in love with anyone else, I didn’t want to contemplate. “Maybe you’re afraid of getting hurt.”
    He shrugged. “Isn’t everyone?”
    “I’m just trying to help you understand why you’re still single.”
    Amusement danced in those translucent blue eyes. “Maybe I haven’t met the right woman.”
    Rolling my eyes, I replied, “Is there any such thing?”
    “You’re too young to be so cynical.”
    “I’m a realist. I don’t think there’s a right person for anyone.  Sometimes you happen to find someone that you care about. If it works out, you’re lucky.  If not, well you just have to try again unless you want to end up alone.”
    “So you’ve never been in love, Isabelle?”
    I glanced away uncomfortable with his intent, unwavering gaze. “I thought I was, at the time. But looking back, I’d have to say no. Have you loved anyone besides Anna?”
    He took a deep breath and I watched his chest rise and fall, as he seemed to ponder my question. “No. There’s been no one after her.”
    The way he said that last sentence made me want to cry.  What would it be like to have a man love you so much that he hadn’t been able to move on after sixteen years? It would be