Edited 8th May 2020

Emily's P.O.V

He's trying to remain strong but I can see the confusion and hurt hidden underneath his hard exterior.

We're at home now, the evening chill blowing softly into the open window. I wrap my arms around myself but don't move to close the window.

My phone vibrates and I remove it from my bra, it's weird, I've done that for years, but I don't carry a purse with me and rarely wear anything with pockets so I had to compromise.

It's become like a habit to me.

I pull out the offensive piece of technology, feeling a tickle of vibration on my nipple as I do.

7.28pm Tara:

Keep an eye on Hunter please, he tries to be the strong and dependable one but we all know he's a softie at heart. Thank you for today. I love you.

My heart swells at the words I read. Hunter is a big softie, he tries to be all macho, an ex-soldier with a dad who could terrify the life out of Trump but most of the time, he lets his walls slip and when he does, he's the most caring, kind and compassionate person I've ever met.

7.30pm Me:

I will. Take care of yourself too. No matter what happens between your parents, I'll be here for you both.

Love you too.

I read the text again before hitting send, it's all very serious and consuming. I'm scared of what will happen though, I know we'll be okay, all of us, no matter the outcome of this mess.

Just to lighten the mood I text her again.

7.31pm Me:

I'm still here bitches, and I know everything. -A

In return, I get a laughing face emoji.

I smile, hoping I've cheered her up slightly. I meant what I said, I will be there for her. Not just her, all of them.

When my dad got sick and my selfish bitch of a mom vanished into thin air, they took me in as one of their own. Christine and Ken were so helpful and supportive, I could never repay them for their kindness but I can damn well try.

Hunter emerges from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. His tattooed torso glistens with droplets of water and his hair is jet black. It always looks so dark when it's wet.

"Chinese food for dinner?" He asks and I nod. We've been so busy that we haven't eaten all day and I'm starving.

"Sounds good," I say moving along on the sofa to make some space for him. He sits beside me and I curl my legs up under me, turning my body to him slightly.

His head drops back and he looks up at the ceiling, I rub a hand through his wet hair and his eyes close with a small but noticeable sigh.

"Why does this always happen?" He asks, his voice is barely audible. "Every time I get time with you something happens to ruin it."

I smile, it's small and bitter because it's true. It's Sunday night and our engagement party seems like a distant memory though in reality, it's only been two days.

I dread Wednesday coming, I hate him leaving me as it is, but with everything up in the air and the unexpected drama of his parents, I really don't want him to leave.

"Because life just loves fucking with people," I respond and he moves to cuddle into my side. He wraps both arms around my waist and rests his head on my breasts.

I let my fingers trail through his hair and down the back of his neck, rubbing soothing circles on his bare skin.

"I really want to get a tattoo," I say in an attempt at normal talk.

I've been thinking about it for a while now and getting a tattoo is number six on my bucket list, I don't think he takes me seriously though, he doesn't move from his spot. "Really? What we're you thinking?"

I shrug. I haven't decided on that yet. If I ever were to get a tattoo, I would want something meaningful, not just a random scribble. "I don't know" I admit and he lets out a low chuckle.

"A big portrait of my handsome face would look beautiful on your back"

"Not a chance" I laugh at him and he pouts. We sit in silence for a few more seconds before he speaks again.

"I love you," He says so sincerely, so genuine. I feel like my hearts about to burst, Hunter's eyes are shining, he looks like he wants to cry but he doesn't.

This must be really strange for him. Christine and Ken are, or at least I thought they were one of the strongest couples I know. I thought they could get through anything, I'm not sure this is something that they can overcome.

Christine looked crushed. If what Devon said is true and Ken really has cheated then I don't know what will happen.

I don't think I could ever forgive Hunter for hurting me like that, no matter how much I love him.

"I love you too" I reply kissing him. "More than anything" I add. "Let's order food and go to bed, we'll veg out tomorrow with movies and junk food."

Hunters smiles, a real honest smile. "I can't think of anything better."

XxxxxxX

"You do realise there's no food in this house" Hunter huffs shutting the kitchen cabinet.

I'm sitting at the small kitchen island sipping my morning coffee. I don't need groceries in the house when he's not here, I usually order takeout, go out with Tara or usually, a couple of slices of toast will do me.

Hunter woke up in a much better mood, I think the ten hours of sleep definitely helped, but I think it was the phenomenal morning sex that sealed the deal.

"We need to go shopping" he states grabbing his car keys and wallet.

"For junk food?" I ask as he makes his way over to me.

"You can't expect me to watch shitty romance movies with you all day without getting some sort of benefit out of this." He says suggestively as his fingers trail up my bare thigh, excitement shooting straight to my core.

I'm only wearing a t-shirt and a tiny little thong but I don't let him see the effect he's having on my traitorous body. One simple, little touch and I'm ready to jump on him.

I slap his hand away playfully "is that all you ever think about?" I scold him and he chuckles.

"I was talking about Reece's pieces but I like where your mind went" Hunter smirks at me, wiggling his eyebrows in the process. "Naughty girl."

"Shut up" I hit his chest gently but he grabs my wrist.

"You're going to have to get dressed soon, otherwise we'll never leave this apartment." He says deadly serious placing his keys and wallet back onto the island to prove his point. Just the thought makes my skin heat up. "Do you want to starve to death?"

"I doubt we'll starve to death after one day without food"

Hunter grins at me, his eyes darkening somewhat. "Point taken," He says scooping me up causing me to knock my coffee mug onto the floor and it shatters, leaving splatters of dark brown liquid on my new cream rug.

Hunter throws me over his shoulder, my ass sticking up in the air and he swats it as I wriggle to get out of his grasp.

"Hunter, I need to clean the-"

"It can wait" He growls and I giggle like a little child as he carries me back to the freshly made bed.

Hello my lovely readers! Hope you're all safe and well.

Thank you for reading Happily ever hookup. I have 30 chapters written and probably another 8 or 9 to go before the end but I wanted to run an idea by you all.

I have loved writing these books, I love the characters and all of the feedback I'm getting from you all so hopefully you'll help with this... Who would be interested in reading the Hookup from Taras POV?

Obviously it'll be her story, the drama with her and Nick and then how her and Devon became close. I understand not a lot of you liked Tara in the first book (hopefully this one has changed your mind a little) but I think I would really enjoy writing it and maybe you would enjoy reading it.

I won't begin the new (so far unnamed) story until Happily is complete but just wanted to get your opinions? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks.