Chapter Thirteen - Questions

Christmas is fast approaching and I've been living at Hunter's place for two weeks now. I have no idea what to get Hunter because I don't have that much cash saved up yet. After settling things with my landlord and giving back the key I had told AJ, Blade and Lia about what happened and that I'll be picking between the job at the club or the one at the cafe.

AJ had then talked to me about how he's starting another lounge bar and restaurant in The Bronx and needs someone to promote both businesses online. He also said that he needs someone to do the photography and is willing to let me work flexibly. I had chosen to continue working for AJ in the new position and the salary is much better than what I was getting from working as a waitress and bartender.

Other than that, me and Hunter have gone on more date nights whenever we've been free. I finally forced him to let me pay rent now that I have a steady income but he had decided the amount. I know he pays much more but I'm content that he's letting me contribute whatever I can instead of letting me live for free.

I will admit that it's fun living with him and he seems to love being housemates. He used to eat so much takeout but now that's changed since I cook most of our meals. He's trying to learn also which is hilarious yet sweet to watch. I love listening to him learn how to play the piano too and he's become quite good at it over the past two weeks.

Smiling to myself, I leave the library when it strikes six o'clock. Zeke is waiting for me outside like usual and I thank him as I get into the car. We talk about our days and I ask if Hunter is home to which he responds with a nod. Hunter had texted me while I was on campus saying that he has a surprise for me tonight. It had certainly made me work faster that's for sure.

Unfortunately, there's a jam and the entire fifteen minutes that we're stuck in a traffic jam is spent with my leg bouncing in anticipation. I glance out the window and sigh in relief when we finally start moving. Zeke chuckles at my impatient behavior and I grin as our eyes meet in the rear-view mirror.

"Maybe he shouldn't have told you in advance." He teases and I nod in agreement.

"I can't wait!" I smile excitedly as we arrive at the complex and he parks in the garage. "Thank you, Zeke."

"No problem, Zoe. Enjoy your evening." He grins before I get out of the car.

I walk into the reception area and take the lift to the apartment. Making my way down the hallway, I open the door before stepping inside. But the sight in front of makes me stop in confusion. Red flower petals are scattered across the floor and they seem to be directing me somewhere. Smiling in excitement, I put my books and bag onto the couch before following the petals.

Walking through the hallways, I find myself out on the large balcony area. The picnic style table is set up with candles and a vase of red roses. I see two glasses of wine along with plates that have been covered. The set up coupled with the setting sun sure makes everything seem even more romantic.

I almost jump out of my skin when two arms wrap around my waist before hearing a deep and husky chuckle by my ear. Turning, I smile up at Hunter who leans down to press a lingering kiss to my cheek before not being able to resist and connecting our lips.

"What's all this?" I laugh as he pulls me to the table.

"All you've done since you moved in is focus on your college work!" He teases as I take a seat.

"I need to get my degree, Hunt." I laugh as he slides in close to me, wrapping his arm around my waist loosely.

"Well, I miss you." He murmurs lowly and succeeding in igniting a flame within me. "I thought we could start off our weekend with a date night?"

"I love it, thank you." I press a kiss to his jawline before turning to the table. "Did you cook this?"

"I tried to." He mutters as he removes the cloches and peers at the dishes. "Hopefully it tastes as good as it looks."

"I'm sure it will!" I chuckle at his nervousness.

Apparently, he had made chicken katsu curry with boiled rice and salad. It looks delicious and just like the comfort food I have been craving today. I eagerly dig in and compliment him on how good it tastes. He smiles proudly before tasting it himself and I literally see his ego inflate.

"You can now call me chef Hunter." He smirks while sticking his nose in the air haughtily.

I roll my eyes and struggle not to laugh otherwise I'll choke on my food. He pokes my cheek and I swat his arm with a playful glare. Then he proceeds to make satisfied noises as he tastes his food until I finally press a finger to his lips...which he kisses before settling down.

"How was work? You look really tired." I frown when I notice the slight bags under his eyes.

"It's this one case that's really getting on my nerves. Just when I think I've cracked it a slew of problems crop up!" He sighs before shaking his head.

"Don't get disheartened just yet, I'm sure things will speed along soon." I take his hand and give it a reassuring squeeze.

"Yeah luckily I have Cory now to help me out. Thanks, Red." He mumbles as he leans over to press a kiss to my temple. "What about you? How's the thesis going?"

I exhale deeply which makes him laugh, his wide eyes sparkling with humor as he asks, "That bad?!"

"No!" I bite my lip before shrugging halfheartedly. "I don't know...I'm just finding it difficult to bring everything together. I want it to be perfect."

"Just do your best, kitten. You may lose sight of what's important if you focus too much on perfecting things."

"Look at you being all philosophical!" I tease as I take a sip of wine.

"Hey, I told you I'm not just a pretty face!" He jokes with a wink. "Any plans for Christmas next week?"

"Not really no, just the usual." I shrug, wanting to avoid this topic entirely. "What about you?"

"I'm going back to the ranch. It's the one time everyone gets together and if I don't show up, my mom will kill me." He grins with a fond look as he reminisces. "Do you spend the days at your parent's house?"

"No, they host a dinner party for their friends and family." I smile weakly as I realize he's going to find out eventually so I may as well be honest. "I'm not on the guest list."

"But...you're part of their family." He frowns but I catch the anger burning beneath the surface.

"Haven't been for a while now." I laugh humorlessly as I watch the wine swirl in the glass.

"Will you spend Christmas with me and my family?"

The question is so sudden that it shocks me momentarily. I stare at him with wide eyes before shaking my head vehemently. "Hunter, it's fine. I've spent Christmas by myself all these years, I don't mind."

"I'm not asking out of pity, Zoe. I want you to spend Christmas with me." He smiles widely before his entire demeanor changes. He's nervous now and it almost looks like he's hesitating to say something. "There's a catch though."

"As always." I roll my eyes playfully as I take a sip of my wine.

"I want to introduce you as my girlfriend."

"You want me to pretend to be your girlfriend in front of your family? That's ridiculous Hunter!" I laugh and shake my head.

"No, I want you to be my girlfriend Zoe. For real." He states utterly serious which makes my chuckles trail off into silence.

"W-What?" I whisper as he smiles tenderly. "Really?"

He nods and takes my hand in his to brush his lips against my knuckles in a feather-light kiss. "I really like you, Zoe. I want to introduce you to my family as more than just someone who I'm seeing. You mean more to me."

"You're sweet." I whisper as my heart races giddily.

He shrugs halfheartedly with a cheeky smile on his lips. "I try."

Laughing, I nod and agree. His nervous expression brightens to one of immense joy and he looks like a kid on Christmas day. Tangling his fingers into my hair he pulls me forward and presses his lips to mine. Smiling into the kiss, I clutch his shirt as our tongues dance together before air becomes a matter of priority.

"I can't wait for you to meet them." He grins and now it's my turn to be nervous.

"Do you think they'll like me?"

He leans forward and takes my bottom lip in his. I didn't even notice that I was biting down on it. Kissing me once more he lets go but pulls me flush against him. "They already do. Your stunt at the gala was loved by my parents and Roman. Everyone else knows about it too and want to meet you."

"Oh God!" I groan in embarrassment while he bursts out laughing.

"Don't worry, Red. I'm sure you're going to be just fine." He smiles excitedly as he peppers kisses to every inch of my face.

"But...what if they just don't like me? Like they hate my guts –"

"I'll be honest with you, if it's a no from my family I'm going to have to dump your cute ass." He states seriously with a sigh.

My jaw drops and I guess my expression must've been comical for him to burst out laughing. I smack his chest playfully as he pulls me into his arms. A content smile blooms across my lips as I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my head against his chest. I feel his chin atop my head as he runs his fingers through my hair.

"I know they'll see what I see in you, Zoe. You're sweet, sassy yet sensitive...what's not to love?" He murmurs comfortingly and I feel a strong emotion rise within me.

I love him. How can I not when he cares so much about me? A smile graces my lips when I realize that I've fallen for him...and hard. I only hope that he feels the same way at some point because I can't imagine life without him anymore, as fast as this may be. 

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