Chapter 4 - Brooklyn

Hunter reached under her dashboard and she heard a soft ‘pop’ before he rounded the front of her car.

He pulled up the hood of the car and rested the heavy piece of metal on a small pole he pulled from under the hood. He then went to his car and did the same.

Brooklyn couldn’t tear her eyes from him.

She still couldn’t believe he was here.

She felt ridiculous not being able to look at another man the same after seeing him once and never again, but now that he was in front of her again, she understood her fascination.

He moved with an unearthly gracefulness that was both dominating and gentle. He looked confident in his actions as he went about trying to mend her broken vehicle.

Why was that so sexy to her?

She watched carefully as Hunter made his way back to his toolbox and grabbed a long black cord with black and red clips on each end.

He jerked his head, inviting her to come closer. She hesitated for only a second before coming to his side.

He handed her one set of red and black clips. “Hold these. And no matter what, don’t let them touch.”

Brooklyn held the clips, her hands brushing over his purposely and red-hot sparks shot down her arms.

Goodness gracious, she loved that feeling.

She noticed the small smile slip onto his face before he let go and held his own set of red and black clips.

Hunter attached his clasps to some part of his car’s engine before coming over to her and grabbing the clips from her grasp. His hands graciously covered hers as he gripped the clamps, sending more red hot fire straight up her arms.

Brooklyn tried to stop the blush from crawling up her neck, but was unsuccessful. Hunter smirked, revealing to her that he saw her red face.

She stepped back from the engine, rounding to the driver’s side of her car.

Hunter attached the clips and went to his own car to start it. His engine turned on without any problems.

“Okay, see if the lights come on now.”

Brooklyn reached through her empty window and started the ignition. The lights clicked on, but the motor sputtered.

“It looks like we have some time before the battery is charged,” Hunter whispered in her ear.

She jumped from his sudden closeness and spun, taking her keys with her. Hunter’s smirk returned and he leaned down, connecting his lips with hers again.

She pulled away quicker this time, pushing him back with the palm of her hand

The instant fire that erupted through her veins at his touch slowly diminished as she kept her hand firmly on his chest.

His muscles were firm and defined under her hand, making her think about what was hidden under that shirt. She quickly disregarded her haywire thoughts and tried to collect herself.

“No, we can’t.”

A frown curled Hunter’s lips down as he glanced from her hand to her face. “I thought you were dead. It’s been almost ten years...”

Hunter stopped speaking and looked at her intently.

“Who are you? How do you remember ten years ago?”

Hunter stepped back slightly, but still stayed close to her. He stuffed his hands in his pant pockets, hiding his large hands from view.

“I thought I lost you ten years ago.”

Brooklyn couldn’t be more confused. “Did I know you from somewhere? I thought that was the first time we met.”

This man was talking like she was someone important to him, but other than the day she got shot, she was positive she had never seen him before. She would remember a face like that.

Hunter remained quiet while he glanced down, mulling over his thoughts. She would give anything to know what was going through his mind.

But he just stayed mute.

“Try your car again,” his deep voice rasped.

Brooklyn obeyed, removing her hand from his chest. She blushed realizing she had left it there so long and quickly spun, hiding her blush from him.

She felt uncomfortable with the flames that covered her face. She never blushed.

Brooklyn turned the key to her car once again and the engine purred to life.

She turned around to thank him, only to find him gone. Hunter was already collecting the clips from both their cars and slipping it into his toolbox.

“You never answered my question.”

Hunter continued to deflect her question and threw his toolbox in the back seat of the rental car. “Are you going to see Vincent? I want to make sure you get there safely.”

Unsure of how to make him speak, she nodded. “Yeah, I’m heading to the warehouse. I just have to stop at home and drop off my laundry.”

Hunter’s face dramatically twisted, like he smelled something bad. “You have to go to a laundromat?

“What did you think I was doing here?”

Hunter snorted. “I’m just amazed that Vincent makes you come here to do laundry. Surely he lives in a nice place and can take your laundry for you.”

“I don’t need help all the time, Hunter.”

Hunter’s eyes darkened, almost to the point of anger, and he broke his eye-contact.

He stuffed his hands back in his pockets and shook his head. “Nevermind. I will meet you at the warehouse. Don’t turn off your car when you get home or it might not turn on again.”

Confused, Brooklyn nodded.

She would get her answers out of him.

She quickly ran back into the laundromat to collect her clothes. She was just going to forget about him.

She would just forget about their kiss.

Although she had a feeling it would be nearly impossible, she felt determined to pretend he had never kissed her.

After stuffing the clothes back in her basket, she turned to leave when Hunter’s tall frame blocked her path.

“Holy—What are you doing? You scared me. Doesn’t Vincent need you?”

A slight smile curled Hunter’s lip, making him look sexier than ever. Brooklyn forced the thought from her mind, blaming the lack of attraction she has had for almost ten years. It’s messed with her mind.

“I’ll carry this out for you. It’s bad enough that you have to come here.”

Brooklyn looked around at the eavesdropping ears around her. They shot her annoyed looks at Hunter’s loud statement.

“Watch what you’re saying, not everyone wants to be reminded that they have to do their laundry here,” Brooklyn harshly whispered at him.

Hunter simply ignored her reprimand and grabbed the basket from her. He lifted it like it was nothing and walked through the aisles of laundry machines. Brooklyn was surprised when he easily balancing the weight of the basket while opening the door for her.

Where did this guy come from?

Brooklyn closed the back door to her car when the basket was settled in safely. “Thank you.”

Hunter’s large palm covered the back of her hand on the car door handle. He pulled their hands away, his fingers enclosing hers while his gaze intently focused on her hand in his. He slowly raised her palm and tucked her fingers in, placing a small kiss on the joint of her first knuckle in the process.

“Anytime.” His deep voice echoed into her toes.

Hot sparks shot up her arm and settled at the root of her spine, making her whole body feel hot again.

She felt ridiculous. The first man she has found attractive in almost ten years and she’s practically falling over herself for him.

She needed to get a grip.

Brooklyn tore her hand from his grip quickly, reminding herself of the promise to Vincent she has already made.

“Drive safe, Hunter. I will see you at the warehouse.”