Free A Masterpiece Of Our Love (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 1) by Nikki Lynn Barrett Page B

sleeping in there alone," she admitted. "If it's not too weird, will you stay with me?"
    He stood before her again. "Of course I will. And it won't be weird for me. I'm going to take my quick shower and I'll be right there, okay?"
    She nodded. "Thank you. And be careful with your head. I'm sure we'll have to re-bandage it."
    "I'll just try not to get my face too wet. I know, that's going to be hard to do, but I'm really not looking forward to another few swabs of peroxide." He laughed before shuddering. "You're the only one who knows that weakness. I'm holding you to not spill the beans that Hunter Beckman is really a wimp. Got it?" He wiggled his eyebrows at her. "I would never admit that to just anyone!"
    She laughed. Why was it that she could laugh but not talk? It never made sense. "I'll keep your secret. I'll see you in a bit."
    Hunter headed off for the bathroom. Becca pulled her brush out from the purse and ran it through her wet tangles. What a long day. At least they had a warm, dry place to stay for the night and they didn't have to spend it outside like they had after the plane crash. Even then, Hunter had protected her. They'd been strangers, young kids, but he grew up so much that night. He'd promised her she would be safe, and she had been with him. She may have had only bits and pieces of memories from that night, but the one thing she remembered was Hunter. He hadn't let her down.
    Becca tossed the brush back in her purse and flipped off the living room light. She found her way to the bedroom in darkness, other than the small lines of light pouring through the bathroom's closed door. The shower water was running. Becca moved to the room, anxiously ready for bed. As she slid under the covers, she thought back to the kiss in the kitchen. It surprised her, and obviously surprised Hunter as well. He'd given her pecks on the cheek before, and she'd done the same to him. They were friends, connected by something no one should ever have to go through. But that kiss ... it was far more than friendly.
    She liked it, and wanted more.
    But did Hunter? He'd been through so much. Was he thinking clearly? Obviously neither of them had been all day, considering. When the morning light broke, what would they do next? Would the kiss just be forgotten about and they resume their normal friendship? Or...
    She didn't want to go through another long period of time without knowing how much that kiss would change things. She'd spent enough time wondering about it the last time. They'd have to clear the air eventually, whether they decided to never do that again and stay friends, or figure it out and go from there.
    Well, she could ponder over it as much as she wanted, but only time would tell. As soon as she hit the pillow and closed her eyes, she was barely coherent when Hunter slid under the covers beside her.
    "Not sure if you're awake, but know that I'm here. You saved my life earlier. I owe you everything."

Chapter Six
    Hunter thought he'd sleep soundly, but just as dawn broke and the first rays of light filled the sky, he awoke with a pounding in his head. He sat up in bed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Why couldn't he sleep longer? Becca stirred softly beside him. At least she had a chance to rest. He hoped getting back to the main island wouldn't be too much trouble. And the fate of the sailboat, with the storm ... where did it end up? That was going to cost him a lot if the damn thing was damaged.
    It drove him crazy that he couldn't recall if he'd secured it. Just because he retraced his steps in his mind didn't mean it had actually happened that way. Sometimes his mind produced thoughts that he wanted to be real, but could never be certain about.
    He'd rather believe that he hadn't secured it than to think someone messed with it. It wasn't like there were many people on this particular island. Why would someone do that?
    It didn't make sense. He slipped out of bed to get a drink. His throat was so dry. He got halfway