A Masterpiece Unraveled (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 2) (10 page)

On high alert, she ran into Hunter's office where a bed had been set up for Rissi. Becca flicked on the light, feeling a little guilty about the rude awakening her friend was about to get when she noticed the bed was empty.

Empty bed, purse on the floor, shadowed figure...

No!

Having Rissi here now had been a bad idea. She knew it! As much as she loved her best friend, it would have been better to wait.

Forgetting about Hunter's warning, Becca ran downstairs. If the person did something to her friend, she had to be there now! She came face to face with a startled Hunter and a bloodied Rissi.

"What happened?"
Becca glanced wearily between the two.

Rissi cringed. "Did I ever mention I have a bad sleepwalking problem when I'm in new places? I apparently went outside and then the door was locked. I fell and scraped myself."

Sleepwalking. So the shadow was Rissi. Carrie didn't come lurking to finish the job.

Rebecca Lange, you are losing it.

*****

"Get some sleep, you two. I really didn't mean to scare you. It's been so long, I never even thought to mention it." Rissi stood at the foot of the stairs.

Hunter held Becca close as she still couldn't calm down. Poor thing. That must have scared the hell out of her. Even without Carrie being out there somewhere, seeing a shadow coming toward your house in the middle of the night would spook anyone! It would have scared the hell out of him as well. "Guess we all have our night quirks," he replied, playing it down.

"Becca, I'm sorry. I totally didn't mean to scare you girl."

"I know you didn't. I'm glad I didn't go with my very first thought about grabbing a blunt object."

Rissi made a face. "I would have done it, especially in your situation. Love you. I'll see you in the morning. Hopefully I stay in bed this time." With a little wave, she headed up the stairs. A few seconds later, they heard a door close.

Hunter turned around to hold Becca. She leaned against him. Their bodies were so close, Hunter felt her fast heartbeat. He ran a hand up and down her back. "What were you doing up? Couldn't sleep? I turned off the stove, by the way. Want me to finish making tea?"

Becca raised her head. Color returned to her face, but she looked so worn out. After a nod, Hunter led her to the kitchen. He gave Becca a peck on the cheek before he poured the tea in two mugs and handed her one. They moved in sync to the dining room table. Hunter set his mug down and pulled a chair out for Becca. He sat beside her, positioning his body toward her.

"I had a horrible nightmare."

He knew all too well about those. "What happened in it?"

"Everyone I knew surrounded me and kept getting closer, telling me I didn't belong. Even my parents and Ellie were there."

"Oh angel." No wonder she was freaked out tonight. Waking up from that kind of nightmare to a shadow in the yard? She must have been on her way to wake him up when she fell. He'd already heard strange sounds, noticed her gone and came out to investigate. He took her hands in his and held them. "I think when I go back for an appointment, maybe we should get one for you. We're both tormented by demons and I think it'll be beneficial if we face them together, especially since so many of them are tangled together. What do you think?" He hoped she'd agree. Becca was strong, but she was breaking down under the weight of her fears. Watching this happen to her was a sucker punch to the gut for multiple reasons, one major one being this had been him a few short weeks ago.

She removed her hands and signed a
"Yes"
before picking up her mug to take a sip.

Relief washed over him immediately. Maybe they could even talk to someone together. Obviously Becca had issues she didn't want to talk about, like how she had actually been angry with him. She didn't want to tell him any of this on her own, but if they were going to fully move past it all, it needed to be brought up.

Not that he liked the idea much either, but something had to be done. He wasn't about to lose Becca when his heart had always been hers and he'd finally admitted it. This was a storm he'd fight to the death over. Becca was his world and he wasn't about to go down easily, no matter how much the past scared him.

"I was also thinking," He picked up his own mug. After a few warm sips, he set it down again. "Maybe in a few weeks after we get you all settled, we get the appointment over with and we talk to the private investigator, why don't we get away for a weekend, just you and I? Somewhere cozy and secluded. I feel like we've been surrounded by hell and I want nothing more than to start off our new relationship in the right way."

"What do you have in mind?"
He noticed the worry creep back in her eyes, What was it that worried her? Leaving the house again? Being alone with him? It bugged him to no end just how much he questioned everything.

"I just want to feel normal with you, Bec," he said. "I want to feel close. I want to bring back the newness that should have lasted so much more than a few days. I want us back." He needed to know if they stood a real chance any more.

Chapter Eight

"A summer picnic sounds like a blast!" Rissi was all smiles the next morning when Hunter asked them both if they wanted to pick up Sienna and head to the park for a day in the sun. After sitting with him for an hour last night drinking tea and conversing, they both finally headed to bed for a few hours of sleep. Everyone woke up at about nine and prepared to start the day.

Becca wanted to see Sienna. The idea of a park venture appealed to her ... to a point. This time, she shoved aside the negative thoughts in her mind and decided to not be a party pooper. She didn't need to be so darn afraid. Her friend was here for a good visit and Becca would make sure it turned out better than the first night. A park was a public place, and she'd be surrounded by the people she loved most. She had to stop hiding.

"Let's do it."
She smiled, even meaning the gesture.

Hunter kissed her cheek. "Bring your camera. Or your easel. Or both! I'm going to call Eva and see if Sienna's available to go with us for a while." He darted off. A few seconds later, she heard him on the phone.

Rissi followed her while Becca picked up her camera bag. "I'm so sorry for scaring the hell out of you last night. I used to move around a lot when I was younger. You remember me telling you?"

"I remember."

"For a few years, I had terrible sleepwalking spells. I mean, they were bad! I'd wake up in the middle of the road with cars swerving. People were telling my parents to lock my door from the outside. It sounds horrible, but it really was for safety." Rissi touched her elbow. "I freaked when I saw how shaken you were. I worry about you, girl. Hunter told me you know I mentioned four years ago. I just- I want to see you two come out of this for the better. You've been in love with the man for years."

"I don't like that side of me being revealed,"
Becca signed. She averted her gaze, not really sure why. Rissi had seen those sides of her too and here she was, still by her side. Why did it matter if the ones she loved the most saw those parts of her?

"I know. But if anyone knows and understands all of your highs and lows, it's Hunter. Both of you keep skirting around really talking. I mean- really-" Rissi's face flushed.

"I know what you mean, and you don't have to worry because you say talk when I can't."

Her friend bear-hugged her. "Be happy, Becca. I think you being with Hunter is perfect. It's a long road ahead, but I'm on your side."

They both quieted down at the sound of footsteps up the stairs. Becca took Rissi's words to heart. She'd been a little more than upset at her for telling Hunter about four years ago, but she knew they were all worried about her. Unlike her grandparents, Rissi and Hunter cared.

Okay, Hunter. I get how hard this was for you now. Doesn't make it any less frustrating, but I get it.

They both had to fight away the demons. There was a difference in understanding and actually living it.

Hunter appeared in the doorway with a smile. "We can go pick up Sienna." His eyes lit up at the sight of Becca's camera bag slung over her shoulder. "Well, I'll have to take us to a scenic park."

"I'll finish getting ready." Rissi twirled her hair around her finger before leaving the room.

"I'm so glad you're getting out of the house again. I'm always here, Becca. I've made mistakes, but I'm with you every step of the way." Hunter caressed her cheek. His eyes were full of love and worry. "I've got an idea I want to run by you later. I think you'll like it." His smile faded. "At least, I hope you will." He sounded unsure.

"I'm trying. I know you're trying. Sometimes it doesn't seem so, but we've been holding on to so much for so long. I can't deny how scared I am of everything. Our future, us, you, that crazy woman, my own shadow half the time."
Becca inhaled sharply, thinking of all the nerves.
"I'm afraid to hold on, but I'm also afraid to fall apart."

"I've said this before and it goes without saying. You don't always have to be strong. If you need to fall apart, I'm going to be right here to hold you. If I didn't have you in my world Becca, I don't think I could take it any more. Please don't give up on me, or us."

Her heart hurt at his plea. She didn't want to give up. They had ups and downs. They had nights were she was afraid it was all over, like the one in her apartment, but Hunter still meant everything to her.
"I don't want to give up. I don't want you to give up on me. I'm not myself. I wake up every day hoping I can open my mouth to make words come out and it hurts every day when I can't. I don't like talking about the darker sides of me, but I'll try."

Hunter held her close to him. "Angel, I was with you on the brink of death. I didn't give up then, I'm not giving up now. Ever. Do you hear me? Dark side or not, you're the one person I want beside me forever. Voice or no voice, I'm standing beside you one hundred percent. I just don't want you to be afraid of me anymore." He kissed her eyelids before brushing her hair back. She tensed, but didn't flinch. Hunter knew it though. He backed away, pain in his eyes. "Like that."

Becca reached out for him as he started to walk away. Her throat clogged up with emotion. Her hand connected with his and she stopped him. The sad frown on his face made her ache inside.
"I'm sorry."

"I'm the one who's sorry. I did this to you. No matter what I do, I don't know how to fix it," he practically whispered.

*****

On the road to pick up Sienna, Hunter thought about the appointments he promised Becca he'd go to. They couldn't come fast enough. Just when he thought he'd made a breakthrough, something else happened. She flinched at his touch. And okay, she did that with everyone, but he knew damn well he had a huge impact on those actions. She'd opened up a little. She looked a little better and had been excited about the park. Then he had to open up his big mouth.

Back to the drawing board.

It was bad enough when one person in the relationship suffered hell, but both of them?

Minutes later, the three of them stood inside Todd and Beverly's house, exchanging hugs and welcomes.

"Wonderful to meet you, Rissi." Beverly shook her hand. "Any friend of Hunter and Becca's is a friend of ours. I hope you'll visit often. We're glad to have Becca close now."

"This girl knows she can't get rid of me easily." Rissi laughed, nudging Becca.

"I wouldn't want to!"
Becca shot back with a smile.

There she went again. Putting on a brave face. Becca wanted everyone to think she was doing well. Hunter knew better, but most others around her wouldn't.

She was way too good at that.

"Daddy! Daddy!" Sienna's happy squeal caught his attention. He crouched down. She flew into his arms, wrapping her sweet little arms around his neck and gave him kisses.

"I missed you tons!" Hunter held her tight. He wondered where Eva was and if she'd even come in to say hi. She'd been decent recently, but she seemed to avoid him if she could. Well, they'd take it a day at a time to become friends, or at least civilized. They weren't fighting, so he'd take it. "Ready for some fun with Becca and Daddy? We even have a new friend to play with. Can you say hi to Becca's friend Rissi?"

"Hi!" Sienna's big smile melted his heart. Oh to be young again without a major care in the world. Sienna's innocence brightened everything. He missed those days. Not that he remembered much of them any more. He set his daughter down and she immediately ran to Becca. Becca's face lit up when she hugged Sienna.

"I love you!" his daughter shouted happily.

Over Sienna's head, Hunter met Becca's eyes. He noticed the sadness reflecting in them. She wanted to tell Sienna she loved her too, but couldn't. Remembering the conversation with Rissi's daughter Jade, Hunter moved closer to them. "Baby girl, Becca's voice hurts, but she loves you too. She just can't say it right now." Sienna hadn't had an easy time understanding why Becca couldn't talk to her any more. She may not even get it now, but he hoped this would help a little.

Sienna stared with wide, curious eyes at him before looking back at Becca. She touched her throat with her index finger. "Owie?" Her voice came out small and scared.

Becca nodded.

"Kiss. Owie better." Sienna leaned forward and gave Becca a big kiss, right on her throat.

Hunter had to admit, he was stunned at the reaction. So was everyone else. From behind him, Beverly sniffled. Becca's eyes glistened with tears. He was on the verge of some, too. His little girl never ceased to amaze him.

Footsteps from nearby caught his attention. Of course, Eva had to walk in on the moment Sienna showed major affection toward Becca. He didn't fail to miss the hurt flash on her face. Hunter prepared for an argument as she marched toward her daughter.

"You have fun with Daddy, okay?" Eva brushed Sienna's hair out of her face, kissed her cheek then spun on her heel and walked away.

No yelling and starting a scene, but he had a feeling he'd hear about it later. Hunter shook his head. Becca had quickly let go of Sienna and the frown she gave him was one of guilt. Not that she had anything to feel guilty about, but he got it. Becca didn't want to overstep and it probably felt worse with the whole thing with her grandparents. He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze.