Hidden Roots: A High Heat Small Town Romance Suspense (Citrus Cove Book 3) by Clio Evans

Author:Clio Evans [Evans, Clio]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-03-18T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

hunter

Emma slumped against me with a moan. I wobbled as I picked her up, holding her like a princess.

“You guys are staying the night,” Cam said. “You can use the guest room.”

“I’d be… Actually, yeah.”

I could barely fucking see straight. Doing shots with Emma had been the worst idea in the world. She was a quarter of my size but could hold four times as much liquor.

It was midnight, and everyone had either cleared out or were staying over. Sarah, Colt, and Sammy had sandwiched into the other spare bedroom.

Which meant there was one left.

“Hunter,” Emma crooned. “Hunter. I think you’re really hot. But you’re also such an asshole.”

“I’ll sleep on the couch,” I grunted.

Cam raised a brow. “The couch?”

Fuck my life, man.

“Just kidding,” I said quickly. “Uh... Goodnight. I love you.”

“I love you,” Emma sighed, burying her face against my chest.

I went still, looking down at her. My heart was beating out of my damn chest.

She was a ridiculously cute drunk.

Cam let out a low chuckle and clapped me on the back. “Alright. I’m going to lock up and head to bed. I left a couple water bottles on the side table because I figure you’ll need it. I’m already looking forward to breakfast in the morning to cure these hangovers.”

I nodded and carried Emma to the extra bedroom, kicking the door shut behind us. She grinned and opened her eyes, looking up at me. “Why do you hate me?”

“Emma,” I said softly. “I’m gonna get you in bed.”

“Fucking finally.”

“Not… Not like that.” My god. She was killing me. I let out a low laugh as she looped her arms around my neck, hanging onto me as I put her on the bed. She fell back, pulling me with her. “Emma. Emma, Emma… God, your grip is fucking strong.”

She started to wrap her legs around my waist and I grunted, stopping her.

“Emma, no. I don’t want this with you,” I said sternly.

Her eyes widened and she went still, looking up at me. “Ever?”

I sighed, pressing my forehead to hers. “You’re drunk. You’re really drunk right now. It’s a miracle you didn’t tell everyone about everything.”

“I can keep secrets,” she whispered.

“I know. I want to get you cozy in bed so you can go to sleep. I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“You’re too old to sleep on the floor. Just sleep next to me.”

Goddammit. Why did there have to only be one bed? I thought again about going out to the couch, but…

“I promise I don’t bite,” she whispered. “Hard.”

I grabbed hold of her again and moved her up the bed. I grabbed her heels and fought to unclasp the straps. Usually, Cam and Haley’s house had a no-shoes policy, but they’d let it go for the party tonight. I wished they would have enforced it, because unclasping Emma’s heels was way harder than it should have been. She giggled as my fingertips brushed her ankles, satin skin that I wanted to pepper with kisses.

“Do you need help?”

“Nope,” I grunted.

“Nope,” she mimicked.

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