Read Online Fractured by Amanda Meadows - Free Book Online

she got out of the car. Now that she thought about it, she remembered not wanting to put her sticky fingers from the croissant on the schedule.
    “Amber?”
    “Sorry, I spaced out a second. I hadn't noticed that the art stuff was missing. The course looked interesting. I thought it might fill the time when I'm not working. They have an early evening course where I could pick up the basics until I can save up enough money to take more.”
    “That's what I wanted to talk about,” Hunter said, suddenly sounding nervous. “I thought we could make a deal.”
    “What kind of deal?”
    If he offered to pay for the courses in return for getting back together, she planned to hang up the phone immediately. She already felt weird enough about accepting the living arrangements.
    “It's not what you think,” Hunter said quickly. “I . . . um . . . I would be willing to go to a . . . well . . . a shrink if you agree to accept a gift of some classes.”
    Okay, she definitely had not seen that coming. Amber felt her mouth drop open.
    “Are you serious? You're willing to see a psychologist?”
    “Yes,” Hunter said firmly. “If there is even a sliver of hope of getting you back, I'll spill my guts to anybody.”
    “Hunter, that's great! I know that this is such a huge step for you.”
    “So you'll accept the classes?” Hunter asked. He still sounded anxious.
    “I don't get how me taking classes is a good thing for you,” Amber said, puzzled. “I mean, I totally want you to see someone. But what's in it for you paying for my classes?”
    Hunter whispered something and Amber had to have him repeat himself.
    “I said that I feel guilty,” Hunter said. “I brought you here and now you probably feel stuck and . . .”
    “Hunter, stop,” Amber said. “You don't have to feel guilty. I don't know of any jilted boyfriend who would be this kind and caring. Really, paying for the classes isn't necessary.”
    “Please, Amber,” Hunter said and his voice had such longing and sadness that Amber relented.
    “Okay, Hunter. I don't get it. But if spending more money on me makes a difference, I'll allow you to pay for some courses.”
    “Thanks, Amber. You don't know how happy that makes me!”
    Amber had to admit that he did sound happier. Of course, this was more evidence that he really did need to see a shrink.
    Amber giggled. “Well, I'm happy that you're happy.”
    “I have to go now,” Hunter said. “I promised Mom and Dad that I wouldn't stalk you. Sweet dreams tonight.”
    “I'm really proud of this step you're taking, Hunter,” Amber said. “Take care of yourself, okay?”
    “I'll do whatever you want me to, Amber,” Hunter said, his voice husky. “Anything at all.”
    “Goodnight, Hunter,” Amber said, her eyes tearing up. “Sweet dreams.”
    She made herself hang up quickly. As Amber sat on the sofa, cradling the phone, she realized that she now felt even more confused than before. Quite frankly, Hunter's reaction to this whole breakup was throwing her for a loop. For the first time since she met him, he seemed unsure of himself. She sighed, knowing she was going to have another restless night of sleep.

Chapter Eleven
    Hunter
     
    When Hunter walked into the office building, he was immediately transported back in time. He remembered this particular building from his childhood. In fact, this was the very same building of several of the child psychologists his parents had tried making him see. The first therapists had been easy to ignore. They had given him small toys to play with and sat quietly across from him as he played. He had refused to answer even the simplest question.
    And then he had gone to see one last specialist. Hunter had been afraid of him from the very beginning. This man did not give him any toys. In fact, he asked to see Hunter all by himself. And then, to Hunter's great surprise, the man had said something quite perceptive.
    "I believe that you are quite a clever little boy having fun with