Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth!-Chapter 133: Going Home 1

The lounge buzzed with laughter and conversation, but as the night wore on, the group began to wind down and the ladies' joined the men again.

As they all sat together, Emma leaned into Alex, her hand resting lightly on his thigh as she whispered something that made him chuckle softly.

Across the table, Ivy and Hunter shared a private moment, his hand on the small of her back, his mind now at ease knowing Claire hadn't recognised him or said anything to Ivy, while Claire and Chris exchanged teasing remarks that were quickly becoming more flirtatious.

"Well," Ivy said, standing and stretching, "this has been fun, but I think I'm ready to call it a night."

"Hunter's house is the next stop, right?" Emma teased, winking at her.

Ivy blushed, shooting her a mock glare. "Mind your business, Em," she said and everyone laughed.

R𝑒ad latest chapt𝒆rs at freewebnovёl.ƈom Only.

Everyone laughed, the ease of the evening lingering as they stood to leave. Chris slid his arm around Claire's waist, earning a raised eyebrow from her, though she didn't pull away.

"Careful, Jacobs," Claire warned, her tone light but her expression playful. "You're getting bold."

Chris grinned. "You bring it out of me, baby."

Emma smiled at the exchange, nudging Alex. "They really look good together," she said in a low whisper.

"Yeah, they do. I'm glad she's doing this with him," Alex said, flashing Chris a glance. "Take care of her, Chris and don't break her heart."

"I won't, man. Thank you for your approval," Chris said with a smile.

"Speaking of us," Chris said, his gaze locking on Claire, "why don't you come see my place? We're an item now and you need to know your man's house."

Claire hesitated, glancing at Emma, who gave her a supportive nod. "It's just a house. I don't need to go there tonight," Claire muttered, though her cheeks warmed.

"I know but it won't be bad if you come with me. I want you with me every second," Chris added smoothly.

Claire sighed, but the corner of her lips twitched. "Fine. I'll go but only because I can't stand Alex and Emma being so mushy."

"Excuses. But thank God. At least I know we have the house to ourselves," Alex said and they all laughed.

As the group filed out of the lounge, Alex and Emma hung back, walking arm in arm. Alex leaned down, his voice a low murmur. "We finally get some time alone."

Emma smiled, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. "Are you trying to say you didn't enjoy tonight?"

"I enjoyed every second," Alex replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But I enjoy being alone with you more."

Hunter and Ivy walked ahead, their laughter carrying on the cool night air. Hunter opened Ivy's car door for Ivy, shooting the others a quick wave.

"Night, guys!" he called before going to his own car.

"Drive safe!" Emma called back.

Chris's car was parked nearby, and he opened the door for Claire, who hesitated for a moment before sliding inside. "See you two lovebirds tomorrow. And Alex, remember to call the driver to come pick my car up," she said, glancing at Emma and Alex with a smirk.

"Enjoy, Claire," Emma teased, watching as Chris closed the door and jogged around to the driver's side.

As the cars drove off, Emma and Alex turned to each other, the streetlights casting a soft glow around them. "Ready to go home?" Alex asked, his voice warm.

Emma nodded, her fingers lacing with his. "Lead the way, baby."

The drive home was quiet, comfortable, the kind of silence that spoke of love and familiarity.

Away from there, as Ivy followed Hunter's car to his place, the quiet hum of the car's engine seemed to mirror the fluttering in her chest.

She glanced at her phone when it started ringing and she smiled when she saw it was a call from him.

"What is it, Mr Stone?" she asked and frowned when that rang a bell in her head.

"Nothing. Just wanting to make sure you're fine" he said, his voice low, stealing her attention back to the call.

Ivy smiled, a mix of shyness and excitement. "I'm fine. Just thinking."

"About?" Hunter asked, his brows cocking up in curiousity.

She hesitated. "About how I'm trusting you to not take me to some shady hideout," she joked.

Hunter chuckled, the sound rich and warm. "I'd never do that to you, Ivy. Besides, you'd fight me off easily."

She laughed, the sound easing the tension in her chest. "You're not wrong."

When they pulled up to his house—a sleek, modern property tucked away in a quiet neighborhood—Hunter parked and came around to open her door before she could get out. The gesture wasn't lost on Ivy.

Inside, the house was just as polished as he was. Minimalistic decor, muted tones, and subtle hints of luxury filled the space.

"Impressive," Ivy said, her voice light but her heart hammering.

Hunter smirked, leading her to the living room. "Glad you approve. Can I get you something to drink?"

"Wine sounds good," she replied, settling on the plush couch.

As he poured them both a glass, the atmosphere grew charged. The tension was palpable, the space between them crackling as he handed her the glass.

"To trusting each other," he said, raising his glass.

"To not being a shady guy," Ivy countered, clinking her glass against his.

They laughed, the sound fading into a silence that felt heavy with unspoken words. Hunter leaned closer, his gaze intense as it searched hers.

"Ivy," he began, his voice soft. "I've never met someone like you."

Her heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

"You're real. Genuine. And you make me feel like I can be the same."

Ivy swallowed hard, her walls trembling. "You already are, Hunter."

"No. That's why I have to tell you something," he said as his hand found hers, his thumb brushing against her skin.

"What is it? Can't it wait? I really want to feel your hands on my skin, your lips on mine and I want to feel you in me, Hunter," Ivy said, her eyes locking onto Hunter's as she slowly, leaned in.

Hunter, though wanted to resist her this time so he could come clean to her, found himself leaning in to her.

Before he knew it, his lips Mets hers, capturing her lips in a kiss that was gentle yet electrifying.

Time melted away as they lost themselves in the kiss, the world narrowing to just the two of them. Hunter pulled her closer, their breaths mingling as the intensity grew and before they knew it, they were on Hunter's bed, taking off their clothes.