Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
E sme
“Why didn’t you want to go to Poppy’s Diner?” Bella asked. “They have the best cherry pie in the state of Virginia.”
I scanned the tables inside the quaint bistro completely on the other side of town. “I just thought a change would be nice.”
“Uh-huh,” my bestie replied as she took a sip of her lemonade. “I know when you’re lying. You seem to forget that.”
Sighing, I picked at my chicken salad as I thought about Hunter and the night before. I’d done that several times since he’d dropped me off. I’d been more embarrassed than during all the time we’d spent together, terrified someone would see us. “I’m not really lying, just…”
“Just what? Just terrified you’ll run into Hunter Fox?”
I shot her a hateful look but rolled my eyes when I noticed her evil grin. “We don’t like each other. I have no clue what you mean.”
“Give me and the rest of the town a break. You two might be like oil and water, but the sparks flying between you are va-voom.” She shook her hand sideways to exaggerate her point.
“I hate him.”
“You don’t hate him. Come on. Did something dark and dangerous happen last night? You did disappear. Come to think of it, so did Hunter. Poof. Nowhere to be found.”
I pushed my plate away, my stomach doing somersaults. When I dropped my head into my hands, groaning, my bestie laughed. “Gah. Was it that obvious?”
“That you guys were off to do the hanky-panky? Hell, yes.”
“How am I going to walk back into the resort now?”
“You’re going to do so with your head held high and a smirk on your face that makes every female employee wonder what you’re hiding. That’s so you.”
Bella was right. It was.
“I don’t know. I think I had too much champagne.”
“You had two glasses. I’ve seen you down five shots of tequila after consuming a bottle of wine in one evening.”
“That doesn’t mean I was standing straight or knew my name,” I countered. Damn. My voice had gotten a little too loud. That was one thing I didn’t like about small towns. Everybody knew everybody’s business because the gossip traveled like a wildfire.
“I have no doubt you remember every single. Sexy. Detail. Right?”
I wrinkled my nose and wished my iced tea was a Long Island iced tea. “Fine.”
“Fine?”
“Yes, I went home with him. Not my finest hour.”
“Does that mean he sucked?”
“Are you kidding me? That man is… whew, baby. Hot and hard and muscular and he has the most perfect sculpted abdomen. Big, strong arms and legs to die for. Don’t get me started about his lips or his big, fat cock.” I brushed my hand through my hair, hot and bothered all over once again. “Wait. Are you blushing?”
“Who, me? Nope. I’ve just never seen you this excited about a man and wicked sex before.”
After taking another glance around the tiny spot, I cringed. “See why I didn’t want to go to Poppy’s?”
Bella laughed. “Yep. It would be all over town by now.” She took a bite of her sandwich, chewing thoughtfully.
“What? Just say it.”
She took her time swallowing and wiping her mouth. “The relationship will be good for the two of you, but Hunter is a bit… out there.”
“We aren’t in a relationship, and what do you mean by out there?” Now she had me curious. With dating Hunter’s brother, she should have the skinny on the good and bad of every Fox brother.
“Don’t tell Jagger this, but I think the war and whatever mercenary work Hunter did afterwards has taken more of a toll on him than his brothers.”
“Meaning?”
“All you need to do is to look in his eyes. He’s fractured inside and out.” She wrinkled her nose as she always did when she felt as if she’d stuck her foot into her mouth. “Of course, who am I to judge? Jagger was a mess when I met him.”
“He still is. And can we change the subject from men?”
She wagged her finger at me. “Avoidance. You’re terribly good at that. Why can’t you just admit you like fucking him?”
The fact our waiter was suddenly right by our table caused both of us to open our eyes wide before bursting into laughter.
The young guy scratched his head. “Um. Is everything okay?”
“Perfect. Love the food.” Now get the hell out of here. I didn’t say that, just thinking the nasty words. And I didn’t feel bad about them.
I leaned forward as soon as he left. “I did enjoy the night, but I told him it would never happen again. And don’t you dare tell me ‘never say never’ or I’ll slap you.”
“Would you like me to run him over with my vehicle?”
“Very funny. Hunter is a good guy. Just a little tarnished around the edges.”
“Sounds like a match made in heaven.”
“Not a chance. So, how’s the clinic, Miss Danger Falls star doctor?”
Bella grinned. “I love it. Every day is a new challenge.”
“Like a new strain of sniffles and figuring out how to get toys out of kid’s noses?” I wasn’t shocked she adored the country life, but I was beginning to wonder if I’d made a huge mistake in coming to such a small town. Maybe seeing all the happy faces, people waving to each other as they passed, and enjoying quiet time outdoors with their families was what bothered me more than anything. I didn’t have any of that. Bella was the closest thing to family I had, not that…
Nope. I wasn’t going to ruin a beautiful day out with my bestie. The ugly memories could wait.
Until hell froze over.
“It’s perfect for me. And I do have my challenges.” Bella pressed her hand against her chest, batting her long, pretty eyelashes.
Yeah, like the fact she’d learned her birth father’s identity. The guy was rich as sin and had offered her a trust fund at her advanced age.
“Lucky you. Not that the kitchen doesn’t have challenges, but I don’t know if I’m making the best decisions for myself.”
“Don’t you dare tell me you’re not happy,” Bella chastised. She suddenly narrowed her eyes before grimacing. “Uh-oh.”
“What?” I slowly turned my head and my jaw instantly clenched. Seeing Hunter brought a series of sensations similar to the way I’d felt the night before. “He’s following me.”
“I doubt that,” Bella said. “This is a small town.”
“I know better. I don’t believe in coincidences.”
When I started to get up, Bella grabbed my arm.
“What are you doing?” she demanded.
“What does it look like? I need to know why he’s here.”
She huffed and refused to let go. “Don’t make a scene. You had a great night together. Yes?”
“Yes, so what?”
“Why tarnish the joy and beauty of wild carnal sex?” At least she was hissing through her teeth.
But she had a point. Just as I started to sit down, Hunter noticed me. There was a way two people locked eyes that was pleasant, as if they were thrilled to see a long-lost lover or friend. This wasn’t that. It was somewhere between ‘what the hell are you doing here’ and ‘you’re the last person I wanted to see.’
A pang of hurt and guilt hit me. I hadn’t expected to be fawned over or even for him to ask for my number, but his glare was painful. I sat down and purposely looked away. “Tell me when he’s gone.”
“You’re being ridiculous.”
“Does he look like he’s happy to see me?”
“No, but I’m fairly certain it’s because of that sour face you gave him. That would push any red-blooded male away.”
Groaning had become more constant since I’d moved here. “What am I going to do about him?”
“Let me offer you a suggestion. Treat him with respect. He is your boss.”
“Oh, yeah. That.” I finally grinned and stole another look. I’ll be damned if he hadn’t already walked out. “Damn it.”
“Missing him already?”
Maybe my best friend did know me better than I knew myself. “Maybe a little bit.”
“I knew it. You two will be a great… team. As long as you let go.”
When I turned my head in her direction, there was a silent communication we’d always shared. I’d known from a distance when her abusive ex had yelled at or terrified her. She’d known when I was stressed out at work or because of the nightmares that refused to fade into the darkness.
She’d also realized moving here was a huge hurdle for me, a break from the past that had been desperately needed. I’d felt strong in doing so, in control of my life. But I could barely stand that I’d lost my convictions the night before and was second guessing everything.
Again.
Bella placed her hand on mine. “Don’t do that. Just breathe and remember you have friends surrounding you. Hunter is a good man, but this isn’t about you getting married. Just give yourself time. Okay?”
“You mean like you’re getting married?”
“Oh, stop it. I’m telling you that Jagger is never going to ask.”
“Bullshit,” I said, coughing into my hand. Time had had no real meaning during points in my life. As usual, my bestie was right. “I know what you mean, but I suck at making time for myself. Maybe a couple days to relax isn’t a bad idea.”
“No, it’s normal. As if you’re anything like a normal person,” Bella said, grinning. “Ask that big, bad boss of yours for a couple days. You need to relax and enjoy your new house, your new town. You haven’t taken a breath since you got here.”
“Well, I did last night. Kind of.” She wasn’t certain what to make of my comment until I grinned wickedly.
“Such a bad girl. I knew when I still saw your vehicle at the resort you were off with him. You old dog, you. I am curious. Were you wearing the same dress this morning when he dropped you off?”
“How did you know it was this morning?”
“I know things. Okay? Jagger went in early this morning.”
“Ugh,” I hissed. “I’ll never hear the end of this.”
“You mean Hunter won’t and you didn’t answer the question.”
My thoughts drifted to the sweatshirt I’d worn. It had his scent, musky with a hint of timber. I’d held it to my mouth and nose as soon as I’d gotten home. I wanted to accidentally forget to bring it back to him. What would I call that since I’d professed my continued dislike of the man? Infatuation? “I borrowed a few of his things.”
Her face lit up like a Christmas tree. “So how hot was it?”
“Let’s just say hot enough to almost burn down his house.” At least it had felt that way. Until I’d woken up alone in a bed I hadn’t recognized. “He owns a horse.” My statement was said almost in passing, but it had been a wonderful surprise.
“Oh? I didn’t know that.”
“I don’t think he wants people to know he has a softer side. I wonder why.” I took a forkful of my salad, my appetite starting to return.
“I’m going to offer you one small piece of advice. If you do decide to see him again, don’t ask him about his past. Take it from a girl who made the mistake of pushing a man who’d been through hell and back, it’s not pleasant for either one of you. Allow him to open up if he can. If he doesn’t, just know it’s very hard for some men and women who served in combat not to relive their experiences.”
I thought about the fitful night of sleep he’d had, the tossing and turning worse than the mumbling he’d done. “Note taken.”
“I’m telling you that because I know you. You pick at everything when you can’t get answers.”
“Maybe you do know me too well.”
“I know you well enough to know you like him,” Bella said and when I growled, then barked, she threw up her hands. “Eat up, Shriner. We have thrift shopping to do.”
“Maybe I need to ask for a raise so I can purchase some things in a real grownup store.” I tossed my napkin, pushing away from the table.
“You do that. Make certain I’m in the resort when you do. I’m eager to see additional sparks fly.”
“Bitch,” I teased. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll pick up the check. My treat.”
“Fine, but as soon as I do have plates, you’re coming out for dinner. Without your sexy man.”
“Deal.” She winked and motioned for the waiter.
I was still laughing as I headed for the restroom. Once inside the tiny space, I stared at my reflection. If I didn’t know better, I’d say I was glowing. Was that possible? I made a face before heading into the stall.
My head had been filled with both thoughts and images of Hunter. Being with him had been the first time I’d really let my guard down in over two years. Two long, difficult years. The gruff mountain man had allowed me to feel something again. For that I was grateful.
A couple of days off sounded fantastic. I was owed that. Right? I’d barge into his office and ask him. After flushing the toilet and washing my hands, I felt better, more like my old self.
I winked at the same girl who’d managed to plant a smile on her face before walking out. Just as I hit the end of the short corridor, I noticed someone standing outside the glass window of the bistro. While it was impossible to figure out whether the person was a man or woman given how bundled up they were, the stranger was staring inside. Not like a person checking to see if someone he or she was coming to share lunch with was inside, but more like a person watching the movements of someone.
Stalking them.
Silently threatening them.
A strange feeling of self-awareness crawled all over me, electric and not in a good way. Not in the way my body had been made to feel alive the night before. I moved more slowly into the dining room, studying what I could see of the person. More than half his or her face was hidden by the huge logo hanging in the window and a thick scarf.
As I got closer, my throat started to close. When the stranger turned, I could swear the single eye I saw over the scarf was staring at me. The person was searching for someone alright. He or she was searching for me.
I fisted my hand, the sudden dryness in my eyes forcing me to blink several times. When I looked again, the stranger was gone.
Without thinking, I rushed from the bistro, frantically scanning the street and up and down both sides of the sidewalk. He was gone. He was fucking gone. How?
“Is everything okay?” Bella asked.
“What?” I was still staring, my peripheral vision seeing nothing but a blur. “I’m sorry, what?”
Bella touched my arm. “Girl. Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Swallowing was impossible, the feeling of suffocation overwhelming. I pressed my fist into my mouth, taking slow and steady breaths.
“I’m fine. I just thought I saw somebody I knew, but of course that’s impossible since I just moved here and have remained a hermit. Just like you told me.” I tried my best to blow it off when my stomach was churning.
At least to my bestie’s credit, she didn’t hound me for an answer. At least not yet.
“Then let’s get going. Here’s your purse. We’re going shopping,” Bella laughed and linked her arm through mine, but I could sense her concern.
I had it too.
On a scale of one to ten, it was a solid eleven that I’d seen the person responsible for my nightmares.
If I was right, he was here to make good on his threat.
My death.