8. Hunter
8
HUNTER
“Jess, this house is so cute!” She showed me her room, which has colorful free spirit vibes. The room I’ll be staying in has white walls. It’s like a blank canvas waiting for me to make it my own. We both have en suite bathrooms. Now I’m looking through the sliding glass doors on the back wall in the living room which flows into a cute bohemian style kitchen. I can see the crystal blue water of the pool reflecting the shimmer of the afternoon sun. It calls my name after being in the heat all day, but I have a lot of unpacking to do.
Switching my gaze from the pool to the large bay windows, I take in Jess’ tiny plant haven lining the window sills. “I see you’re a plant lover,” I say, dipping my head toward the plants as I kneel to rub Nickelback’s belly.
Jess’ dog has taken to me since I arrived, sniffing me and my luggage as he tried to figure out who the stranger was in his home. He’s been calm the entire time, giving my fingers licks as I roam from room to room, taking in the space. Having a cuddle buddy to come home to after work will be a nice change.
Jess reaches out and gently runs her fingers across a fiddle fig, allowing her thumb to caress a leaf before looking at me with a smile. “I love plants. They bring me peace. Did you know they talk to each other?”
“I didn't,” I say, walking over to join her at the window.
Nodding, Jess rotates one of the plants, giving the other side some time in the sun. “Yeah, they secrete chemicals into the soil that let other living things in its root zone know how it's doing.” Peeking up at me, the corners of her lips quirk up, revealing dimples in both cheeks. “Plants are amazing things.”
“Sounds like I have a lot to learn,” I reply, reaching out and touching the pointy, long leaf of one before turning and taking in the entire area. “It's a nice place, Jess. I appreciate you letting me room with you.”
Pressing her palms together in front of her, she squeals, “I’m glad you like it. I fell in love with this house the moment I saw it. I was happy when I got approved. I’ve been meaning to get a roommate to help with the costs, but I just didn’t know who to ask. The pool,” she says, looking out the window at the clear sparkling surface, “was definitely a major reason why I bought it. After a long day on the lanes in this Florida heat, it’s nice to get in and relax in the cool water.”
“I bet.” My eyes take in my new home. When I look back at Jess, she has a smirk plastered across her face. “What?”
“Oh, nothing.” She rocks back and forth on her feet. “You and Myles just seem to have a lot of chemistry, is all.”
I glower at her. “We do not have chemistry. If anything, it’s revulsion.”
Jess laughs. “From what I saw, you both feel a lot of things for each other and that isn’t it.”
“He’s awful, Jess.”
She thinks about that as she walks to the fridge, grabbing two waters and tossing one to me. “I know Myles is difficult at times.” She laughs when I roll my eyes at her understatement. “But,”—she puts a hand up to stop me from talking—“I’ve worked with him for years. He isn’t a bad guy. ”
Opening the water, I drink half of it while I decide what to say. “I don’t know. I think he showed me his true colors, and it’s going to be hard for me to forget that.”
She nods. “Did you ever think that maybe your first day was a bad day for him?”
“I mean, JT told me Myles thought the job should have been his. But that’s not my fault.”
“No, it’s not. But maybe he really was blindsided. I just want you to know Myles has always been one of the good ones at work. Seeing how he acts around you though, I’ve never seen him like that.”
Nodding a few times, I remain quiet. I trust Jess’ opinion, and I’m happy she’s willing to help me talk through the whole Myles issue. I’m just unable to sweep his attitude under the rug.
I look out the back door and turn back to her, grinning. “So when can we swim?”
“I think we better get you set up first. But my favorite time to swim is when we can float under the stars.” She goes to the hall closet and pulls out a bag. “I have this air mattress and plenty of sheets you can use until you get a bed. Feel free to make yourself at home, and decorate your room any way you like.”
I let out a relieved breath. “That sounds perfect! Thank you. I’ll order everything online tonight. I'm hoping things will come in the next few days.”
After Jess helps me get everything set up, we’re worn out from the day and turn in for the night. As I lay down to sleep, deep blue eyes invade my thoughts long after I close mine. I came here to work. Why does this guy keep clawing his way back into my head?
My phone rings on the ground next to me, and I smile when I see my dad’s name flash on the screen.
Sitting up on the air mattress, I answer. “Hey, Dad. I was just headed to bed.” Tapping my palm against my forehead, I scrunch my face. I meant to call him sooner, but I got caught up unpacking and talking with Jess. It totally slipped my mind.
“Hey, baby girl.” His deep voice is familiar and soothing. It makes me think back to when he would read me bedtime stories that put me right to sleep. “I wanted to make sure your first day went okay.”
“Yes, it was a great day.” I smile. I love how he’s always made sure I feel supported by him in anything I do. “I already got hired at another auction and have a few leads on some others.”
“That’s my girl! Well, I know it’s late, and I don’t want to keep you up,” he pauses before he exhales, making my heart sink. “Your mom wants to know if you’ll come home for a wedding in two weeks. It’s most likely one of her clubhouse friend’s kids getting married. I’m not sure.” I hear him let out a small groan.
I sigh. That was probably why she was calling earlier. “Tell her, no. I’m not going to travel back and forth a lot. I’m trying to make this my home now.” If my mom had it her way, she would have me move home. She wants me at the wedding so I can meet a single guy and marry someone hand-picked by her. She would prefer I suck it up and marry my ex, Steve, and follow her steps into the country club world. No, thank you . “Dad, I’m tired. I’ll talk to you another day. Love you.”
He grunts. I’m sure it’s because he hates being put in the middle. “Love you too, Sweetie. Goodnight.”
My alarm blares, startling me awake Wednesday morning. I grumble while I reluctantly pull myself out of bed and take a quick shower, hoping it will wake me up enough to function. I slide on some jeans and a simple white tee. Then, I squirt gel into my palm, generously apply it throughout my long curls, and blow dry it so the water isn’t dripping down my back. I wear simple makeup to accentuate my eyes, but I don’t bother with foundation. I walk out of my room and find Jess eating cereal at the kitchen island.
Smiling, she holds up the box and shakes it. “Good morning! Want some? I know you haven’t had time to get groceries, so please make yourself at home,” she says, taking another bite.
“You’re awfully perky at 6:15 in the morning,” I grunt as I continue to walk toward the front door. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m going to go get some coffee on the way to work. I’ll see you there.”
“Mornings are just beautiful! We get to start a new day, and I enjoy waking up refreshed.” Her eyes scan my face as she points her spoon my way. “I see you’re not in the same mind frame, though. Get your coffee before someone dies from that death glare,” she says with a smirk.
I roll my eyes. “It’s too early for this.”
“Bye!” she sings out, and her annoyingly chipper voice follows me out the door.
I head toward Orlando, but I stop at Starbucks and get a mocha frappuccino. There’s a little chocolate in it, and I absolutely love it. I think chocolate should be another food group. There's something about it that makes me happy, even when I have to wake up at such an ungodly hour. I pull up to work and park next to a sleek, classic black Ford truck. Of course, Myles freaking Johnson sits behind the wheel. He would have one of those nice old trucks—the kind that makes you weak in the knees. I’ve always loved it when people make a vintage car look brand new. It’s exactly what I did with my Bronco. I take another glance at Myles. His hat is on backward, and his eyes bore into mine. Something stormy crosses his expression, and I scoff, turning away from him. He doesn’t deserve a truck like that. We both get out at the same time .
“Stalking me now?” he calls from the other side of his car, side-eyeing me beneath a raised brow.
“It’s too early for this.” I put my hand up to get him to stop talking. “So how about you shut your mouth until you have to actually be professional and pretend not to loathe me. Okay?” I raise an eyebrow at him before reaching back inside my Bronco to grab my drink and purse. When I straighten, he’s still standing there. I was hoping he would stomp away while I got my stuff, but no. There he is fixing me with those hypnotic eyes. “Can I help you?”
“Just waiting to see how long it takes you to climb down from the lofty podium you’ve set yourself up on.” He growls out at me.
“Are you kidding me? You are the one who started this. I innocently pull into a parking space, and you act as if I knew what you drove and wanted to play games with you.” I walk and stand right in front of him. “How about you just go off with your little buddies and leave me alone?” I begin to walk away, but turn and poke a finger right into his chest. “Also, contrary to typical auctioneer behavior, I don’t think I’m better than anyone. I’ve had to work my ass off in this male-dominated industry. So don’t think I take this for granted. I know it can all be gone in the blink of an eye. I would like some peace this morning and drink my coffee before my ears are ringing with auction noise.” I storm past him, but peer over my shoulder to find him walking right behind me. As I reach for the door to the front office, Myles' long arm snakes around me, grabbing the handle first. His body is so close to mine, I can feel his breath against my skin, and his lips ghost over my ear, causing me to hesitate with anticipation of his next move.
“Have a good day, sweetheart ,” he says, smoothly and pulls the door open, nearly bumping into me and bringing me back to reality. I quickly walk inside and head straight toward the restroom. I need to get a grip. That man, that very tall, strong, handsome brick wall of a man I’d love to scale—Ah! Stop it! I have to be around him without melting under his gaze. He’s mean, grumpy, and hates me. But then he towers over me surrounding me, with his woodsy scent, and he makes me feel all lightheaded. An electric thrill goes right through me. Gripping the counter in front of the sink, I lean over and try to shake the erratic feelings rushing through me. Wetting some paper towels, I wipe my neck with cold water, hoping it will help me calm down.
Once I’m feeling under control, I wad up the wet paper and throw it in the garbage, heading toward the door when Jess comes striding through it.
“Oh, hey! Get your coffee?” She smiles.
“Yes, and ran into Mr. Grouch outside. Perfect way to start my day.” I grumble as she stands in front of the mirror, checking her reflection.
“Oh really? Well, by the looks of it, you felt something, and it sure wasn’t irritation.” Jess smirks at me while trying hard to hold in her laughter.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I put my hands on my hips. “I know you think he’s swoon-worthy, but he’s not nice, Jess. He’s been a complete jerk.”
“Come on, Hunter. I saw you watch him on the auction block. Also, did you forget I’m your block clerk, and I watched you yesterday as you majorly checked out his ass?” She chuckles. “By the way, I completely do not blame you at all. It’s a nice ass.” Now Jess is howling. After she washes her hands, we walk out of the bathroom.
“Okay, I admit it. Myles has a nice ass—” I say, but before I can complete my sentence, I’m interrupted by a masculine voice, causing our feet to freeze completely in their tracks.
“Oh, well thank you”—I can feel his eyes on me—“yours isn’t so bad either.”
Oh please, god no! This cannot be happening right now .
Jess and I slowly turn around to find Myles now leaning against the wall next to the bathroom doors.
“Were you waiting for me?” I ask while I glare at him and hope he will let me avoid all this and completely change the subject.
“Well, I wanted to give you a peace offering.” He holds up a cup in his hand. “You seemed angry after I opened the door for you. So I brought you a real cup of coffee since your cup seems to be a chocolate sugar rush disguised as coffee.” He smirks, holding a paper cup out to me.
I glare at him and ignore his offer. “No thanks. I love my coffee. I don’t need anything from you ,” I growl back at him.
“Oh, no?” he chuckles.
Jess is soaking up our entire exchange and can’t seem to get enough, judging by the glee in her eyes.
“No,” I grit out between clenched teeth.
“Well, from the way you seem to enjoy my ass, it sounds like you might need more than just coffee. But, I, uh, cut you off,” he says, rubbing the day-old scruff on his chin. “Did you want to add something else? Possibly about my arms? Chest? Abs?” he says smoothly.
Oh, for the love of all things holy. The last thing I need is for him to point out his body parts.
I sneak a peek at Jess, and her eyes are as large as golf balls now. I turn back to Myles and level him with a look. “I was going to say your ass may be nice, but your ego is so big you have a hard time fitting your head through the door. Also, you need a new hat. That one is old and grimy.” I say, scrunching up my nose.
“Hm,” he says as he takes off the dingy hat, examining it closely. “Well, there is no way I’m getting rid of this hat, but if you keep looking at my butt, you won’t even notice it,” he says with a small laugh. Then he pats me on top of the head with his nasty hat and walks past us toward the lanes. “I’ll even walk away first, so you can have a better view, Hershey,” he adds over his shoulder.
GAH! That man infuriates me to no end! I look over and see Jess smiling. “What?” I snap while rolling my eyes.
“We could have cut the tension in here with a knife. That was amazing!” Jess says, all perky. “And he gave you a nickname that fits you perfectly. You do love your chocolate.”
“Come on, we need to get out there. Our meetings are about to start.” I pull her toward the auction lanes outside.
“Okay, but you have to admit it, that banter with Myles was fun!” She loops her arm with mine.
“I will admit that he’s annoying, and I’m here to work. He’s also the one who’s trying to take my job. I can’t let myself get distracted.” Yes, stay focused. I will concentrate and not think about him , or the fact that I want to grab him around the neck and kiss him while snaking my fingers through his hair. No, I will most definitely not think about that. Not at all, because I will stay focused. Laser focused.
Jess gives me a knowing look.
“What? I’m just here to work. It’s almost Thursday, and I have to figure out how to get hired at the two auctions running tomorrow.” I nod my head, trying to think about how I will make it happen. Forcing my thoughts in that direction, I hope it helps distract me from that unpleasant encounter. Manheim has two sales each Thursday, the morning one is in Tampa, and the other is in the evening in St. Petersburg.
“Right. It’s good you’re not going to let anything distract you,” Jess says.
We walk out into the lanes and see the auctioneers gathered around to start the meeting on lane one. The block clerks are down on lane ten.
Jess leans over and whispers, “Remember, you don’t want any distractions. Especially not from the man who is simultaneously undressing you with his eyes while planning your demise.”
I look over and catch Myles staring right at me. His eyes are darker, the knuckles on his balled up fists white, and his jaw flexes. It looks as if he’s struggling to keep his composure. Oh, Lord, help me. It’s going to be a long sale.