Chapter 12
Hunter
T ink stands in front of me like a fantasy, looking every bit the beauty she was that night. My body wants to run to her, but my brain is holding me back. I straighten my spine at the soft click of my office door closing, signaling that the receptionist has left, leaving me alone with the one woman I could never forget. I become the hard-faced billionaire that I am, because she fucking left. No goodbye, no note, no nothing. And because I’m an absolute idiot, I never asked for her real name, so I couldn’t find her. But honestly, if she wanted me to find her, she would’ve left a fucking note.
“Good morning, Miss Wilde.” I make sure there’s not a note of recognition in my voice. If she wants to pretend the best night of my life and the biggest connection I’ve felt with a woman never happened, well, that’s what we’ll do.
She seems a little stunned. “Good morning Mr. Stone.” There is a slight nervous tone in her voice, but her calling me Mr. Stone makes my dick twitch. He obviously didn’t get the memo that we are mad at this woman.
We need answers.
“Take a seat, Miss Wilde.” I motion to the seat opposite mine and move around my desk to sit back down.
She seems frozen to the spot, and it’s not until I clear my throat that she moves. She takes her seat and I’m transfixed by the way her body moves, reminding me of that night. “Nice to see you again—” I look at her paperwork—“Jade. Good to finally know your name.”
“I—”
“So sorry, Mr. Stone.” Ann, our HR manager, barrels into my office. “There was an issue with Mark and Frank… Actually, you don’t need to know the details.” She sits down next to Jade, beaming across at her. “Hi, Jade. So excited to get you on board.”
“Thank you for considering me for the position. I’ve wanted to work at a company like Bright ever since I can remember.” Jade’s whole face lights up as she speaks, turning her body toward Ann.
I run my pointer finger across my bottom lip, looking straight at Jade, analyzing her. Her face only has a light sheen of makeup, her high cheekbones are dusted pink along with her plump lips, and my mind drifts to what she can do with them, but I squash those thoughts just as quick. Her back is straight as she focuses all her attention on Ann. Her chest flushes slightly as she wrings her hands in her lap. My fingers flex, wanting to hold her hands to calm her nerves, I can almost feel radiating off her.
“Well, I think we’re the lucky ones. How we haven’t picked you up before now, I’ll never know. Your resume is flawless and the references we received were outstanding. I think you’ll fit in very well. Now, of course, we’ve met during the interview process, but Mr. Stone wasn’t able to attend due to his commitments in New York. So, I’m going to leave you two to get to know each other and then…” Ann turns to address me directly and I quickly switch my focus to her. “Hunter, you said you’d take Jade on the tour of the office. As she’ll be working directly under you, it makes sense for you two to become acquainted.” My dick again, doesn’t get the message as thoughts of her on her knees for me run through my head. Glancing in her direction, I notice her cheeks are a little flushed, as she looks down at her hands. Does she regret our night? My nostrils flare as I stand buttoning my suit jacket. “I think that’s best, Ann.”
“Perfect, right. I’ll leave you to it. I've got this mess to sort out.” She sighs before handing some paperwork to Jade. “Here are the new starter forms that you need to sign. If you can look over them and bring them to my office before you leave this evening, please?” Jade nods as she takes them, placing them in her tote bag. Ann starts to leave and I open my office door and see her out. Looking up at me, she gives me a wink and takes off to her office down the hall.
My muscles coil as I turn to see Jade standing and gazing out of the large windows behind my desk at the impressive view of the London skyline. She looks every bit the business woman that her resume states that she is. I take her in while trying to calm the beast because I have to stay professional, but all I want to do is get the answers I’ve been wanting for the past six months.
Did she not feel what I did that night? Was it something I did to make her run?
But I’m conflicted as I also want to pull her into me and kiss her until we both can’t breathe.
I don’t think she’s realized that I’m assessing her; too engrossed in the view. “Miss Wilde?” I question.
“Oh.” She jolts at my voice. “Sorry, I was just.” Pointing her thumbs behind her. “Oh, God, now I’m acting like a complete idiot. Sorry. I’m just really nervous.” She’s babbling now, waving her hands around, and it’s softening me slightly, remembering how easily we spoke to each other that night.
Walking up to the glass, her scent wraps around me and my body relaxes as I place my hands in my pockets. This view is incredible it always makes me feel at home. “It’s pretty spectacular, isn’t it?”
“I could spend hours gazing at it.” She takes a step closer to me. Her being here in my space is messing with my head as I remember how small and right she felt in my arms. I really need to get a hold of this.
“We need to get going, Miss Wilde. We’ve a lot to get through today.” I rake my fingers through my hair, trying to rid myself of thoughts of her.
“Jade,” she states.
“Sorry?” “Please call me Jade, Mr. Stone.” Her shy smile knocks the air right out of me and I almost let my mask slip.
“Okay, Jade, we’ve a lot to do,” I say sharply, mentally slapping myself for almost crossing that line.
“Right.” She seems taken aback by my tone, but she quickly rights herself. “I’m keen to get started, Mr. Stone.”
“Hunter, call me Hunter.” I soften my voice slightly.
She nods. As she bends to grab her bag, I can’t help but check out her glorious ass. That dress fits her perfectly. I pull my eyes away, cursing myself for still being drawn to her. She is my employee. I can’t look at her like that. I need to work on my self-control. Closing my eyes, I release a breath. But she has only been in my space for ten minutes and my heart and head are conflicted. I must find a way to cope because I can’t cross that line with her. Not now. The success of this office means too much for me to throw away for someone who runs.
Making our way around the office, Jade is bubbly as she speaks to everyone. They all seem to love her, and honestly, I can’t blame them. I keep my distance, letting her take the lead. She’s a natural people person. I’m really struggling to stay angry with her, but I have to know why she ran from me that night. I honestly thought she felt the same way I did. There was something in her eyes and in the way she spoke to me on Halloween that made me do a whole one-eighty on myself. Until then, I was happy with my meaningless one night stands. My only passion was the family business, but she walked in and I was ready to give myself to her. It was as if I was looking at my other half. Finally, something just clicked into place, but then she vanished.
After the tour, I loop back to her office. I open the door for her and she walks towards the large oak desk, running her fingers along the polished wood, smiling to herself. Putting her bag down, she turns to me.
“Thank you for the tour, Hunter. I hope working together isn’t going to be too awkward,” she says before she spins, taking in her office. “I feel like I’m in a dream.” She whispers the last part so quietly, I’m not positive if she meant for me to hear.
With that comment, I give in to the urge that has been plaguing my thoughts since she walked into my office. I shut the door to give us some privacy before closing the distance between us. She gasps and I hold back the smile, trying to break free. I obviously still affect her. Good, because I wish she didn’t affect me, but the proximity is making my brain a little fuzzy.
A loose curl has come free from her ponytail and my fingers itch to tuck it behind her ears. Reaching out, I move her hair. My fingers trail along her jaw until my palm cups her cheek and she closes her eyes, making desire shoot up my spine. I know I shouldn’t be touching her like this. But my resolve is slipping with every moment I’m with her. Her skin is so soft, my chest tightens as she relaxes into my touch.
A rumble of laughter from outside makes me jump, and I realize how close we are.
What the fuck am I doing?
I pull my hand away quickly, which makes Jade stumble slightly. Her eyes spring open and her cheeks are stained with what looks like embarrassment.
I clench my fists at my side. “Sorry, that was totally unprofessional. You left on Halloween, obviously not wanting to see me again as you disappeared without a trace. I’m sure you had your reasons and maybe you could explain them to me at some point because honestly, I thought we shared something really special.” My voice rises as I cross my arms. Shock is written all over her face as she takes a slight step back like I’ve just hit her.
You sound like an asshole. Get a grip on yourself, Stone.
“There was a reason I left that night.” She’s looking at me with such sincerity, her eyes glistening like she’s holding back tears. I want to pull her into my arms. “I left a note on your dresser. I really did want to see you again. It hurt when you didn’t call.”
There was no note. I looked everywhere for a trace of her and came up empty.
“I’m sorry.” She steps into my space. “I don’t know what else to say. Except, I didn’t run.”
I take a step back, wanting to distance myself as I try and process everything. “We need to be professional. This office means a lot to me.” I’m not sure if I’m convincing her or myself.
“Of course.” She straightens her shoulders.
“We need to leave that night where it belongs in the past.”
She nods and clasps her hands in front of her body.
Every word tastes like acid on my tongue. And I’m at war with myself as I try to separate my head and my heart that feels like it's beating out of my chest at her revelation.
“I’ve sent you some emails with prospective portfolios I’m trying to win.” I regain my focus. “Can you get the proposals on my desk by three this afternoon?”
“Certainly.”
“Great. You’ve Ted next door as your PA. He’ll get you everything you need.” I head towards the door before I say or do something I regret.
But I feel it, that invisible pull that makes me want to risk it all. I can’t allow myself to become distracted. I have people depending on me to keep this office running smoothly. And if I’m wrapped up in Jade, I can’t do that.
“We’ll discuss everything at three.” Just as I reach the door, I turn just enough to look back at her. “I’ll see you then, Jade.” I let my lips curl into a small smile before I close the door behind me.
Miss Jade Wilde.
I need to get her out of my head .