by Amy DeLuca
Looping her arm through Hunter’s, Cinda ignored the visual daggers Kristal was throwing at her and started guiding him toward the front door.
AJ ran ahead of them, literally hopping with excitement when he reached the doorway and turned back to make sure his new best friend was coming.
The last thing Kristal wanted after that disconcerting on-camera kiss was to spend several hours sitting and chatting with Hunter a few feet away. She’d been so flustered by the powerful sensations it had awakened she’d literally had to run from the house. But what was she going to do? Tell AJ no?
Cinda would be getting an earful the minute the two of them spoke privately. Kristal had just gotten off the phone with her, telling her how horribly awkward the forced kiss had been.
Her friend could have had no doubt Kristal would not want Hunter there for lunch.
Keeping quiet, she followed the merry assembly into the tiny house, shutting the door behind her and soaking in the warmth and delicious smells of Cinda’s small, functional kitchen.
The single mother ran a home-cleaning business, the Fairy Godmother Cleaning Agency, and worked long hours but somehow managed to keep her own home spotless and welcoming, with AJ’s framed drawings and preschool art projects proudly displayed. And there was always something good to eat whenever Kristal visited.
It was such a contrast to the massive and sterilely beautiful home where Kristal had grown up.
Once upon a time, her mother had cooked—Kristal had some faint memories of baking cookies together.
But Margot literally forbade anyone to use the kitchen for its intended purpose because she didn’t like the smell and she wanted the kitchen to stay “sanitary” and sparkling for guests.
It had been more of a showroom for expensive chef’s grade appliances than a place for food preparation.
Oh well, no doubt the new owners would appreciate the low mileage on them.
Needless to say, Kristal had never learned to cook, though she certainly would have to pick up some skills very soon. Maybe Cinda could give her a few lessons.
The two women followed AJ and Hunter back to the boy’s bedroom. It had blue-painted walls with murals of animated airplanes from a popular kids’ show.
A set of shelves and cubbies housed his toy collection. He eagerly led Hunter to it, and Hunter sank to the floor, sitting cross-legged and listening intently to AJ’s enthusiastic description of each item.
As he responded in a warm tone Kristal had never heard him use before, she felt an odd, squeezing sensation in her chest.
Cinda leaned over and spoke close to her ear. “He’s a sweetie—gonna make a great daddy someday.”
Louder, she said, “Okay guys—lunch is in ten minutes. Be sure to wash your hands before you come to the table.”
“Come on.” She pulled Kristal with her into the hallway and started toward the kitchen.
Kristal frowned as she followed, considering Cinda’s observation. “I don’t think you’re right. Hunter is too obsessed with work.”
“Of course he is—right now. He’s single. What else is he going to focus on? My father says he was the same way until he met my mom. Men need a reason to relax and start appreciating the simple pleasures of life.”
“Not all men. Not my dad. Having me didn’t change his ambitious nature at all. He still worked himself into an early grave.”
“I knew your dad,” Cinda said. “Hunter is not your dad. Nothing like him. I think Hunter could be very easily persuaded to stop and smell the flowers.” She winked. “And the homemade chili.”
“Maybe you should date him,” Kristal muttered, shocking herself with the bitter tone of her words. The notion of her best friend marrying Hunter turned her insides into a toxic waste disposal site.
Cinda laughed out loud. “Nope—for one thing, I don’t date. For another… that one’s off the market—tagged and bagged.”
That got Kristal’s full attention. “Why do you say that?”
“Oh honey…” Cinda placed a motherly hand over hers on the counter. “…the way he looks at you. He’s a smitten kitten.”
Kristal was about to argue, but Hunter and AJ appeared from the hallway.
Hunter had the child riding on his shoulders, and AJ was making airplane noises with both arms held out to the sides like wings.
“Look Mommy! I’m flying. I’m a pilot.”
Cinda grinned up at him. “Yes, you are. And I hope you’re a pilot with shiny clean hands. Let me see.”
AJ held his palms out for his mother to inspect. When she pronounced them clean, Hunter swung the child off his shoulders and deposited him in his booster seat at the table.
“You need a whole house full of those,” Cinda told Hunter, nodding toward AJ.
The big smile he’d been wearing vanished. He looked almost frightened.
“I don’t know about that. I didn’t have too good of an example. I’d probably make a big mess of the whole dad thing.”
He kept his eyes down, making a project of placing his napkin onto his lap just right.
“Nonsense. You’re a natural. As long as you love them—and their mom…” Here Cinda shot a quick glance at Kristal, who gave her a horrified, wide-eyed glare in return. “…you’ll be great. You’ll see. Having a family is the best. I’d have ten more if I could.”
“Speaking of… anyone special in your life these days? Other than the Rocketman here.” Hunter grinned at AJ.
“Goodness no,” Cinda said. “Who has the time? My work hours are insane. The only man I have time for is the one currently decorating his shirt with chili.”
She leaned over and dabbed the front of AJ’s clothes with her napkin then kissed the boy’s cheek and threw her hands up in a what-are-you-gonna-do gesture, laughing.
“We keep the makers of OxyClean in business around here.”
“How’s your business going?” Kristal asked.
“Not bad. It’s growing. I got another mansion added to the weekly schedule. We could use more though. Hunter, if you hear of anyone who needs housekeeping, keep us in mind. The Bellevue Avenue types like referrals.”
“I’ll absolutely do that. In fact, our place might provide you a few new customers in and of itself. My condo’s pretty decent because I’m used to cleaning house. I never go into the other guy’s units, so I don’t know what kind of shape they’re in, but I can find out if there’s any interest.”
“Josh and Tuck definitely need your help.” Kristal laughed.
Hunter blinked in surprise. “You’ve been in their place?”
“Of course. They’ve got a pool table. We play sometimes.”
“When was this?” He sounded perturbed.
Kristal shrugged. “A few times when you were out.”
If she didn’t know any better, she’d swear Hunter was jealous.
Which was ridiculous. She had zero interest in Tuck or Josh or any of the other guys in the house. And did he really care?
After what he’d said about not wanting to mess up his company and the relationships with his friends, he had a lot of nerve acting jealous. The man was truly a mystery.
As hard to read as he was with her, Hunter couldn’t have been any more open and charming and sweet with AJ. The two of them chatted throughout the meal.
Afterward when AJ invited him to do a puzzle, Hunter sprawled on the living room floor with him, searching for pieces, seeming captivated by the boy’s every comment.
Captivated. That was a good word for her, Kristal thought as she watched the two of them together.
As hard as she’d been fighting it, she had to admit it, at least to herself. She was totally infatuated with Hunter. And Cinda was right—he would make an amazing father someday.
Unfortunately, Kristal wouldn’t be there to see it. Some other woman would have his children, share his life, grow old with him.
For the first time since getting the news about her brand new job, Kristal had second thoughts about leaving.
&nbs
p; Twenty-Three
Fifth Wheel
Of course she had to go.
If the past two weeks had shown Kristal anything, it was that she needed to get away, have a fresh start, and stand on her own two feet.
She needed to love herself enough to break her old patterns, to find out what she was capable of achieving all on her own.
And that was why accepting the position in Atlanta had been the right thing to do. She was too susceptible to Hunter.
If she stayed in Newport, she’d constantly be tempted to go against all her newly learned life lessons and just be with him, no matter the cost.
That was ultimately what was behind Kristal’s decision to go with Hunter to Jack and Bonnie’s house. She didn’t have much time left with him, and every moment in his presence was becoming more precious to her.
It had also been the reason she said “yes” to Hap earlier about doing the on-screen kiss.
All she would ever have of Hunter was memories, and Heaven help her, she wanted just a few more of them before she packed her things and moved to Georgia.
As they were leaving, Hunter invited Cinda and her son to come along.
“Oh, I couldn’t impose,” Cinda said.
“I promise you wouldn’t be imposing. Their chef, Monsieur Laplume, would be thrilled out of his brilliant French mind. He loves nothing better than to cook for a crowd. And it’s a family thing—Bonnie’s sister will be there. You two are Kristal’s family, so it’s perfect.”
Cinda stood on tiptoe, kissing his cheek. “You’re just as sweet as ever. But AJ needs his nap, and I’ve got to go over this week’s schedules for the business. We’d love to do it another time though. You two go on and have fun.”
They all said their goodbyes, and Kristal and Hunter departed for Jack’s house on Bellevue, not far from the billionaire bachelor house. As they pulled into the drive, Kristal’s stomach churned with nerves.
“Are you sure it’s okay I’m coming along?”
“Of course. They’ll be thrilled,” Hunter assured. “The more the merrier. My recluse brother has blossomed into the consummate social host since getting married.”
“Okay, I just don’t want to be a fifth wheel or something.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s a casual thing. I think Jack mentioned some neighbors might drop in as well.”
No neighbors dropped in. In fact, when they arrived and Kristal met Bonnie’s sister Rachel, it was apparent the dinner party had been intended as a setup for her and Hunter.
Bonnie was more than gracious about it though.
“We’re so happy you could come tonight,” she said when she and Kristal were alone in the kitchen after the meal. “The way Hunter’s been talking, I didn’t think there was any chance for you two. He’s been pretty down about it, actually. But he’s a different man tonight. He’s on cloud nine.”
“Really?” Kristal asked, surprised.
“Absolutely. Since I met him, he’s always been so serious, all about work, driving himself into the ground. But with you around, he relaxes. He’s smiled and laughed more tonight than he has in all the time I’ve known him. You make a great couple.”
“Oh, we’re not a couple,” Kristal corrected her misunderstanding.
“No?” Bonnie looked confused. “It’s just… well, Jack said Hunter’s been into you since middle school. And when you came with him tonight…”
Kristal hadn’t even told Hunter yet about her new job, but she blurted the news out to Bonnie.
“I’m moving to Atlanta. I got a job there. It’s in my field, so I’ll finally be putting my degree to use. I found a really nice condo to rent too, and I can actually afford it.”
For the life of her, she couldn’t understand why she sounded so defensive.
Bonnie’s brows pulled together. “I see. I’m sorry. I completely misread the situation.”
“No. It’s understandable. We’ve been pretending to date for the Tech House show, but the filming is almost done, and it’s past time I stood on my own two feet and made a plan for the rest of my life.”
Bonnie still looked concerned, but she gave Kristal a smile and a supportive hug.
“Congratulations. I hope the new job and new city are everything you want them to be.” As she pulled away, she added, “Just so you know… Hunter wasn’t pretending.”
A little shell-shocked from Bonnie’s words, Kristal followed her back into the incredible library where Jack was showing off his extensive novel collection to Rachel and Hunter.
“I’m working my way through them now,” Jack said, throwing a warm smile and a wink in his wife’s direction. “When we met, Bonnie shamed me because I’d hardly read any of the classics. I had to get busy or be read under the table by my wife—a newbie author, at that.”
Rachel and Hunter both laughed loudly, clearly familiar with the story already.
Obviously Bonnie and Jack had each confided in their siblings about the rocky beginning of their relationship.
Resentment swept through Kristal like a tidal wave, and she suddenly felt like an outsider at this family event.
Bonnie approached Jack, giving him a chiding glance over his teasing remarks, but sliding her arms around his waist.
“I don’t think ‘shamed’ is exactly the right word, honey.”
“You’re right. In reality, you raked me over the coals, called me an entitled jerk, and stormed out of the room.” He laughed.
“Oh my goodness, Jack,” she scolded. “What are they going to think of us?” Turning to the assembly, she explained. “I promise we actually do get along—we just got off to a bit of a rough start.”
He planted a kiss on the top of her head, drawing her closer to his side. “A bit. Of course, she was dealing with the Beast of Bellevue.”
“Former beast,” she corrected, gazing directly into his turquoise eyes, so like his younger brother’s. “He’s completely tame now.”
“Yes, I am,” he growled and whispered something in her ear that made her turn scarlet from the neck up.
“Whew,” Rachel said, fanning herself. “Is that fireplace throwing a lot of heat, or is it just me?”
Hunter laughed at her obvious reference to the chemistry between the newlyweds. Speaking of well-matched couples, Hunter and Rachel both sat on the leather sofa in front of the fireplace.
They weren’t sitting close, but still, it was hard to miss what a pretty pair they made. Her fair skin and auburn hair were a lovely contrast to his raven-dark hair and olive complexion.
They’d been getting along swimmingly all night.
Teamed up during a game of Articulate, they’d wiped the floor with the rest of them, quickly guessing the correct answers and finishing each other’s sentences as if they’d been friends their whole lives.
Though Kristal knew she should encourage the friendship, all she could think was that her body would barely be cold, so to speak, when she was neatly replaced in the billionaire bachelor house.
And Rachel offered something she herself did not—Rachel was an award-winning, highly experienced personal chef.
Kristal dreaded the inevitable moment when Hunter put two and two together and offered her the job.
About an hour later, the moment of truth arrived.
“So… how’s Colorado treating you?” Hunter asked Rachel. “Eager to get back to work?”
She rolled her eyes. “If only there was a job to go back to.”
Hunter’s brows shot up. “You quit? Or were you let go?”
“Um… I guess you could say it was a mutual decision. Either way, the end result is the same. I am officially unemployed.”
She had Hunter’s full attention now. Kristal could almost see the wheels spinning in his head. “Are you looking for a new position in Colorado… or would you consider making a move to the East Coast?”
“Why? Do you know of an opportunity? Someone looking for a personal chef?”
“As a matter of fact, I know seven someones�
��my housemates and me. I’ve been thinking about the idea for weeks. I just hadn’t gotten around to launching a search yet because I’ve got so much else on my plate.”
Rachel’s eager expression cooled. “I wouldn’t be able to offer a reference from my last job. Things didn’t exactly… end well with my former ‘employer.’”
“That wouldn’t bother me,” Hunter said. “I like to think I’m pretty good at reading people… besides, you’ve got some stellar character references.”
Bonnie leaned forward from the chair she’d taken near the sofa. “Oh Rache—it would be amazing to have you living here in Newport.”
Hunter sweetened the pot. “The position comes with room and board, so you wouldn’t even have to find a place to live.”
“It’s a live-in job?” Rachel asked, her tone souring. “I don’t know about that.”
“Well you wouldn’t have to, of course, but since you’d be cooking for so many people—one of whom is nocturnal—it would make sense. If you’re worried about privacy, don’t be. The mansion is seventeen thousand square feet and divided into five separate units. We’ve got plenty of extra space.”
He threw a quick glance at Kristal as if to say, And we’re about to have a vacancy.
Jealousy lit a fast-moving brush fire in Kristal’s soul. She fought to stamp it out.
This was ridiculous. She was leaving. She had no right to feel jealous. She was making the choice to move out of the billionaire bachelor house.
The guys needed a full-time chef desperately. Rachel needed a job and apparently a fresh start in life. Having her move into the house and take the job would be the best thing for everyone.
Maybe she’d even star in Hap’s new show. He could simply recast the role of Snow White. Within a short while the guys—Hunter included—would forget all about Kristal.
Kristal squirmed as the flames of envy burned even brighter.
Get it together, girl. This is what you wanted, right?
