By the time I step into the shower, the water is hot and the bathroom is all steamed up. I take a few steps and stand right underneath the raindrop showerhead. I look up to where the water is coming from and let out a desperate cry. Tears flow down my face as I wail. With a shaky hand, I reach out and grab the bar of soap. I start scrubbing it over every inch of my body until my skin turns into a reddish shade. I’m praying that my efforts combined with the hot water can act as an exorcism.
As I labor to cleanse the pain and terror away, small whimpers and cries burst free from deep inside me until I can no longer fight them off. I lose total control. Core-shaking sobs rip out of my throat. Instinctively, I reach out and brace myself against the wall, but to no avail. Releasing the suffocating pressure that’s been choking me for the past few hours brings me down to my knees. I curl like a child on the shower floor. I bang my fist angrily, wishing it were Nigel’s face instead of the marble. The shower rains down on me. I cry so hard I have nothing left. My tears aren’t for what happened to me tonight, but rather for being spared. Dear God, thank you for watching over me. I repeat my prayer over and over in my mind until an incessant knocking breaks through my grief. It takes me a few seconds to register what’s happening. I lift my head, but the steam prevents me from seeing anything.
“Miranda? Please answer me. Are you okay in there?” More knocking—this time it’s much louder. I open my mouth to answer Hunter, but my throat is too tight around my tears for anything to come out. “Miranda, you’re worrying me. Dammit. Why did you barricade yourself in this bathroom? It’s just you and me. No one else.” Hunter’s banging has gone from pressing to urgent. “That’s it. I’m not waiting any longer, I’m coming in.” A thump radiates throughout the bathroom, followed by what I can only suspect is Hunter breaking down the door. Sure. My forehead drops back against the marble. I don’t have the energy to get back to my feet. A movement of cooler air warns me that Hunter has most likely opened the glass door. “Oh, sweetie. My poor baby.” The warmth of his body surrounds me and blocks the water from stinging my skin. “It’s okay. I’m here. I’ve got you.” His words are like a caress. “This water is going to burn your skin, honey. It’s way too hot.” It’s not scolding. I can only hear concern in his voice. Hunter reaches out and turns off the nozzle. “There. That’s much better,” he says as the water cuts out. I switch position and sit hugging my knees against my chest. Hunter strips off his drenched chef coat, dropping it to the shower floor with a wet slap. I take a deep breath, prop my chin on my knees and observe him. Drops of water glide down his muscular chest. It’s only when I move my eyes down that I realize his wet jeans are stuck to his body like a second skin. His expensive shoes must be ruined now. He steps out of the shower for a brief moment and comes back with a thick white towel. “Come on,” he whispers. He brushes my wet hair away from my face. “It’s over, sweetie.” His voice is so soothing. Hunter wraps the large towel around my shoulders and uses the end to gently dry off my face. The whole time his eyes radiate compassion and tenderness. He picks me up, one arm under my knees and the other behind my back. Ignoring that both of us are dripping wet, he carries me into his bedroom and sets me on the edge of the bed before squatting at my feet. “I should’ve never let you take a shower alone,” he whispers. “You needed me in there.”
“I’m sorry,” I murmur.
“You don’t need to apologize. I’m not mad. I just want to be there for you. You understand that?”
“I do.” I bite my lower lip, feeling a little guilty.
“It’s killing me to see you like this. I want to make it better, but I know it’s going to take time. I’m warning you right now, this is where the protective boyfriend in me kicks in.” He smiles warmly at me. “I’m here to take care of you, Miranda. No matter what it is you need, you just have to ask. Do we have a deal?”
I nod, holding back another wave of sobs. This time it’s because my heart swells to the point where I think it’ll burst. God, I love him.
CHAPTER FOUR
Hunter
One week later
I park my vehicle right behind Riley’s white BMW SUV, cut off the engine and pull my phone out to let her know I’m here. As I press my finger on the Touch ID to turn it on, her front door swings open. Jake. I quickly get out of my vehicle to meet him halfway. I lock up before walking decisively towards him.
“Whoa. That thing keeps growing every time I see you.” Jake waves a finger at my chin. “I know the full beard is back, but…”
“Funny.” I haven’t shaved since last Friday. It hasn’t been a priority because I haven’t left my house since then. I didn’t want to be too far from Miranda just in case she needed me. Personal grooming has taken a back seat to everything else.
“I do my best,” he quips. “You know I’m just teasing you like this to distract you.”
“I know. Thanks for being such a good friend.”
“Pfft. Please. I’ll always have your back.”
That he will.
“I’m surprised Charlene let you out of the office,” I mock, taking him in a bro hug.
“Barely,” he says, returning my hug. “It’s been a long time since I’ve worked with her day-to-day and I forgot how she runs a tight ship,” he jokes. “She books interviews back to back. I barely have time to visit the bathroom. I know I said it was imperative for us to hire quickly, but she takes it a little too literally for my liking.” He chuckles.
“In other words, she’s as efficient as ever.”
“Pretty much.”
We both laugh.
“Wow.” I shake my head. “It’s the first time I’ve laughed in a week.”
“Listen, you’ve gone through a lot and your girl’s been to hell and back. It’s normal you haven’t felt light-hearted. I think you’re being too hard on yourself, Hunter.”
“Maybe you’re right. I’ve always thought I can handle pretty much anything life throws at me, but then this hits…” I shake my head. “I don’t know how to get her spirits up again… no matter what I try, Jake.”
“Give her time.”
“Yeah. I keep telling myself that, but I’m hurting for her.”
“You keep saying you feel like you’re not doing enough, but I disagree, Hunter. From where I stand, I see a man who’s doing everything in his power.”
Jake had already made plans to come back to LA for this week. When I called him Friday morning while Miranda was still sleeping to let him know what had transpired the night before, he rearranged things so he’ll be here for two weeks instead of one. He even brought Allison with him. She was here for a couple days, but she left yesterday morning to go back to the ranch. Her boss is keeping her very busy. On top of her regular work, she’s also overseeing the opening of Riley’s first eatery in Fort Collins with Rick’s team, therefore she doesn’t have the luxury of staying here as long as Jake. I’ve been looking forward to Allison and Miranda meeting each other, but the circumstances did not allow for it. Miranda’s been in bed since I turned off the lights after rescuing her from that scalding hot shower. It’s been a punishing week for her… and, of course, for me. Without Jake’s presence, I’m not sure I could’ve handled any of it.
“I just want Miranda back.”
“She’ll come around.”
“I sometimes wonder.”
“Why do you say that?” Jake frowns.
“She sleeps most of the time. She only stays awake long enough for someone to feed her. She’ll take two bites of food, roll over and pull the covers over her head. Before you even have time to plead with her, she’s already fallen back asleep.”
“But the doctor doesn’t seem too concerned yet?”
I shrug. “Dr. Bennett says this type of trauma can live with a person for a while before they’re able to heal. She said if Miranda remains the same next week, then we’ll have to take another course of action. For now the only thing she’s asked me to do is to monitor Miranda. She’s holding off prescribing ant
idepressants. She doesn’t want to rush things.”
“That makes sense. At least this doctor isn’t a pill-pusher,” Jake observes.
“I agree.” That’s one less problem to worry about. “I’m doing my best to make sure Miranda is as comfortable as possible. Last night, I moved her to the largest guest room that’s opposite from my bedroom because it has a gorgeous view of the gardens. I hope it helps, because I don’t know what else…” I don’t even bother finishing my sentence. I can’t. Jake doesn’t rush me. When I finally speak again, there’s only one thing I want to reveal. “I love her, Jake.”
He looks at me, surprised. This is the first time I’ve said the words aloud.
“Wow. That’s big news, Hunter. Have you told her yet?”
I shake my head. “She needs to get better first,” I say firmly.
I’ve known for a few weeks now that I had it bad for Miranda. I suspect he’s known for a long time, but in true fashion, Jake waited for me to come to that inevitable conclusion. It became more and more obvious every time we spent time together that I’d fallen hard for her. She holds my heart in her hands with no chances of me ever getting it back. Seeing her so vulnerable last week made it much easier for me to admit it to myself. Now, I just have to be patient until she gets stronger to see if she feels the same way about me.
Jake smiles and places a hand on my shoulder. “You’re the one who keeps saying she’s a spitfire. I have no doubt she’ll bounce back in no time and then you can tell her how you feel about her.”
“From your lips to God’s ears. I hope She’s listening.”
“Oh, She is. How else do you explain the fact that She made sure Shane forgot his phone at the office on that specific day and that Collin was delayed?” I smile at him knowingly. “Who’s watching over Miranda now?”
“Her best friend’s there.”
“Good. Jessica will take care of her and you can unwind for a couple of hours. Let’s go inside. Riley prepared a hearty lunch for us—all your favorites.”
“Is she buttering me up for something?”
“You know she shows affection by cooking for people. She’s been at it for hours since she got back. She sent me at least twenty text messages asking me for my opinion. As if we haven’t been living the way we have at the ranch for years now. She already knows what you like. I’m not sure why she needs to drag me into this.” Jake definitely doesn’t get more patient with age. “Since I was in interviews all morning, eventually she had to figure it out on her own because I didn’t have time to get back to her.” Jake shakes his head, amused. “Having Allison with me for a couple of days was a motivating factor, but there’s a reason why I’m staying at a hotel and not with my little sister.”
“The two of you will be bickering until you’re well into your eighties.”
“You’ll see for yourself when you get in. The kitchen is an absolute mess.” He chuckles.
“Just like old times.”
“I couldn’t have said it better.” He smiles and I smile back at him. “Before going in, you should know she met with Gary early this morning.”
“I see.” That doesn’t sound good. “Where are the kids?”
“They’re with Isadora at my parents’. The tutors are there as well. Riley doesn’t want to be distracted.”
“It’s that bad, huh?”
“I’m afraid so, Hunter. There’s a lot she needs to fill you in on.”
“I don’t know if I want to hear anymore. Nigel’s done enough damage as is.”
“Listen, the guy deserves to be stoned to death for what he attempted to do to your girl, but I think there’s a lot more to this messy story.” I draw my eyebrows together. “It’s best if Riley tells you herself. She works at Food Network. I don’t. She shared a few startling details with me but I know she has more to tell us. She’s still beating herself up for having left Miranda behind last week. I keep reminding her that her daughter had a high fever and needed her. I also keep telling her that this idiot kept his cards close to his chest. No one saw him coming. You know Riley, she’s still very much determined to carry the burden. I guess her way of making up for not being there for Miranda in her moment of need is by making it her personal mission to see this through. She won’t rest until Nigel gets prosecuted.”
Little Erika was so sick last week Riley rushed home after filming the last episode with Nigel. Her phone was at the bottom of her handbag, which she left on the couch in the living room downstairs. It was on vibrate so she couldn’t hear it ring. She spent all night taking care of her daughter. The next day it became clear Erika wasn’t doing much better. Riley fetched her phone to call Miranda to let her know she wouldn’t be at work because she was taking Erika to the doctor and that’s when she was finally able to listen to the numerous messages Jake and I had left. When Erika started feeling a little better, Riley left her with Isadora and rushed to my house. She was already crying before I even opened the door.
“I know. She tells me that every time she comes over to check up on Miranda. I appreciate her for doing this. I’d be there fighting this myself with the top attorneys in this city, but it’s best for me to focus my energy on Miranda.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more. Come on. Let’s go inside.” Jake places his arm around my shoulders and we walk in silence all the way to the house. Before we get to the top step, the door swings open.
“Hunter,” Riley shouts, opening her arms ready to take me in a hug.
“Hey, Riley,” I say, closing my arms around her and lifting her off the ground.
She giggles. “There aren’t that many men in this world who can do that. I’m a tall girl with plenty of curves and a few extra pounds. Okay, a lot of extra pounds.” She smiles.
“I’m sure Rick can manage,” I tease, placing her back on her feet.
She giggles again. “He can. It drives me crazy when he flings me over his shoulder. It’s so manly. He’s my Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle, and I’m his helpless little Jane.”
“Er, okay. Riley, that’s too much information for me.” I grimace.
“Yeah, I agree with Hunter. I don’t need to know about your kinky sex life,” Jake chimes in.
“Oh, shut up, you two.” We all laugh. Some things just never change and I’m grateful for that. “Hunter,” she says to catch my attention. “I’m liking the beard on you,” she observes.
“Really?” I chuckle. “It was never meant to be a fashion statement.”
“Well, it makes you look dark, mysterious and fierce.”
“Thanks for the compliment.” I stroke my beard. Half of the time I forget I’ve let it grow this much.
“I hope you’ve brought an appetite.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. You won’t be disappointed.”
“You don’t even disappoint when you make basic mac and cheese. Everything you prepare is always delicious.”
“You’re a sweetheart, honey. I also prepared something special for you to bring home. You can eat it tonight with your girlfriend.”
“I’m touched, but you really didn’t have to.”
“Yes, I did,” she says, her voice almost indignant. “I want to make it easier for you. It’s one less thing for you to worry about.” I love her for doing that.
“You do remember that I have a chef who’s been coming in every day?” I tease.
Until earlier this week, Lucinda usually came in a few times a week. She’s always had a regimented schedule. She’d prepare a heaping load of food, stick labels with dates and names of the dishes on each container to make it absolutely dummy-proof and freeze it all. When I called her last Sunday to let her know Miranda was staying with me and briefly explained why, my personal chef insisted on coming in daily. She offered to do it at no extra charge, but I refused. I just don’t operate that way. I believe in paying people for what they’re worth. The reality is having Lucinda at the house all day has been a godsend considering how many people have been coming in and o
ut.
Riley shrugs and rolls her eyes at me. “Yeah, but it’s just not like my home cookin’.”
“And let’s not forget Miranda’s Nona has been cooking up a storm at Jessica’s place. She lugs all that food with her when she comes over with Miranda’s mom. I’ve never eaten so much amazing Italian food in my life. She left yesterday, but she’s packed my freezer with enough food to feed a nation.” I chuckle.
The truth is although my house has been inundated with dishes prepared by my personal chef or Miranda’s mother and grandmother, I’ve been too preoccupied to enjoy any of it. I wait until I’m absolutely starved to fill my stomach, which is quite unusual for me. I can always eat regardless if I’m hungry or not. Lately it’s been a struggle.
“Well, you got me there. I can compete with a trained chef with my hands tied behind my back, but a Nona? I think she has me beat.”
I laugh. The way Riley’s contorting her mouth is hilarious.
“Still, you can never have too much good food.”
“I can’t argue with that.”
* * *
“Holy smokes, Hunter, I can’t believe you’re able to wolf down more food,” Jake exclaims when I reach for another sandwich—my fourth to be exact.
“I surprise myself. I haven’t had much of an appetite lately, but I swear I just can’t stop eating these. Maybe I just needed to get out of the house.”
“Maybe you just needed some Riley TLC.” Riley winks at me.
“You’re right.” I wink back. “Your massive sandwiches have always done it for me. They’re true culinary masterpieces.”
“I love feeding you, Hunter. No one gushes over my cooking like you do.”
“How can I not? Look at what you prepared,” I say, waving in front of me.
Intoxicated Page 4
