Page 37 of Hell's Claim

Inside the box was a selection of pastries, but Sunny had been clever. Nobody would have to fight over who wanted what. He’d included five of each type.

“And here you go,” Phil said, handing me a huge cup of coffee. I noted it was from one of my favourite coffee shops.

“Sunny sent one for each of us, but two for you.” Freddie giggled. She had frosting around her top lip as she tucked into a doughnut.

Phil had a bear claw in hand while Harry was chomping on a croissant, and Jack ate an almond pastry. I sipped the coffee and closed my eyes in ecstasy.

“Wow,” I murmured.

Freddie offered me a sly look. “Still think he’s not interested?”

“Shut the fuck up. I’m not caffeinated,” I growled, snatching a doughnut. The others laughed and ate the very generous breakfast Sunny had bought.

???

I was in the garden, relaxing by the pool the next day. Everyone had been disappointed because no breakfast items hadarrived. I had texted Sunny thank you for his gifts and asked why he had sent them, but he’d not replied.

“Nice!” Harry said, coming out of the house holding a box. I opened an eyelid and frowned as I sat up.

“Did I miss a takeout order?” I wondered. I’d been dozing on and off as today was warm, and I was soaking up the sun.

“Nope. Sunny got lunch,” Harry stated and placed the box on the table. To my surprise, each bag was named, and when they opened theirs, they each had their favourite subs, chips and a cake. Coffees had also been sent.

I was amused at what Sunny was doing but had no idea why. Was this his way of apologising? Yanking my phone out, I texted him.

‘Sunny, thank you for lunch, but please stop. I accept your apology.’

I placed my mobile down, and opening my bag, drooled at the sub. Yup, Sunny knew my favourites. My phone dinged in reply.

I peered at it, and my mouth dropped open.

‘This ain’t an apology. This is me saying I see you and like what I see.’

What on earth? I put my phone down and considered what Sunny was telling me. Was he acting out of guilt? In this situation, I was unsure of what to say and do. While everyone joked around me, I pondered the quandary I found myself in. My phone pinged again, and I picked it up.

‘Don’t shut down on me, Callie. I mean what I say. This is me stating my interest in you. But I know you’re gun-shy. So, I’m going to court you the old-fashioned way. The way my dad taught me.’

Holy cow. I tried to stop the smile hitting my lips but failed as Freddie whistled.

“Is that Sunny?” she demanded.

“Yeah.”

“What did he say?”

“He said he wants to court me the old-fashioned way,” I answered, bemused. Freddie whistled again as the others cheered a little.

“Why, though?” I asked, and they quieted.

“Why what?” Harry inquired.

“I don’t get why he wants to date me.”

“Seriously? Callie, you’re beautiful, inside and out,” Freddie exclaimed.

“Yeah, somehow I doubt that,” I replied.

Freddie gaped at me as Jack stared at me with narrowed eyes.

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