Page 26 of Betrayal

Hunter hadn’t invited her to his office.His office downstairs from his large comfortable bed.It wasn’t that he didn’t trust himself.

I don’t.

“You’re about to start the rehab.I’d like to see those drawings before you get underway.”Was she wheedling?Her expression was neutral, her outfit business-like, but this was the first time she’d initiated a meeting.

“There’s time.We’re just clearing and cleaning at the moment.Checking the plumbing and the wiring.The original setup is good.”Why was he putting her off when he’d been panting to show her his drawings earlier?

“And you’ve decided to ask Maha to take on management.”

“What do you know about that?”The Hariri family kept his secrets almost better than he did himself, yet Maha had let Anna in on a few.

“She said you sounded her out.I liked her.Liked her partner.Liked their mission statement, liked what I saw of her interaction with the kids and her staff.She wants to expand.She’s ready to expand.”Anna worked some special magic everywhere she went.What had she said?“You talked to me.”Anna was the one who talked to people and listened to their answers—spoken and unspoken.

“Yeah.”He brushed his lips across hers.Her eyes widened in surprise.Good.“That’s for the sandwich.”

“So, can I come and see the drawings after work?”She meant architectural drawings.Anna Turner wasn’t the type to use ‘can I see your etchings’ as a shield.

“I’ll be finished by six.You’ve got the address?I’m out in the sticks.”

“Not that far, and—”

“You’ve got transport.I know.”

* * *

Anna had practicallybegged to meet him at his office.He’d pushed for a quick lunch,then what?For some reason, he didn’t let people get to know him.Too late.That little interlude with a sick old man, who’d looked more hobo than patient, had reinforced her assessment at the beach: strong, flexible and durable.The durable quality was the lure for her.She knew her weaknesses, and if a man was only interested in her body, she walked away.She hadn’t found enduring in a relationship yet, but it had to be possible.

Does Hunter regret sharing his secrets with me?

He certainly regretted introducing her to Maha Hariri.But his relationship with the capable childcare director played to the same weakness.Sam-I-Am was loyal and won loyalty in return.

Anna arrived at six.Actually, she arrived at five-forty, time to wander around the park opposite and admire it and the view of Hunter’s unusual office from across the street.A converted service station was a creative use of space with plenty of parking for the work crews who passed through.

She was in time to see six employees depart, including a casually dressed woman with a munchkin who might be eleven or twelve.The kid yelled “Night, Hunt” as they exited.The woman tousled his hair, then chased him to their car.The other departees included two suits, a man and woman in paint-spattered overalls, accompanied by a girl in a school uniform.Work experience student or family?Hunter employed a mixed bunch, but she didn’t spot anyone who looked like they needed a childcare centre.If she’d come a bit later, she wouldn’t have known.

“I think I can hear the church bells tolling six.”He smiled.

“Is this a test?Were you standing there watching the clock?”

“Looking forward to your visit.”He stood back to let her in.

“Smooth, Hunter.Actually, I arrived earlier.Got to see the stragglers depart.Who’s the kid?”

“My secretary Donna’s son, Gareth, after his father.Refuses to answer to Gary.”

“Donna’s your secretary?”she asked.Donna looked wholesome enough to be the chair of the parents and citizens.

“Problem?”He raised an eyebrow.“Why don’t you come in?”

Anna turned her head as she passed him.“Been with you long?”

“What’s with the questions, Anna?”He sounded wary.

“Just trying to get my bearings.”

“This way.”He gestured to a corner office.“I’ve got the contract and the drawings ready for you.”

“Not those sorts of bearings.”On impulse, she leaned forward and kissed him.A quick brush of the lips, except his mouth opened in surprise.He’d recently had coffee, sharp, dark.“Am I with the very private—I won’t say Duck—or Sam-I-am?”

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