Page 16 of New Year, New Baby
Seething, I shrug my fake-fur chubby closer around my shoulders and dig in my purse for my subway card.I’ve just been ditched by a handsome football player because Hunter ruined my date ...and that man is going to get a taste of my wrath next.
9
Nova
“Hunter,” I yell into the dark townhouse, my voice echoing in the silence.I put my keys down in the little tray by the front door and drop my purse on the floor.“Hunter, where are you?”I demand.
A lamp flicks on in the living room, making me jump back about three feet.
“Oh my god, you scared me!Why were you just sitting there in the dark?”I gasp breathlessly.“This isn’t Halloween!”
Hunter looks completely calm in the circle of light by the couch.He’s still wearing the same jeans from earlier, although he’s shed his jacket to reveal a white button-down top.I can’t help but notice how the snowy color of his shirt highlights his deep tan, including his bronzed neck and sinewy forearms.Those blue eyes are like glowing coals, still somewhat shaded at the moment.But his demeanor is perfectly calm.
“Hey Nova,” my stepdad drawls.“Glad you got back safe tonight.How was your date?”
It’s the perfect opening, and the rage rises in my chest again.Except there’s a tinge of excitement, and I think I know why.
Careful, Nova, the voice in my head warns.Don’t poke the bear because there may be a storm lurking behind Hunter’s calm exterior.
Still, what he did was wrong on so many levels!I deserve answers and decide to ignore the voice as steam hisses from my ears.I guess I have a lot to get off my chest, and I might as well let fly.
“So what was that about?”I demand, putting my hands on my hips while glaring daggers at my stepdad.“Why the hell did you show up at the movie theater when I was on a date?How did you even know I was there with Stan?”
Hunter nods thoughtfully, his face shaded in darkness although I can make out the square line of his jaw, as well as his proud Roman profile.
“I went to see a movie,” he says in a deceptively calm voice.“Why, is that wrong?I work long hours and decided to take myself out.It’s not so bizarre for a Saturday night.”
I glare at him, my hands balled into fists at my waist as my chest heaves.
“Yeah, but all the way in Kip’s Bay?How did you end up there, when there are so many theaters that are closer?”
He shrugs those broad shoulders.
“That’s what popped up on Fandango.It’s not that far, sweetheart.Manhattan is a small island, remember?I walked it even.It was cold, but a brisk walk can work wonders.”
I squint.
“Really.So it was just coincidence that you happened to be at the same AMC cineplex that I went to tonight.And you just ‘happened’ to be outside when I exited with Stan,” I say in a voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Is that his name?”my stepdad asks in a casual tone, although I can detect hints of iciness beneath his neutral exterior.“I forgot because he was a forgettable guy.But let me ask you something, sweetheart, because your date was wearing a varsity letter jacket.Does he actually play football, or was that more of a fashion statement?”
“He plays football!” I shoot back in a hot voice.“He’s the star quarterback and you ruined my date with him!He hightailed it out of there so fast after your little speech, that I’m surprised his hair wasn’t on fire!”
A smile plays on Hunter’s mobile lips, and he doesn’t look perturbed at all.In fact, the man looks quite pleased with himself.
“Don’t get all hot and bothered, sweetheart.I’m just asking because a lot of schools in NYC don’t field football teams.It’s tough, you know, with the lack of space in Manhattan.I guess they could practice at Randall’s Island, but I can’t think of any other venues.”
“They make do,” I huff, still steamed beyond belief.“Besides, what is your problem, Hunter?Why can’t I go out with a guy on Saturday night, like any other eighteen-year-old girl?”
The man of the house doesn’t answer me right away.Instead, his blue eyes drop from my angry, heated face, to the swell of my bosom, to my narrow waist and flared hips, and finally, to the black thigh-high boots that I still have on.I have to admit that they’re saucy with a subtle leather shine, and a sexy, five-inch heel.They’re exactly what a hooker might wear, which is the point.I wanted to tease Stan tonight, but it seems like these boots have gotten me into a different kind of trouble.
“The problem, Nova,” my stepfather enunciates in a low voice, vibrating with emotion, “is that I can’t let you go out dressed like that.It’s unseemly.”
“Because I look like a slut?”I demand.“Because I don’t look the wayyouwant me to look?But guess what, Hunter?It’s not your business because I’m not your daughter,” I sneer.“How I dress doesn’t concern you!”
Those blue eyes flare, although Hunter doesn’t move from his seat.
“This is my house, Nova,” he hisses.“Never forget that.”
