Page 41 of Embraced at Seaside
He lifted her chin again and smiled. “It was fine. He needed to understand that you couldn’t be expected to work seven days a week or to take on the responsibilities of three people.”
“I’msofired.” Jana closed her eyes.
“Actually, you’re not. He said he had planned on coming back soon to help out. I have no idea if he was lying or not, but at least now he knows someone is looking out for you.”
She covered her face with her hands, and he pulled them down so she had to look at him. He wasn’t going to let her pretend that the feelings between them weren’t there, and he sure wasn’t going to allow her boss to continue taking advantage of her.
“Now, you’re going to shower and dress, and then we’re going to talk.” He lifted her to her feet and patted her behind. “Go on. We have a lot to do today.”
“I have to go to work, Hunter. I can’t spend today—”
He rose to his feet and swept her into his arms, ignoring the words streaming from her mouth as she flailed against him.Hunter. Stop. I’m going to kill you.
Speaking calmly, as if she weren’t punching and flailing in his arms, he said, “You’re going to shower, and then we are going to talk. No work. No excuses.” He set her on her feet in the bathroom, and when she said, “But—” he took her in a passionate kiss, leaving her breathless, and closed the bathroom door as he left the room.
JANA WASN’T SURE if it was nerves or anger making her body thrum, but she was glad that for once it wasn’t desire. At least she hadthataspect of her body under control. Who did he think he was, canceling her classes and calling her brother? She showered and dressed, stewing over his actions, and took her sweet time drying her hair, hoping Hunter would get sick of waiting and take off. Although, she had to admit that taking care of all of her commitments had been a thoughtful thing for him to do. It might even border on romantic. And didn’t he have to work today?
She turned off the hair dryer and brushed her hair, thinking about last night and the way he’d said he was taking care ofhis girl. A thrill raced through her with the memory, despite the reality that she wasn’t his girl. She wasn’t anyone’s girl, nor could she be, until she figured out her own life and what she really wanted. Besides, Hunter wanted to win. He always wanted to win. Surely this was all still part of a game to him.
Then why did he refuse to leave last night?
And why did he make all those arrangements today?
And want to talk?
She opened the bathroom door and listened to the silence. Hunter was gone. Her stomach knotted, and unexpected disappointment floated through her. Could she miss him already? No. This wasallpart of his stupid game. She swiped her cell phone from the table, pulled upDO NOT RESPOND!and typed in a fast text.You left?
She slumped onto the couch, confused and feeling betrayed, even though she had no right to feel that way. She’d told him she didn’t have time to talk. Of course he left. Wouldn’t she have left if the tables were turned? Heck, she probably would have left while he was sleeping. Still, anger and hurt simmered inside her. She typed another angry text at being ignored—WTH?
She got up and paced the living room, then glanced out the window, catching sight of Hunter pacing the backyard, talking on his phone.
Relief swept through her, followed quickly by regret for the angry texts she’d sent. She watched as he rubbed the back of his neck, squinting up at the sun. He ended the call and looked down at his phone. Before he could swipe and read the texts, she ran out the back door. His killer smile brought guilt to the forefront of her mind as she sank into his open arms.
“Wow,” Hunter said with a laugh. “What did you do?”
“Nothing. I just…”Was afraid you left.
He pried her arms from around his waist and searched her eyes. “Spill it, pretty girl. We’ve already established that you’re a sucky liar.”
“I thought you left,” she mumbled.
“What was that?” He leaned in closer.
“I thought you left! Okay? Geez. And I might have sent you a few angry texts.”
She walked away, and he quickly fell into step beside her, shoved his phone in his pocket, and draped an arm over her shoulder. She waited for him to laugh, or to give her a hard time, but he didn’t say a word as he guided her to the swinging chair built for two hanging from one of the large trees at the edge of the backyard and pulled her down beside him.
She eyed him suspiciously as they sat in silence. He tucked her against his side, and she wasn’t about to fight him on it. She wanted to be there, even though she was struggling to keep the dark, uncomfortable panic from taking over.
When he finally spoke, his tone was calm and confident, with no trace of his usual demands. “I want to tell Sky we’re dating.”
That was not at all what she’d anticipated. “That’s why you want to talk?”
“No.” He looked over at her. “Yes, partly, but not solely.”
“But we’re not even dating, Hunter. Why would you want to tell her anything?”
“Okay, then I want to officially date you, and then I want to tell her. I don’t keep secrets from my family, Jana. Maybe I used to, but it’s not the man I want to be with you. It’s not the man I want to be anymore.”
