Page 9 of The Christmas Holiday
‘You’re being paranoid.’
I glared at him. ‘Am I? Well, why don’t you just add that to your list of reasons why you think I’m not right forthis job. Not that it will do any good. Because I am. And nothing you say, or do, is going to change that fact. You’re obviously far too busy and important to notice people lower down the food chain but I’m really good at my job. I know it, my boss knows it, and Olivia knows it. And those are the only opinions that really matter right now.’
We were whispering but there was no doubt about thefact we were also arguing. I saw a few interested glances flick our way. Apparently, Hunter did too.
‘Let’s go and sit down. Making a scene in front of a client isn’t my usual style.’
‘You started it.’
‘Real mature, Mia.’
Shit. Since he put it like that, it did sound childish and that wasn’t how I’d meant it to sound at all. Double shit.
‘At least I’m mature enough not to tryand get my ex booted off a job. Thanks for that, by the way.’
He caught my elbow and I looked up into the pools of blue I’d lost myself in so many times before. But the look in them now was entirely different.
‘Getting you booted off, as you put it, has nothing to do with your being an ex. It has to do with the fact that I don’t think you’re the best person for the job.’
‘And yourcurrent girlfriend of the week is, I suppose?’
‘She’s not my girlfriend. Actually, she’s an ex. Which rather disproves your theory, don’t you think? Ah, here we are.’ He stopped by a table before I could reply. A couple were sitting, hands entwined, so wrapped up in each other they hadn’t noticed us.
‘Hey, lovebugs,’ Hunter interrupted, ‘people are trying to eat here.’
The two lookedup and their faces broke into smiles at the sight of him.
‘Scott, how are you?’ Sandeep shook Hunter’s hand and they did a quick man-hug thing. Sandeep then stood aside to allow Olivia to say hello – something she did with a big hug and kisses on both cheeks.
‘Hunter, I know I shouldn’t say this after you broke Ilana’s heart so callously – but we’ve missed you! Where have you been?’
Hunter hugged her back and smiled. ‘Oh. Here and there. And I’m pretty sure Ilana’s well over me. She was wearing a rock as big as a car tyre on her left hand last time I saw her and she looked pretty damn happy.’
‘She cried for a week when you broke it off.’ Olivia raised an eyebrow at him.
‘Well, then I’m truly sorry. I never meant to hurt her, and I do hope she’s really happy with thisguy.’
Olivia flapped her hand, ‘Oh God. She’s over the moon! He lets her get away with everything – unlike you – and treats her like an absolute princess.’
Hunter grinned, giving a flash of even white teeth. ‘He sounds perfect for her.’
‘Totally.’ Olivia turned to me. ‘I’m sorry. Listen to us going on! You must be Mia. I recognise you from your byline photo.’ She held out her hand.‘Daddy’s told me so much about you.’
I smiled and hoped Hunter hadn’t added anything to that information. ‘It’s so nice to meet you both.’ We all shook hands and took our seats.
‘Shall I order some wine? Anything you prefer, Mia?’ Sandeep asked.
‘Oh! Oh no, I think I’m just going to stick to water this evening, thanks.’ Hunter was looking at the menu but I saw his mouth twitch as hehid a smile. He knew that if I had wine, it wouldn’t be long before I’d be eyeing the room for a convenient place to take a nap. It irked me more than it should that he knew these little things about me. Of course, he knew a whole lot more about me than that, but I wasn’t going anywhere near that. I crossed my legs and accidentally kicked him under the table. ‘Sorry. Was that you?’
He levelledhis gaze at me. ‘Yes.’
‘Oops.’
‘So, Mia, I hope you’re excited about the trip! I knew you’d be right for this as soon as we discussed getting it documented. I didn’t want it to be sloppy and gushy but I didn’t want it to feel like a dry old travel journal either. The weddings section is the first one I read as soon as the paper drops through the door! The stories are all so romantic. Ilove the way you write.’
‘Thank you,’ I said, which seemed a little inadequate in response to her bubbling enthusiasm.
Olivia smiled at me. ‘I can’t wait to see what you write about our wedding day too. I’m so excited. Have you always written this sort of thing?’
