Page 102 of The Christmas Holiday
‘Nope. Not a clue. I think I fell asleep.’
‘You did.’
‘You should have woken me.’
‘Why? You’re obviously tired.’
He shoved himself up a little onto his elbows. ‘It doesn’t say much for the manners of a host if he falls asleepwhile he still has guests.’
‘I don’t think you need to worry too much. I promise I won’t report you to the Bad Hosts Society. Or would it be the Good Hosts Society who’d need to know?’
‘You could do both. Cover all your bases.’
‘Good idea.’
He grinned down at me and I suddenly didn’t care what else he was bad at because I knew there was at least one thing he was really, reallygood at.
‘I ought to go,’ I said, springing up so quickly Hunter almost tipped backwards off the bed in surprise.
‘OK.’ He glanced at the complicated-looking watch on his wrist. ‘I guess it is getting late.’
‘Umhmm.’ I didn’t dare look at him as I straightened my dress and found the shoes I’d kicked off after dinner, concentrating instead on buckling the straps on the four-inch platforms.When I finally raised my head, Hunter was looking at me, bemused.
‘What now?’ I asked, but feeling my ability to be grouchy with him had been somewhat sapped. In fact, I knew for sure there was a smile dying to get out and shine on my face.
He nodded at my shoes.
‘What?’
‘You know your room’s right next door, don’t you?’
He had a point.
‘I do know that.’
‘Right.’
‘Would you like to put this on too?’ He held out my coat, which I took from him with a look.
‘Just because you nearly died doesn’t mean I’m going to forgive you every time you’re a smart arse.’
‘Fair enough. What’s the percentage then? I think seventy per cent is pretty fair, don’t you?’
‘Twenty might be more like it.’
‘Seriously?’
‘Carry on and it’ll go down to fifteen.’
‘You’re quite the negotiator.’ We were by the door now, the only light coming from the flickering of the television and the bedside lights, which had both been switched to low. Hunter had one hand on the door handle and the other resting in the pocket of the dark-wash 501s he wore.
The heels I had on brought me closer to his height, although I still had a way to go to catch up. I tilted myhead a little and met his eyes, my own lingering on his lips momentarily before I did so.
‘Goodnight, Hunter.’
‘Goodnight, Mia.’
His eyes were dark in the low light but I knew his voice, and I knew that look.
