Page 29 of The Christmas Holiday
My sense of justice gave me a shove forward. ‘To befair, he meant well and was just keeping things… professional.’
From the corner of my eye, I saw Hunter cut his eyes to me momentarily. Opposite, Olivia was pondering over what I’d said.
‘I suppose there is that. I must admit, I’d never considered it in that light. And people are so willing to take offence these days, even when things are meant with the best intentions. Although, I can’tsee that too many people would be offended if they thought you were hitting on them, Mr Scott.’
Hunter gave her a tight smile. ‘I can do without the headache or awkwardness, thanks.’
‘Of course, it might just be a double bluff.’
Hunter raised an eyebrow in query, and Sandy put his hand over his fiancée’s. ‘Liv?’
‘Oh what?’ she said, glancing at them both. ‘Honestly, she’s lovely!Look at her. Who could blame you?’
Hunter’s jaw got tight and he turned back to look out of the window onto the darkened city streets still teeming with life of all levels.
Talking of awkward… Right. One thing for it.
‘Thank you for the compliment, Olivia. But just so you know, nothing like that is going to happen. Hunter and I are here on a purely professional basis, and we absolutelyplan on keeping it that way.’
Sandy nodded in thanks. Liv considered me for a moment. ‘Ohhhh. OK.’
‘OK?’
‘He’s not your type.’
Ummm….
‘He’s…’
I was now aware that Hunter had turned his head and was watching me. I was also aware of the smile he was doing his best to hide. It wasn’t the first time he’d seen me get myself into something and it had always amused him to watchme try and dig myself out.
‘Very nice,’ I finished.
‘He is indeed. But not for you.’
‘No.’ I smiled at her, relieved everything was now clear.
Liv smiled back, then turned to Sandy and they began talking together quietly.
‘You know she’s not done yet, don’t you?’
‘Huh?’
Hunter put his head closer to mine. ‘Liv’s in love. And she wants everyone around her to be too.She means well.’
‘I’m sure she does. She’ll get the idea.’
He put his hand up to his lips for a moment before rubbing two fingers across them. ‘Yeah… I’m pretty sure she has an idea. I’d put money on her wanting to set you up the moment you get home. Actually, probably sooner.’
I laughed but stopped when I saw he was serious.
‘Oh, don’t be daft. It’s hardly like we’ll be movingin the same circles when we’re back home.’
He did a maybe yes, maybe no motion with his head. ‘Liv and Sandy aren’t like that. They’re not friends with people dependent on the size of their bank account or trust fund. They go out to dinner with me, after all.’
I gave him a look. ‘We both know you’re kind of a rockstar these days.’
He dismissed the tease with a smile. ‘Right.’
