Page 30 of The Christmas Holiday
‘Can’t turn over a society page without tripping over you.’
‘I’d forgotten how funny you were.’ His arched eyebrow implied that I was not as amusing as his words suggested. But the slight curve of his mouth said something else. And I was pretty familiar with that mouth. Very, in fact. ‘Are you all right? Do you want the ac up a bit more?’
‘Umm, no. Fine. Thanks. Really.’ I sat up straighterand surreptitiously moved further away from Hunter. Perhaps Lorelei’s constant nagging about me refusing to try any of the myriad dating apps she had on her phone had some small inkling of merit after all. Maybe it had been way too long. Maybe what I did need was just one long night of hot, unfettered—
‘Sorry?’ I realised Olivia was saying something.
‘I was just saying that I hoped thistrip hasn’t caused any… difficulties for you. You know. If you’re seeing someone. I mean, two months away from home…’
‘Here we go,’ Hunter whispered as he stretched.
‘Oh! No, no. Not at all.’
‘Great. It sounds like she’s very understanding and supportive of your job then?’
‘No, I meant I’m not seeing anyone. Wait. She?’
I turned to look at Hunter who was smiling. Liv lookedbetween us.
Hunter pulled one leg up across the other knee. ‘Darling Liv is under the impression that if a woman doesn’t want to sleep with me, then it’s because I don’t have the right… let’s say, equipment. Which, although incredibly flattering, is somewhat far from the truth.’
I looked back over to where Olivia was now sitting straighter, slightly defensive.
‘I’ve tried to tell herhe’s not all that,’ Sandy added, laughing as Hunter made a gesture involving a middle digit.
‘Well, you have to admit, you’re not exactly the lonely wallflower at social functions!’ Liv retorted.
Sandy moved his head from side to side. ‘She does actually have a point there.’
‘Nothing wrong with company.’
‘I’m not saying there is. I’m just saying that’s why I maybe assumed… something…’
Poor Liv. She looked so uncomfortable.
‘It’s fine, Olivia. Really. Like I said, Hunter and I are just colleagues.’
‘But you’d be perfect together! You even look perfect together. Hunter, seriously? You can’t not think she’s gorgeous?’
Oh God. Please. Just make it stop.
‘Liv. Come on. Leave them alone. You can’t fix everyone up, you know!’ Sandy teased her.
Hunter let outa sigh and rubbed his hand across his jaw. ‘You’re right, Liv. I don’t not think that.’
We all took a second to sit and work out the repeated double negative.
‘So?’
For the first time since I’d met him again, I saw Hunter looking like he didn’t have everything under control. As I watched, I saw Liv and Sandeep pick up on the same thing. In a valiant attempt to change the subject, Sandymade a comment about how close we were to the restaurant now.
Oh, for bleep’s sake.
‘OK. So here’s the deal. Hunter and I used to be engaged.’
Cue shocked silence. And then from Hunter, a warning ‘Mia…’
I turned to him. ‘Look. I know it’s awkward but it will just be for a minute and it’s going to prevent a whole lot more awkwardness in the future.’
