"So, how's the new hire doing? The one that Hunter referred for the job position?"
Hunter's eyes flicker over at us as he makes his way to join the conversation.
"Ah, you mean Charlotte? She's doing well. She's got a knack for the job."
"Did I hear you mention Charlotte, how is she doing?" Hunter chimes in.
"Yes, Charlotte. She's been doing great work. You certainly have a knack for recognizing talent. She's no Maya, but she's been a good asset to our team," Steve responds, a note of appreciation in his voice.
"That's good to hear," Hunter smiles, clapping Steve on the shoulder. "I'm glad she's living up to expectations."
"Well, congrats again to you two love birds. You two make quite the pair. I've never seen Hunter so smitten before, and Maya, well, you've always been a force to be reckoned with."
Just as he finishes his sentence, Kaitlyn's voice cuts through the crowd. "Dad! Steve! Come here!" She's waving them over, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
They both give me a nod before heading over to where Kaitlyn is standing. I watch as they disappear into the crowd, laughter echoing through the room.
A moment of silence falls over me, a bubble of quiet in the midst of the party’s bustle. I take a deep breath, letting the reality of the situation sink in. I'm in love with my best friend's father, my boss, and as strange as it is, it feels right.
I feel a gentle touch on my shoulder and turn around to find my mom standing behind me, a proud smile on her lips. "Look at you, handling all this with such grace and maturity."
"Oh, Mom... Stop it."
"No, I mean it," she insists. "You've come a long way, sweetheart. You've taken on responsibilities that most women your age couldn't, and you've done it with such strength and resilience. Your father and I, we're so proud of you."
Fuck.She knows how to get me.
Even though my parents have always been so damn annoying about what they want for me and my life, I know it's always been because they love me and they want the best for me.
My eyes well up.
"And this new life you're about to start... It's uncharted territory and a little scary. But that man..." She looks toward Hunter. "That man loves you. I see it in his eyes."
I swallow hard, pushing back the tears. "Thanks, Mom. That means a lot."
She wraps her arms around me in a warm, comforting hug. "You're a real woman, my dear. And I couldn't be more proud."
As the last of the guests trickle out, the noise of the party fades, and the house settles into a comfortable silence. It's just Hunter and me, alone in this mansion that's now 'home'.
"Hunter." I turn to him and he looks back at me, his eyes reflecting the glow of the chandelier above. "The night was perfect." I step close to him as his arms wrap around my waist, pulling me into his chest. He smells divine, a heady mix of musk and sandalwood.
His lips find mine as his hands glide up my back, pulling me tighter against him. I lose myself in him, in this moment of complete surrender to each other.
Hunter studies me, his gaze heavy with desire. "Well, it's not over yet." He smiles, a slow, sexy smirk that sends a shiver down my spine. His hands travel down to my hips, his fingers slipping beneath the hem of my dress, sending a wave of anticipation crashing through me.
He lifts me up and I wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me through our home to the master suite. He sets me on my feet and starts walking me backward, his hot eyes never leaving mine. His hands find the zipper of my dress, trailing it downwards, allowing the fabric to pool at my feet. His eyes roll over my body, taking in the sight of me in the dimly lit room.
I'm breathless as he takes me in like a work of art. I watch him as he removes his own clothes, my breath hitching as his muscular arms pop out of his button-down shirt. His hands return to me, exploring my skin.
He bends to capture my lips in another heated kiss, his hands taking firm hold of my hips as he lifts and carries me to the bed. Laying me down, he hovers over me and his eyes meet mine.
"I love you," he whispers before his lips claim mine.
29
HUNTER
Istart to explore her body with my eyes. She's my dream girl and I can't keep my hands off of her.