Page 32 of Christmas of Love

Hunter’s laughter rumbled through the air. “You could look at it as if your boss is half-dressed, you know.”

I chuckled, bringing my eyes to his. “Do you spend all your time in the gym or something?”

He reached for a sweater from the bed and pulled it over his head. “No, but when I’m stressed, I go there for an hour or so.”

“Are you stressed a lot?”

Hunter’s grin widened as he ran his fingers through his wet hair. “A few times a week.”

I stood frozen, staring at my extremely sexy boss who had a towel wrapped around his waist and a wool sweater on top.

He looked ridiculous.

And sexy.

My cheeks warmed as I stood staring, but my legs seriously stopped working.

“Okay, I’m obviously in the wrong room.” I cleared my throat and reached for the handle of my suitcase to roll away. “So, I won’t be following Purrlock around the apartment anymore.”

Hunter chuckled. “You’re blaming the cat?”

“I don’t know if I’m going to be able to look you in your eyes again,” I joked.

“Good thing I had the towel wrapped around my waist.”

I smiled. “I have a good imagination. That’s the problem, not the towel.”

Hunter laughed and shook his head. “Off to a good start. Your room is across the hall.”

I ramped down the embarrassment and scowled at Purrlock. “You know, she’s the culprit.”

Hunter’s brows rose. “You’re seriously going to blame Purrlock Holmes?”

I adjusted my backpack and pulled the suitcase out the door. To my surprise, Purrlock followed me across the hall to the real guest room.

The room was really pretty, with a bright white duvet, powder blue pillows, and a matching throw draped over the end of the bed. I pushed my suitcase into the empty closet and shrugged off my backpack as Purrlock jumped onto the bed.

“If you were truly my buddy, Purrlock, you would have clawed that towel right off him,” I teased, scratching the cat’s chin. She responded with purrs, and I smiled.

“What was that?” Hunter asked. “You need some towels?”

I spun around and crossed both arms over my chest.

“Were you eavesdropping?”

Hunter glanced at his cat. “Not intentionally. I didn’t know you were having a private conversation with her, but I’ll keep that in mind when I’m roaming my halls.”

I chuckled. “Please do.”

“But I actually came over to ask if you’ve eaten dinner. I brought some chicken wings home.”

“Chicken wings?” My stomach growled. “That’s like my favorite food.”

“Spicy?”

I nodded. “Even better.”

“I’ll throw them in the air fryer, and they should crisp right up.”

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