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She d made a feast for their guests delicate pastries, savory appetizers, and a light salad. For the
main course, she d gone with an easy favorite pasta and had made a few different things for
dessert to show off her skills. The entire day had been spent in kitchen-bliss, as she d worked on one
dish after another.
Why she couldn t transfer some of that happy peace to her writing, she didn t know. She hadn t
worked on her manuscript notes ever since she d lost her file. Part of her kept hoping that she d hear
that they were able to recover the data.
Part of her was just really, really mentally done with the entire thing.
So she d taken a few days off. She d baked delicious treats for the cleaning staff, who were
delighted at her efforts. She d reorganized the kitchen and tested out new recipes. She d made
scrumptious dinners for Hunter and even baked cookies for Eldon. She didn t write a lick. When she
wasn t puttering in the kitchen, she spent her time with Hunter, watching movies in his personal
screening room, working out together, or learning the basics of how to cultivate roses.
This week, she was happier than she d been in a long time. She should have been miserable, but
being around Hunter soothed that part of her. He made it okay.
And he didn t mind that she might have to spend a few more weeks at his house.
It didn t fix the issue with her apartment, of course. Audrey had called her and had forwarded the
rent money to her account so her check would clear, but next month s rent was coming up fast and she
still had no plans. Nor had the check for the new project arrived.
She was fucked. And she didn t care. Which was weird.
Tonight s party would either make things worse or better she thought as she surveyed the dining
room. Buchanan Manor had a formal dining room with dual crystal chandeliers, wood paneling, and
pastoral paintings that she was pretty sure cost a small fortune. It boasted a long, narrow table that
could seat twenty and looked like something out of an old-fashioned movie. Soft classical music was
piped in through the house s speaker system. Fresh roses from Hunter s greenhouse adorned the table.
Her guests would be impressed.
Hunter seemed on edge. He was dressed in a crisp designer suit with a pinstriped navy tie and
navy shirt. He looked like a dark god, right down to his hair that fell rakishly over his forehead.
Gretchen set out the appetizers and eyed the wine selection.  What time did we ask everyone to get
here?
Hunter shrugged.  It shouldn t matter. It s just a gathering of friends. The words sounded curiously
flat.
 Poor baby. Are you nervous? Gretchen moved to his side and pretended to straighten his tie, all
to give herself an excuse to put her hands on him.  You shouldn t be. You look amazing.
His gaze smoldered as he glanced at her.  You re the one no one will be able to take their eyes off
of.
 Flatterer. She grinned and adjusted one of the tight sleeves of her black cocktail dress. She d
ordered it online at Hunter s insistence and had it overnighted. The dress was a cute, low-cut number
designed to show off her curves. The body of the dress was form fitting, and the skirt tightening at her
knees. She d worn a white rose in her hair just to set it off and to please Hunter.  With that glib
tongue, I think you ll do just fine at this party tonight.
He gave her a quelling look.  Not so sure about that. You know I don t entertain.
 Not even your friends?
He looked uncomfortable again.  I ve never invited them here.
Really? That was surprising. She knew he kept himself remote from others; she just had no idea
how remote.  Well, I m here tonight. You let me handle everything. And she leaned in and gave him
a grazing kiss on the mouth.
He grasped her and turned the kiss into something deeper, darker, and far more passionate. She
moaned in response, making soft noises of pleasure when his tongue thrust into her mouth with searing
ownership.
Someone clapped mockingly behind them.  Dinner and a show. You really know how to treat your
guests, Hunter.
Gretchen gasped and turned around, whirling out of Hunter s arms. A man stood behind them in the
doorway, dressed in a casual sports jacket, his collar open. He was handsome in a rakish, too-slick
sort of way that she d always despised. And he was assessing her with a speculative gaze that made
her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
At her side, Hunter had gone stiff, and she glanced over at him, expecting to see a sharp scowl. But
there was none. He just looked . . . resigned.
His hand went to her waist.  Come. Let me introduce you to Reese.
They crossed the dining room, and Gretchen kept a hostess smile pinned on her face even as she
extended her hand to him.  You re our first guest, she said cheerfully.  You must be one of Hunter s
friends.
 I am. You must be Hunter s new ladylove. He gave her an approving smile and then lifted her
hand to his mouth.  I applaud his taste.
 Thanks.
 I do hope Hunter doesn t monopolize you the entire evening, Reese said, giving her his best
seductive look.
She pulled her hand out of his with a little grimace.  Cool your jets, lover boy. I m not into dual
penetration.
He looked startled, then laughed, glancing at Hunter.  I see why you like her.
Hunter simply gave his friend a tight smile, looking more uncomfortable by the minute. She moved
back to his side, giving him a light squeeze on the ass to distract him before drifting away to
straighten up the table again. Though she was a safe distance away, she pretended to look busy, all the
while watching Hunter furtively.
Reese was still chuckling as she drifted past and began to whisper something to Hunter. He
nodded, the uneasy look leaving his face. He began to whisper back to Reese, and the other man burst
out laughing. One of Hunter s rare smiles touched his mouth, and she relaxed a bit.
Maybe this wouldn t be as painful as she expected. Hunter really seemed on edge about having
people in his house. Still, she hoped the presence of his friends would calm him.
One by one, the guests began to arrive. She was introduced to a charming, aristocratic businessman
named Griffin, and another gentleman named Jonathan, who owned an auto business. To her surprise
and pleasure, Cade Archer showed up a short time later. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]