Considering the amount of crying I’d done afterI’d walkedout of Hunter’s room earlier, my eyes only had a small amount of the redness and puffinessthatI usually had after tears.I squeezed in a couple of eye dropsthat I’dbought with my colored contact lenses, and they felt much better.
Satisfied that my disguise was sufficient to hide Jane andyetsimple enough that Memphis didn’t look like a lady of the night, Icrossed my roomto my wardrobe.
I chose a pair of white jeans that I rolled up at the cuff to show off a pair of stylish caramel four-inch heels.I matched the stilettos with a similar-colored knitted top that tended to slip off my shoulderall the time.I switched to a strapless bra to solve that little dilemma because although it was annoying, the off-the-shoulder thing was kind of sexy, but showing one bra strap was not.
At my jewelry collection, I scrounged through the bits and pieces and decided on a chunky set of long-string fake pearls and pearl-drop earrings.
I stood before the mirror. Although I didn’t look like Jane, I didn’t look like Memphis either. But I did like what I saw. The woman in the mirror was confident and sexy and about to go on a breakfast date. My stomach fluttered at the thought of Hunter waiting for me.
I grabbed my phone and purse and headed out the door.
As I crossed the marble lobby expanse, Needledick looked up from the reception desk.
I was a second away from saying hello when I realized I was Memphis, so I put my head down and increased my pace. It wasn’t until I was out in the sunshine that I let out the breath I’d been holding.
Trying to calm my racing heart, I slipped my sunglasses on and walked along the paththat ranparallel to the beach. The Blue Haven Café was the one Lolita and I went to every Tuesday after our morning workout, and we knew all the staff there.
Thiswill be yet another test of my disguise.
Hunter was seated at one of the outside tables, looking every bit as sexy as he had naked. He wore a simple white Polo with acouple ofbuttons undone at his neck.His blond hair was tousledin a messy, wavy stylethat hada few bangs falling near his eyes, and he wore sunglasses that looked as if they’d been made especially for him.
His jawactuallydropped as I approached, and my heart galloped at his cute reaction. He stood and pulled out a chair. When I reached him, he leaned in to kiss me, and I smelled lovely aromas of cologne, soap, and masculine man.
I sat, and as he sat opposite me, he smiled. “That’s twice this morning you’ve surprised me, Memphis.” He kept his sunglasses on, so I did, too.
I cocked my head.If he wanted surprises, I sure could give him one.“Twice?”
“Yes. I didn’t expect you to come to breakfast with me. Just like I didn’t expect to see you upstairs.”
“I like to keep my men guessing.”Oh, God.I inwardly cringed at my stupid comment.
But to my delight, Hunter laughed and then raised his eyebrows. “Is that right? I’ll keep it in mind.”
He picked up a menu. “Shall we order?”
I didn’t need the menu; I knew exactly what I was having. But in keeping with my persona, I pretended to scan the breakfast selection. All the while, hidden behind my glasses, I stared at the sexy man opposite. The sun caught on his wavy hair, highlighting touches of brandy amidst the blond.His teeth were perfect, andevery once in a while,he ran his tongue over his lips.I wondered if he knew I was watching and if he was licking his lips for my benefit. Not that I was complaining.
Matt, the painfully dour waiter, arrived at our table with a bottle of water and two glasses. “Are you ready to order?” His enthusiasm was non-existent.
“After you,” Hunter said.
“Hi, Matt. I’ll have savory mince on toast and a large cappuccino, please.”
Mattcrinkledhis nose at me, but I ignored him. He was prone to acting weird.
But when Hunter also looked at me a little strangely, I wondered ifit wasmy choice of mealthatcaused that reaction.Oh shit! I called the waiter by his name.
I inwardly cringed, and as Hunter placed his order, my mind raced over how I’d explain that screw-up.
The waiter left, and Hunter leaned back on his chair. “You’ve been here before?”
I nodded. “A few times. So, tell me, how did you go with introducing your chocolates to Queensland?” I diverted the conversation away from me.
“Not too bad, actually.” He sat forward and steepled his fingers together. “I’ve secured half a dozen restaurants, and a few cafés are interested.”
“Oh, that’s excellent. Is that why you’re back?”
“It is.” He tilted his head. “And I’d hoped to bump into you again.”