Page 104 of Tame Me

He was everything I wanted in a man and so much more.

My doodling pen created a love heart on the page, and feeling like a giddy teenager, I wrote, I love Hunter beneath the drawing.

Then, for a bit of fun, I wrote to Mrs. Jane McCall.

“Hi, I’m Mrs. Jane McCall.” I chuckled.

Those words sounded so good. No . . . they sounded absolutely perfect. Giggling, I practiced writing the name, pretending it was my new signature.

Again, the elevator dinged, and I pushed the diary aside to greet the guests. The Universe was against me, and each time I began writing in the diary, another distraction interrupted my process. At one point, I had four groups of people lined up.

It was busy, but I was grateful for the distraction. With how exhausted I felt, I’d be just as likely to fall asleep at my desk if I wasn’t careful. I went through the motions of checking people out and as I smiled up at the waiting crowd and apologized for the delay, the elevator dinged again, and there he was . . . Hunter McCall.

I had to remind myself I was Jane Nichols, hotel manager, but as he waited in line, my fluttering heart couldn’t decipher the difference.

Finally, it was his turn to step up to the counter and I hoped like hell he didn’t recognize me.

“Good morning. How can I help you?”

“Checking out of room forty-eight.” He passed his room card across the countertop, and when I reached for it, his eyes focused on my fingers.

He clutched my hand. A wave of confusion distorted his beautiful features. His eyes darkened.

I tried to tug my hand free. Oh faarrkkk!

My pretty Christmas nails had blown my disguise!

I covered my mouth. My heart thumped. I could barely breathe.

I couldn’t think.

“Memphis? Or is it Jane?”

My names spat off his tongue as his eyes bounced from my name badge to my face.

“What the fuck is this? Some kind of joke?”

“Hunter, please let me explain.”

“Explain what? Who are you?”

“I’m Jane, but I . . . I?—”

“You what? Fucking liar.” He stepped forward and leaned toward me with his lips twisted to a nasty scowl.

Tears stung my eyes. My chin dimpled. I shook my head. “I’m so sorry. I tried to tell you.”

“When? The first time? The second time? How about the fourth time we were together?” He shook his head, and when he stiffened and leaned closer, my heart exploded.

Hunter launched over the counter, and we both dived for my diary.

But I was too slow. The book was ripped from my fingers.

“Hunter extraordinaire! What the fuck’s this? A diary of your conquests?” He flicked through the pages. “Am I just a number to you?”

“No, Hunter, you’re not.” Tears spilled down my cheeks. “I’m sorry. Please let me explain.”

“Why would I believe you? You’ve been lying to me since the day we met.” The hurt in his eyes cut deep. With my diary clutched in his hand, he grabbed the handle of his suitcase and stormed away.

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