Page 24 of Fumble

“Straight for the jugular? No, I don’t have a boyfriend. I’m not seeing anyone right now. I’m not seeing your boss.” His line of questions is inappropriate and beginning to irk me.

“Glad to hear it.” Without another word, he turns on his heels, leaving me disconcerted. Why is he so hellbent on keeping me away from Hunter? Would it be so horrific for Hunter’s public image? I shake it off, giving myself one last look-over before switching gears. I’m a professional woman. I can do this.

Awareness of Hunter’s every move makes me nervous. I wasn’t expecting the room to be empty except for the two of us. He holds out my phone, careful not to get too close.

“Here. Take this, and don’t do that to me again.”

“I didn’t think it would be that big a deal. You talk to him all the time.” Even I don’t believe what I’m saying.

“Don’t do that.”

“What?” My pulse is racing, scared that he’s going to end our game before it’s begun.

“Don’t play dumb. You and I both know that our arrangement changes everything.”

“Hunter. I don’t want to ruin your relationship with my father. If this is going to cause problems, then…” He moves toward me just as the door opens. I grab my phone, a spark of electricity flowing through my hand where our fingers connect. And just like that, I turn my attention to the eager journalist standing in the doorway.

Shit!

“James? I didn’t realize you’d be here.”

“Hi, Faith. It’s good to see you again. After Mr. Vaughn so graciously giving me an exclusive interview, the paper decided to assign me to the tour. I’m afraid you’ll be stuck with me all summer.” He turns his attention to Hunter, who looks less than enthused at his reappearance.

“Mr. Vaughn. It’s great to see you again, sir.” Hunter gives him a firm handshake before taking his seat for the afternoon. I usher James to where he can sit, an innocent touch on his shoulder to ask if he’d like a water while he’s in with us. Hunter eyes me with annoyance.

“We don’t have all day, Miss Fairchild. You can go and prepare our next journalist while I talk with my old friend, James.” I hate to say that I enjoy his display of jealousy, but I do. I know he’s torn, but this means he cares. On some level, this matters to him.

I leave them for a while, unwilling to give Hunter any further reason to push me away. When James finally comes out, he discreetly slips his business card into my hand.

“Let’s have dinner. I think you owe me one after last time.”

“Why would you even want to go on another date with me?”

“Because I like you, and I think we could have fun together without a third wheel.”

“Sounds like a plan.” A pang of guilt takes root in my gut. Is it cheating to go on a date with someone when I have a wager with Hunter? After today, I doubt he’s going to play the game with me, anyway.

Hunter appears at the door.

“When you’re done socializing, can we get back to work? I don’t want to waste my time.” His eyes pierce my chest, all form of subtlety left at the door. I turn my attention back to James.

“I better get back to it. We’ll talk soon, okay?”

“Sure.” James doesn’t dare look Hunter in the eye.

“Thanks again for the interview, Mr. Vaughn.” With a final glance in my direction, he disappears down the hall, leaving me at Hunter’s mercy.

“I didn’t realize you had multiple players in this wager of ours. I don’t share.” Something in his voice goads me.

“So, I have to share you with slutty TV hosts like Brittany Dobbs, but I can’t accept a dinner invitation?”

“This is neither the time nor the place for this discussion. Go and do your job. We’ll talk about this tonight.”

“You’re flying to San Francisco tonight… sir.”

“And you’re coming with me. End of discussion.” I’m dumbstruck, enraged, and turned on all at once. He might be my boss, but he doesn’t have the right to demand my presence. And yet, isn’t this exactly what I’ve asked him for?

Everything about Hunter is confusing. The way he reacts to me. The way I react to him. The undeniable chemistry between us when we barely know each other. I want to be mad at him for accepting a wager of my virginity, but I’m responsible for pushing him to agree to my idea. This summer wasn’t supposed to be complicated. I was going to have a few laughs, dates, and some sex, nothing emotional or involved. Maybe I should be less concerned with Hunter backing out on me. I should be the one ending this before I do something I regret and end up head over heels for a man I couldn’t possibly have a real relationship with.

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