Page 14 of Chasing Sunrise

“Hunter Kase is all you’ve ever cared about, isn’t it? For two years you let me believe you cared for me. I feel like a fool.”

“I do care about you. Always have.”

“Right. It’s evident in the way you made certain the world would see you dumping me for my brother.”

“For some reason, I thought you’d understand.”

Dumbstruck, he stared at her.

“Our ratings were the weakest they’ve ever been last season. I had to find a way to boost them.”

He humorlessly laughed.

“I need to know you’ll honor your contract.”

“Why don’t you get Ethan to do the rest of the episodes? He replaced me easily enough in your life.”

“This thing with Ethan just happened.”

“Sure, it did.” He rolled his eyes. “Harper, I understand you’re my boss, but right now I need space and time to pull the knife from my back.”

She began crying.

He glanced at the glowing half-moon. The moon phase tonight was the same as it’d been two years ago while shooting in Siberia when he’d gone for a thirty-second dip in the icy waters of Lake Baikal. He shivered at the memory.

She finally sniffed. “You’re in breach of your contract.”

“Sue me. I’m good with that.”

“You have to come back by Monday. The schedule for the next two weeks is already set up. Too many people rely on you for their paychecks, and we both know you won’t let them down.”

She was right. This wasn’t just about him. “I’ll be back in time for filming, but I really do need to schedule some time off.”

“Thank you.” She used her fingers to dry her cheeks. “I’ll work in time off for you. I promise.”

“And when I’m off, I’m completely off. No media, no promotion, no contact from you or the network.”

He knew she’d bite the inside of her lip before she did so. They’d been working together four years and dating two of those. He knew her well, or at least he thought he did. Yesterday, she’d proved he didn’t.

“Okay, I’ll make it happen,” she replied.

“I saw you come in with my brothers. Where’s Ethan?”

“At your parents’ house. Evidently, you haven’t told them what happened.”

“Hadn’t even told them I would be in town. I thought I’d go by once my flight landed, but my layover was delayed so I came straight here.”

“Well, when Ethan and I showed up together your parents began asking questions. He thought it best to explain everything without me. He sent me here with Bennet, and Darcy met us here.”

Good, one less thing for him to worry about. “Where’s your limo?” he asked. She always employed one.

She motioned toward a black Escalade. A uniformed driver stood beside the passenger door.

“See you Monday.” She walked to the car and slid inside.

His brothers were waiting at the entrance when he returned. “What’s going on?” Darcy still wore his police uniform.

“Ethan’s telling the story at Mom and Dad’s. Why don’t you go find out?”

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