Page 3 of Finding Chloe

I extracted myself from Hunter’s hold, but he didn’t let me go far. His arm banded around my hip, holding me close to him.

“I’m Chloe. Hunter’s date for tonight,” I addressed Katherine before turning back to Hunter. “I’m sorry I’m late. I saw you ride, but then I had to take a call.”

“It’s okay, kitten. You’re here now. That’s all that matters.” He brushed his lips along my cheekbone, and heat seared my ears. “Excuse us, Kat. I want to introduce Chloe to a few people.” Hunter’s fingers gripped my side as he steered us in the opposite direction.

When we were a safe distance away, he let out a huge sigh, and the tension in his shoulders eased with each step.

“Thank you,” he said, holding my gaze.

“No problem.” I smiled. “It looked like you could use an out and maybe a drink.”

His eyes darkened, turning a stormy gray. “That was exactly what I needed. That’ll teach me not to get involved with another rider. You can’t avoid them very well when they are at every show.”

“One reason I refuse to date any of my classmates.”

“You’re still in school?” Hunter cocked his head.

“I’m just finishing my master’s at NYU. I graduate in December.”

“That’s impressive. I never went to college.” Hunter’s mouth twisted with what could have been regret.

“Really? Why not?”

“I was recruited to a riding team right after high school graduation.”

“Nowthat’simpressive.”

He shrugged. I enjoyed his modesty. I knew enough about the riding world to know that getting recruited that young was a huge accomplishment.

“Are you regretting your decision after having to fend off unwanted advances from needy women?” I teased, and Hunter’s face broke into a grin.

“Every now and then I think about what could’ve been if I’d gone to college, but I don’t regret my decision right at this moment.” Hunter lifted his hand and brushed a stray lock of hair that had fallen from my braid. “I wouldn’t have met you.”

Swoon.

“I bet you say that to all the girls.” My cheeks burned from his words. I glanced around the room. His intensity was too much for me.

His thumb and forefinger lifted my chin and forced me to meet his eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever said that to anyone else.” This time, the heat spread all the way to my ears.

I swallowed hard.

“Tell me about yourself, Chloe.” His thumb brushed against my bottom lip, and I shivered at the light touch. When he let go, disappointment surged through me.

I cleared my throat. “Oh, there isn’t much else to say. I’m in New York for college, but after I graduate, I have no idea where I’ll be in the next year.” I gave a small chuckle. “My past will only bore you to tears.” What accomplished guy like him would want to hear about my small-town life? The most exciting thing was the neighbor’s cows getting out and creating havoc around the neighborhood.

“That can’t be true. I want to know everything about you.” Hunter stepped closer. The heat of his body seeped into mine,making me want to clutch the front of his shirt to stay upright. “I want to know all about the woman who saved me tonight.” A genuine smile stretched across his face.

I lightly shoved at his chest. “That’s me. Saving men from clingy women.”

“How about we make this more fun? Let’s play twenty questions.” Hunter’s eyes grew dark. Why did I have a feeling things were going to get personal by question two? And why was I looking forward to it?

Goosebumps spread like wildfire across my skin. “Okay. Sure.”

“Ladies first.”

I started with a basic question. “Where are you from?”

“Born and raised in Richmond, Kentucky. My turn.” He licked his lower lip and pulled it between his teeth. Heat shot to my core.

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