Page 36 of Bargain with the Bachelor
Aiden blushed deeply—something thathadn’tchanged since school. “Oh, no problem. We’re all glad you’re here.”
“Yeah. Especially Hunter,” Josh said and giggled like a little boy.
Paul sneezed. “Speak of the devil…”
I turned to see Hunter enter the room. He wore jeans and a polo today, somehow managing to make the casual attire look even more dashing than the button down and dress pants he’d been wearing at the restaurant.
He didn’t appear to have noticed me yet, but every cell in my body came to full attention at his presence. He radiated energy, confidence, and a charisma that seemed to increase the wattage of the lights in the room.
Walking over to Reid, Hunter reassured him about the makeup thing then spoke quietly with Hap before going to the long dining table. He picked up a greasy takeout bag, peered inside, and snorted in disgust.
“Whose is this?” He held it up. “Guys—come on. Don’t eat this garbage. I made egg-white omelets and Kodiak waffles with kale-mango-chia smoothies.”
“Sorry, Doc,” Tucker called out. “But if I’m gonna be dragged out of my bed and forced to be awake this early… there’s gonna be some bacon and cheese involved.”
There were laughs throughout the room, and all the guys, Tucker included, got up and moved toward the kitchen.
“He nags us like a mother, but heisa good cook.” He winked. “We like to give him a hard time.”
“Whatexactlyis in that shake?” Paul asked as he passed Hunter. “I want to make sure I’m not allergic.”
“You’re cool, man,” Hunter assured him with a hand on his shoulder. “A hundred percent allergen-free.”
When the other guys had all disappeared into the kitchen, Hunter finally turned to me.
My belly flipped as those unbelievable turquoise eyes met mine, zeroing in with a concentration that seemed to penetrate down to my soul.
“Welcome home,” he said with a warm smile and walked toward me. He had this relaxed and easy way of moving, which probably should have setmeat ease.
Instead, the closer he got, the more my nerves vibrated. By the time he reached me, I was a jittery mess.
“Yes, well, it’s just temporary—but thanks. Where should I put my stuff?”
“The movers have already put your boxes in your suite upstairs.” He reached for my suitcase and overnight bag. “I’ll take those. Follow me. I’ll show you the way.”
We walked toward a staircase lined on one side with rich, walnut paneling and a highly detailed hand-carved wooden balustrade on the other. A window wall of stained glass lit the landing and reflected kaleidoscope colors onto the shiny wood flooring.
“I’m staying in this unit?” I asked, trailing him up the stairs. “Whose is it?”
Without turning back, he said, “It’s mine. It’s the largest and has several bedroom suites. I hope you’ll like yours.”
Oh. Wow.I released a long, shaky breath, willing my nerves to settle. “I’m sure it’ll be great.”
Following him into my suite, I took in the large bed, the low dresser, and the cozy sitting area in front of floor-to-ceiling ocean-facing windows, which featured a long, padded window seat.
The room smelled fresh, like new carpeting, and looked like it had been torn from the pages of a home decorating magazine.
The size of it amazed me. Apparently, the guest rooms in this place were the size of a typical master suite. And the view was incredible. I was instantly drawn to the wall of windows and walked over to look outside.
“This is beautiful. Even nicer than the room I moved out of at home.” I turned to Hunter. “Thank you.”
He was beaming. “I’m glad you like it. I want you to be comfortable and feel at home here. As I said, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like. Anything you need here, just let me know.”
Something about the tone of his voice worried me. He sounded… proud, almost proprietary. I really hoped he wasn’t attempting to pick up where my father had left off and trying to take care of me.
Though, admittedly, I wasn’t in the best financial state, I didn’t want his pity, and Icertainlydidn’t want Hunter to view himself as my guardian or caretaker. I’d never allow myself to be in that childlike position again. I was no one’s responsibility but my own.
To make sure Hunter understood that, I said, “Thank you, but asIsaid, it will only be for a few weeks—just until I can save enough money to find a place of my own.”
