Page 82 of Bargain with the Bachelor
Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be there to see it. Some other woman would have his children, share his life, grow old with him.
For the first time since getting the news about my brand new job, I had second thoughts about leaving.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Fifth Wheel
Kristal
Of course Ihadto take the offer. There was no choice.
If the past two weeks had shown me anything, it was that I needed to get away, have a fresh start, and stand on my own two feet.
I needed to love myself enough to break my old patterns, to find out what I was capable of achieving all on my own.
And that was why accepting the position in New York had been the right thing to do. I was too susceptible to Hunter.
If I stayed in Eastport Bay, I’d constantly be tempted to go against all my newly learned life lessons and just be with him, no matter the cost.
That was ultimately what was behind my decision to go with Hunter to Jack and Bonnie’s house. I didn’t have much time left with him, and every moment in his presence was becoming more precious to me.
It had also been the reason I said “yes” to Hap earlier about doing the on-screen kiss.
All I would ever have of Hunter was memories, and God help me, I wanted just a few more of them before I packed my things and moved to New York.
As we were leaving, Hunter invited Cinda and her son to come along.
“Oh, I couldn’t impose,” Cinda said.
“I promise you wouldn’t be imposing. Their chef, Monsieur Laplume, would be thrilled out of his brilliant French mind. He loves nothing better than to cook for a crowd. And it’s a family thing—Bonnie’s sister will be there. You two are Kristal’s family, so it’s perfect.”
Cinda stood on tiptoe, kissing his cheek. “You’re just as sweet as ever. But AJ needs his nap, and I’ve got to go over this week’s schedules for the business. We’d love to do it another time though. You two go on and have fun.”
We said our goodbyes, and Hunter and I departed for Jack’s house on Oceanview Avenue, not far from the Billionaire Bachelor House. As we pulled into the drive, my stomach churned with nerves.
“Are you sure it’s okay I’m coming along?”
“Of course. They’ll be thrilled,” Hunter assured. “The more the merrier. My recluse brother has blossomed into the consummate social host since getting married.”
“Okay, I just don’t want to be a fifth wheel or something.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s a casual thing. I think Jack mentioned some neighbors might drop in as well.”
No neighbors dropped in.
In fact, when we arrived and I met Bonnie’s sister Rachel, it was apparent the dinner party had been intended as a setup for her and Hunter.
Bonnie was more than gracious about it though.
“We’re so happy you could come tonight,” she said when the two of us were alone in the kitchen after the meal. “The way Hunter’s been talking, I didn’t think there was any chance for you two. He’s been pretty down about it, actually. But he’s a different man tonight. He’s on cloud nine.”
“Really?” I asked, surprised.
“Absolutely. Since I met him, he’s always been so serious, all about work, driving himself into the ground. But with you around, he relaxes. He’s smiled and laughed more tonight than he has in all the time I’ve known him. You make a great couple.”
“Oh, we’re not a couple,” I corrected her misunderstanding.
“No?” Bonnie looked confused. “It’s just… well, Jack said Hunter’s been into you since middle school. And when you came with him tonight…”
