Page 88 of Bargain with the Bachelor
It shouldn’t matter. Ishouldstill leave, to prove to myself I could make it on my own, that I was more than just the pampered daughter of a rich man.
Still… I had to ask.
Hope bubbled up inside me as I took one last chance.
“Hunter… tell me where you went that night… after that kiss in my room. What happened? Why did you shut me out afterward? If putting a wedge between you and the other guys wasn’t the real issue… what was?”
Wariness filled the spectacular turquoise eyes that had always fascinated me.
Before he even opened his mouth, I knew Hunter was going to deny me the truth I wanted. The truth Ineeded. The bubbles popped, leaving me deflated.
“It doesn’t matter. That’s the past. I want to leave it in the past. You’re my future. Isn’t it enough that I love you—that I’ve loved you my whole life?”
His words tore my heart into a million pieces. But I’d learned words werenotenough. It was actions that counted.
I’d spent too many years of my childhood and youth hearing the empty ring of “I love you,” longing for the man I loved to spend time with me while he chased money and success.
I wouldn’t—wouldnot—replay the same heartbreak in my adult life. Or do that to my future children.
Tears stung my eyes. I had to blink them away before responding in a choked voice.
“Thank you. Thank you for saying that. I’m honored, truly. But I have to go. It’s for the best—for both of us. One day you’ll meet someone you can truly give yourself to, and you’ll understand.”
Hunter’s dark brows lowered.
“Oh, I understand. I understand that I love you, and you’re leaving anyway. Because I’m not good enough for you. No matter how many billions I make, how many titans of industry I have kissing up to me, I’m not in your class. I thought if I worked hard and long enough and made something of my life, I’d finally be worthy of you, but it was all pointless. I was born into the wrong family, to the wrong man. There’s nothing I can do to change that. So you’re right, youshouldgo.”
My throat closed, and I choked on sobs.
“It’s not about social class or money. I never cared about who your family was. I never cared where you lived or what you drove. Don’t you see? All I’ve ever cared about is the person you are inside, therealyou.”
“All I see is that you’re forcing me to live the rest of my life without you. I see that you’re giving me no choice in the matter. So go on, go be happy with Larson Overstreet of the ‘Manhattan Overstreets.’ I wouldn’t want you to lower yourself by slumming with me anyway. And don’t worry. I won’t be bothering you anymore.”
He turned to stalk back into the house. As he reached the door, Bonnie opened it, wearing a big smile.
“Who’s up for a game of Scrabble?”
“I’m through with games,” Hunter growled. “Ask Kristal—she loves them.”
At Bonnie’s astonished look, I said, “I told him I’m leaving. Would you mind giving me a ride to my friend Cinda’s house?”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Just Like My Father
Hunter—two months later
Hap entered the darkened and mostly deserted home theater of the Billionaire Bachelor House, holding a plate full of appetizers and wearing a huge smile.
“There you are, man,” he said, locating me in a seat near the back of the room and taking the plush chair next to me.
“Have you tasted these yet?”
He held the plate out, displaying an array of savory smelling finger foods. “You are a genius for hiring Rachel. I swear, she’s got some kind of magical abilities when it comes to food. Not bad looking, either.”
“I’m not hungry.”
Once again I directed my gaze toward the enormous video screen where footage from the pilot of Tech House played for any wrap party guests who wanted to watch.
