Page 30 of Bargain with the Bachelor
Which meant I shoulddefinitelysay no to his offer.
“If you’re sure it’s not an inconvenience, and it would really be helpful to you…”
“I’m sure,” he said instantly. Then his posture relaxed, and he graced me with that spectacular carefree smile again. “It would be a win-win.”
I pressed a fist against my stomach to quash the sudden quivery feeling. “Then I accept. And I appreciate it. Truly.”
“Don’t mention it. I can send some movers over to Cinda’s house this weekend to pick up your stuff,” he said.
“There’s not that much. Almost everything went in the auction.”
Hunter frowned. “I’ll send a small van then.”
In a brilliant flash, the smile returned. “You know of course, you’re going to get a new nickname out of this?”
“How so?” I hoped he didn’t mean it would ruin my reputation in town, though after the house auction and the repossession of my car, I wasn’t sure I had one of those left anyway.
“Well, you know my brother Jack refers to us as the Seven Dwarves.”
“He does?” I giggled. “But you’re all so tall.”
“He does indeed. Which makes you…”
I laughed again. “Snow White.”
“Exactly. So be on the lookout for wicked witches bearing apples,” he teased.
“I just hope a handsome prince doesn’t come along and catch me sleeping. The last thing I need in my life right now is the complication of a relationship. He’d probably demand a refund anyway.” I laughed. “Harry said I was a bad kisser.”
Hunter’s expression had gone rather solemn, the happy smile disappearing.
Oops.I shouldn’t have turned the conversation so heavy. This was a good night, and I had a lot to celebrate.
Reaching across the table, I covered one of Hunter’s hands lightly with mine. “Thanks for this, Hunter. I’m really grateful. You’ve always been a good guy, and I’m glad we’re friends.”
Before I could remove my fingers, Hunter flipped his hand over, squeezing mine gently inside its warmth. The unexpected contact shot darts of heat up my arm and down to the tips of my breasts.
“Harry is an idiot.” His voice was quiet and deadly serious. “And for the record… youdeservea prince. Don’t ever doubt it.”
For a second, we held searing eye contact that made my heart do a double somersault in my chest.
I hastily extracted my hand, reached for my purse, and stood.
“We should go. I don’t want to get in too late and wake up Cinda and AJ.”
Chapter Eight
The Pact
Hunter
I’m glad we’re friends.Friends. Whoopee.
The phrase echoed through my mind all the way home.
I’d offered Kristal a ride to Cinda’s house sinceno waywould I let her ride her bike through the streets this late. But she’d already called an Uber, and it was waiting for her as we’d exited the restaurant.
She seemed kind of eager to get away from me anyway.
