Page 49 of Bargain with the Bachelor
Hunter gave him a curt nod then pulled me to one side of the inn’s covered porch.
“What is this… a date?” He spat out the last word like it was a bite of rancid meat.
“No. He just asked me to show him around town.”
My answer sounded more defensive than I’d intended. I had every right to spend time with Larson Overstreet or any other man I wanted to see.
And yes, todateif I wanted to. Hunter had certainly made no claim on me.
“He was one of my customers today, and we struck up a conversation. He’s very nice.”
“Youjustmet him?” Hunter said. “So then you have no idea if he’s really nice or not. He could be a serial killer for all you know.”
“He’s a national news anchor. I highly doubt he’s a serial killer. And if I do go missing, at least you’ll know where to find him.”
“That isn’t funny,” Hunter hissed under his breath, darting his eyes toward Larson then back to me. “You can’t go.”
“What?”
I blinked a couple of times, taking a beat to make sure I’d actually heard him right.Can’t?
“Of course I can, and I will. I’ll see you later at home.”
I turned to go, but Hunter caught the sleeve of my coat. “Wait—I think we’re supposed to do some extra shooting for the show today.”
His gruff tone made it sound like he was accusing me of playing hooky on a test day.
Giving him a patient smile, I said, “And I’m sure Hap will be in raptures when I show up with a nationally known TV star. It’ll put the pilot, as he would say, ‘Over the top.’ Goodbye, Hunter. I’m going on my ‘date’ now, and I will see youlater.”
Turning away from his scowl, I walked toward the passenger side of Larson’s luxury rental car, where he stood holding the door open for me.
He wore a quizzical smile. “Everything okay?”
“Sure. Just fine. You’re not a serial killer, are you?”
Larson barked a laugh. “No.”
“Good. Then we’re fine.”
He hesitated, shooting a quick glance to where Hunter stood glowering down at us from the porch.
“It’s just that your… friend doesn’t seem too happy.”
“Hunter’s fine,” I assured him before slipping into the warm car. “He and I are like siblings. Sometimes brothers and sisters bicker.”
Clearly having overheard my intentionally loud remark, Hunter scowled and kept his eyes locked on the car until it rounded the bend out of sight.
Chapter Fourteen
Missing Lipstick
Hunter
Siblings?Had Kristal really said that? Did she really see me as a brother?
Because I didnotsee her as a sister. Never had, never would.
Watching her drive away with Larson, I took off my coat, suddenly blazing hot though the day was frigid.
