Page 41 of Highest Bidder
“You’re doing it,” she whispers again.
I squeeze her a little tighter before she lets go. She looks up at me with her arms still wrapped tightly around my waist. A tear slides down her cheek. I catch it and wipe it away with the pad of my thumb. Leaning down, I place a soft kiss on her forehead. She leans into me, making my heart soar.
“Call me. Okay?” I’m falling hard for this girl, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. I can see what an amazing woman she is.She’s hard-working, caring, loving, and thoughtful. Anyone would be lucky to have her in their life. I'm lucky she’s giving me a chance after how much of a jerk I was to her.
She nods, pulls out of my arms, and reluctantly trudges to Jess’ car. Part of me screams to chase after her, demand to join her on that plane, and protect her from whatever unknown awaits. Instead, I wave one last time before they disappear down the road.
18
HUNTER
The clockon the dashboard slowly ticks by. Our hour-long drive is silent. Jess keeps reaching over to squeeze my hand. I know she’s here for me if I want to talk, but I have so many things bouncing around in my head. I’m afraid if I open up about one thing, they will all come flooding out. My dad is the only thing on my mind. My mom isn’t nurturing. He’s going to need someone to be there for him. Pulling out my phone, I book the first flight available to OKC. I don’t know how long he will be in the hospital, but I want to get there before he’s released. My flight leaves Orlando at five a.m. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I take a deep breath to calm myself. I know it’s not a great flight, but it will get me there first thing in the morning. Now that I have my flight booked, I text each of my bosses, letting them know I need the time off. They all reply, telling me to take as much time as I need. The advantage of having Conrad Smith as your dad is that all your auction bosses know him.
It sucks having to take so much time off back-to-back, but my dad comes first. I need to be there for him during his recovery.
Looking out the window, I focus on all the familiar mailboxes flying by. I can’t seem to get my knees to stop bouncing,and they only move faster the closer we get to home. I can’t stop thinking about everything I need to do. As soon as we pull into the driveway, I burst through the front door and whip out my luggage from my closet. I throw the first few outfits I see into my suitcase. It’s challenging not knowing how long I will be there for. I only bought a one-way flight. By the time I’m done packing for an infinite amount of time, my luggage is bursting at the seams, so I sit on it, struggling to get the zipper closed.
Collapsing onto my bed, I’m mentally exhausted. My brain calculates when I need to leave for the airport. Nickelback jumps up and lays next to me, putting his head on my chest. It warms my heart that he knows exactly what I need. He’d been sitting at my door waiting for me to stop moving around so he could lie with me. I wish he could take me to the airport.
I should ask Jess to drive because I don’t want to leave my Bronco in the parking garage. But I have to be out the door by two-thirty tomorrow morning in order to get there to check in and get through security in time for my flight. I hate to ask that of her. I know she has to work two auctions tomorrow.
My mind immediately goes to Myles. Butterflies fill my stomach, thinking about the possibility of him taking me and getting another hug. I felt like I was spiraling with all the thoughts running through my head after the call from my mom. Then he held me close, and it was like he was grounding me. The world quieted, and my mind cleared. I felt safe. His strong arms enveloping me made me feel like everything would be okay as long as I had him. I’ve never had that type of hug before. A hug has never affected me in the way that one hug from Myles did. I felt strength seep into my body as he tightened an arm around my waist and cupped the back of my head with the other. When he buried his face against the side of my head and whispered everything would be okay, comfort cloaked me like a warm bath, and I felt the stress melt away and my airways open. And withthe deep breath I inhaled, I knew my feelings for Myles had grown exponentially.
I’m scared for my dad. He’s always been there for me, and I’m not ready for that to change. The “what-if” questions are terrifying.
I hear my phone ding with a text message. Giving my fluffy companion one last head scratch and belly rub, I grab my phone off the nightstand. Myles' name flashes on the screen. As soon as I touch the green button, a rush of calm surges through my body. How can one man bring me so much peace? Every time we talk, he’s been an open book even though I can see it isn’t the easiest thing for him. He’s was so guarded around me at first. It’s nice to see a side to him that few others see. There are a lot of people who know they can depend on him if they need help, but they don't know his true personality or what he’s like outside of work.
Myles:
Hey. I’m here for you if you need me.
The first smile since being home stretches across my face. I don’t know what we are right now, but I want more. I love this version of Myles. But now I need time to sort out my feelings. I quickly type out a text before I can second-guess myself.
Hunter:
Will you take me to the airport in the morning?
Myles:
What time is your flight?
Hunter:
5 a.m.
Bringing my thumbnail to my mouth, I chew the tip. It’s inconsiderate to ask this of him. Pushing myself from the bed, Ipace the room and hold my breath, waiting for him to tell me he can’t, or worse, say yes out of pity.
Myles:
I’ll pick you up at 2:30.
My breath whooshes out of me as my shoulders relax. I’m torn between guilt and relief. Guilt wins in the end.
Hunter:
I know you have to work tomorrow, so please don’t feel obligated. It’s okay if you can’t or would rather not. I don’t want to pressure you.
Resuming to pace around the room, I tap my phone against my open palm, waiting for him to reply. The alert for an incoming text sounds immediately.
