Page 12 of Tempting Hunter
“You still love her?” Cooper asked.
“Never stopped. What I went through would test the strongest person, and like I said, I couldn’t put her through that, not knowing whether I’d recover and to what extent. There’s more, but it’s something she and I have to work out.” He hoped it would be soon because fatigue and sleepless nights did not go well together. “Now, if this damn inquisition is over, can y’all take your asses home so I can sleep? I’m tired as hell.”
“Why didn’t you say something?” Dominic asked.
Hunter snorted. “Like you would’ve listened.”
He laughed as he came to his feet. “You’re right. I wouldn’t have.” He turned serious. “If you need anything, let one of us know. Well, maybe except Cooper, since he doesn’t tell anybody’s shit.”
Cooper glared. “Shut the hell up, Dom. Aren’t we leaving?”
Hunter just shook his head. It was never a dull moment with the Prescott clan.
After they finally left, Hunter thought about tomorrow’s meeting. He toyed with sending Michaela a text to see if she had any questions or concerns, but decided against it. Instead he headed for the shower, then bed.
He woke up Tuesday morning feeling better. He’d been trying to ditch the cane, but the weakness showed up randomly and other than going short distances, he still didn’t trust that his body wouldn’t betray him.
Hunter mentally went over how he planned to handle things if Tom McFarland proved to be difficult. He didn’t know the man well, but had heard that he enjoyed throwing his weight around and thought more highly of himself than he should due to his position on the board. He also knew from Granddad’s letter that Tom wanted his daughter to do the mural and would try to get the board to reverse its decision. But he’d done a little research on his own and found out a few interesting pieces of information that he would share, if necessary. The man might be used to getting his way, but today, it wouldn’t be happening. And if he directed one negative comment toward Michaela, Hunter would rip him to shreds.
With his game plan firmly set, he met up with Cooper for a late breakfast.
“Are you sure you’re good, bruh?” Cooper asked.
“Yeah, but having to take naps like I’m a damn two-year old has gotten really old.”
“And Michaela? I know you said you still love her, but do you think the two of you will get back together?”
“I honestly don’t know.” Hunter placed his fork on his plate. “We still have to clear the air about the way I left and why first. Enough about me. What’s going on that you’re still here? Is Dad still hassling you about joining the company?”
“You know he’s probably never going to let that shit go, but right now, I’m just working on what Granddad asked me to do with restoring a house. After that, we’ll see.”
“Do what makes you happy, Coop.” All the brothers had been supportive of his choice not to work for the company and make his own mark, and they would continue to have Cooper’s back.
“As soon as you do it your damn self,” Cooper threw out without looking up from cutting his pancakes.
Laughing, he could only nod. Having Michaela back in his life would make him happy, but he hadn’t seen or felt happy in over a year, and didn’t think that would change any time soon.
They continued eating, then Cooper asked, “How long are you staying?”
“At least a couple more days. Michaela and I are meeting with the hospital board this afternoon about the mural Granddad wants painted in the new wing.”
Cooper chuckled.
“What?”
“You have to work with the woman you ghosted—and who probably hates your guts—for the next however many weeks. That’s some cold shit.”
“Yeah.” On some level Hunter agreed with his brother. Michaela still didn’t get that he’d done it for her because he knew how she felt about certain things. He didn’t know if she would ever understand. If she didn’t, he’d lose her for good. They finished their meal and went their separate ways.
Later, Hunter arrived ten minutes before the scheduled three o’clock meeting. He made a mental note to ask Michaela about her work schedule and whether she planned to take off while painting or fit it into her schedule. The latter would mean the project could take much longer. He saw Michaela enter the building and stood. His gaze made a lingering path down her body and back up. The red skirt suit molded to her curves and his hands itched to caress them. After holding her in his arms last week, he wanted nothing more than to do it all over again. This time minus the tears.
“Hunter,” Michaela said by way of greeting.
“How are you?”
“Okay.”
He noticed she would barely look at him and opened his mouth to tell her that everything would be alright, but stopped when he saw two of the board members.
