“Really?” I ask coyly, one eyebrow raised. “So since I was fifteen or so?”
Hunter thinks for a moment.
“How old were you when you were a freshman?”
“Fourteen,” I reply, my brows going even higher. He growls, those blue eyes flaring.
“Then since you were fourteen, baby,” he rasps. “I still remember how you came in one day after a tennis match. Your legs were long and golden, and fuck, but your breasts and ass were practically bursting from that the tiny tennis outfit.”
I giggle.
“I think I still have those tennis whites,” are my teasing words. “I’m not sure I’ll still fit into them, though. I’ve gained a few pounds since I last wore them in high school.”
Hunter puts his hand on my thigh and squeezes, making me gasp. “You’ve filled out, baby girl, and if anything, your curves are even more tantalizing. That’s a good thing. As a doctor, I’ve worked with people who are medically overweight, but that’s not you. Your breasts are lush and sexy, and fuck baby, you were beautiful in high school, but now … now you’re a fucking knockout.”
Hunter’s eyes darken as he stares at me, and the air in the room suddenly feels thick and electric, like there’s an invisible current passing between us. For a moment, I forget that we’re in a public place as I lean over and kiss him. His mouth moves over mine, slow and sensual, and I know everything Hunter just confessed was the truth. I can feel it in his touch, and in the way his hands are roaming hungrily over my breasts. But then he pulls back, momentarily dropping his forehead to mine as we take a few deep breaths to calm ourselves.
“So, how about you?” he finally manages, sitting back in his chair.
I giggle.
“What do you mean?””
“What are your goals, honey? What do you want to do with your life? I’ve just spilled my guts so it’s your turn now.”
I smile, feeling myself blush once again. How do I tell this successful doctor that I have no idea what my goals are? That right now, I’m just trying to make it day to day, month to month, while keeping a roof over my head?
I consider making up some far-fetched story, but Dr. Lindstrom’s been so honest with me about his life that I don’t want to feed him a tale that isn’t real. Instead I take a deep breath and look into his eyes.
“Right now, I’m working as an ice cream scooper at Frosty Freeze. I like it okay, but I know it isn’t a career, and it doesn’t cover the bills, so …”
I pause. Honesty is one thing, but telling him what I do to make ends meet is going too far. I can’t reveal that I moonlight as an escort with Three Hole Girls for extra cash, so I merely shrug and smile. “It’s tough,” I acknowledge. “Actually, if you know anyone who’s looking for a place to stay, let me know because I need to rent out the spare bedroom in my apartment. I’ve enjoyed having the two bedroom to myself since my old roomie moved out, but I really can’t afford it on my Frosty Freeze paycheck.”
Hunter nods, taking my hand before softly running his thumb back and forth over my knuckles.
“It must be difficult paying rent on a two bedroom apartment on an ice cream scooper’s salary.”
I shoot him a rueful smile.
“Yeah. That’s why I need to get serious about finding a new roommate, but Craigslist is too scary, and no one in my circle of friends seems to be looking.”
Hunter is thoughtful for a moment, his thumb pausing its caress.
“I can help you, honey. It’s no trouble because I have plenty, and I don’t want you to worry about affording your rent. With a small stipend, you won’t have to get a roommate if you’d rather not.”
My heart begins racing.
“Oh no,” I shake my head. “I can’t let you do that. That’s far too generous.”
The generous doctor squeezes my hand.
“It’s fine, baby girl. I’m in a position to spoil someone, and I want to spoil you. Tell you what? I’ll deposit a thousand dollars into your account every month. Would that be enough?”
A thousand dollars? Just for doing nothing?
“Oh, I can’t possibly,” I begin, but Hunter puts a finger over my lips, effectively ending the discussion.
“I want to do this for you, Dani. Besides, the money is nothing to me. I won’t miss it, but I know it will help you. You’ll be happier having your own place and I want you to be comfortable, honey. It makes me happy knowing that you’re happy.”
When Hunter puts it like that how can I possibly say no? Plus, I really could use the money because I’m never going back to Three Hole Girls now. The idea had weighed on me because I don’t want to be seeing clients while simultaneously dating Hunter, but now, I no longer have to make a choice. I’m sending my resignation email to Trish as soon as this date ends. Hesitantly, I nod.