Just as I’m about to grab something, Hunter calls me into his office. I quickly make my way over, then enter his office to find him alone.
“I was about to grab some lunch.”
“Why were you hugging Josh?” he questions but doesn’t look my way.
“Uh, because that’s what you do when saying goodbye to a friend. You never mentioned he was leaving?”
“Not all work matters can be discussed, Alexandra. Some need to remain confidential.”
“Fine,” I snap. “Is that what you called me in for? To get jealous over some guy I’ve never had sex with?”
Hunter lifts his gaze in line with mine but follows with sighing dejectedly. “I’m sorry, and that’s not why I called you in. I wanted to take you out to lunch.”
The door is still open, so I keep my voice low. “Do you think it’s a good idea?”
“I take Meredith out all the time.”
“Well then,” I muse, “lunch it is.”
There is no opportunity to do or say anything inappropriate. The elevator was full to the lobby. The sidewalk was bustling with people. Hunter chose a restaurant a block from the office, but it was also busy, with almost every seat taken.
We ordered quickly, which resulted in the food arriving nice and hot. Our conversations mainly centered around work and all the things Hunter needed me to do.
“You know, I can’t stay your assistant forever.”
Hunter parts his lips slightly. “Why not?”
“It’s not my forever job.”
“What is your forever job?”
“I don’t know yet,” I answer openly. “When I was a kid, I wanted to be a doctor.”
The moment it comes out, something stirs inside of me. I still remember the night of the party when the guy almost drowned and how saving his life was something I’d never experienced before.
“You need to go to college for that.”
“I’m well aware of that.”
“Then, tell me. Why didn’t you go to college? From what you’ve told me about your sisters, all of them have quite impressive careers.”
“It wasn’t right for me at the time.”
He finishes the remains of his drink, waiting for me to respond. “And now?”
“I haven’t thought about it much,” I admit, wiping the corner of my mouth with the napkin. “I’ve been occupied, in case you haven’t noticed.”
“Oh …” Hunter grins with dancing eyes. “I’ve noticed, but if we’re being honest here, it’s been three whole days since I’ve been inside you.”
My eyes widen in disbelief. Did he just say that out loud? Anyone could have heard. My cheeks flush as the temperature inside the restaurant rises.
“What if someone heard you?” I whisper.
Hunter removes his credit card, handing it to the server, who takes it, then returns with it soon after.
“Shall we leave in case anyone hears about all the things I’m going to do to you tonight?” he teases.
I hold back from slapping his arm, and instead exit the restaurant with the right mind to give him a good blasting once no one can listen. Just as I’m about to open my mouth, my eyes fall upon a familiar face walking toward me.