Part of her was just really, really mentally done with the entire thing.
So she’d taken a few days off. She’d baked delicious treats for the cleaning staff, who were delighted at her efforts. She’d reorganized the kitchen and tested out new recipes. She’d made scrumptious dinners for Hunter and even baked cookies for Eldon. She didn’t write a lick. When she wasn’t puttering in the kitchen, she spent her time with Hunter, watching movies in his personal screening room, working out together, or learning the basics of how to cultivate roses.
This week, she was happier than she’d been in a long time. She should have been miserable, but being around Hunter soothed that part of her. He made it okay.
And he didn’t mind that she might have to spend a few more weeks at his house.
It didn’t fix the issue with her apartment, of course. Audrey had called her and had forwarded the rent money to her account so her check would clear, but next month’s rent was coming up fast and she still had no plans. Nor had the check for the new project arrived.
She was fucked. And she didn’t care. Which was weird.
Tonight’s party would either make things worse or better she thought as she surveyed the dining room. Buchanan Manor had a formal dining room with dual crystal chandeliers, wood paneling, and pastoral paintings that she was pretty sure cost a small fortune. It boasted a long, narrow table that could seat twenty and looked like something out of an old-fashioned movie. Soft classical music was piped in through the house’s speaker system. Fresh roses from Hunter’s greenhouse adorned the table.
Her guests would be impressed.
Hunter seemed on edge. He was dressed in a crisp designer suit with a pinstriped navy tie and navy shirt. He looked like a dark god, right down to his hair that fell rakishly over his forehead.
Gretchen set out the appetizers and eyed the wine selection. “What time did we ask everyone to get here?”
Hunter shrugged. “It shouldn’t matter. It’s just a gathering of friends.” The words sounded curiously flat.
“Poor baby. Are you nervous?” Gretchen moved to his side and pretended to straighten his tie, all to give herself an excuse to put her hands on him. “You shouldn’t be. You look amazing.”
His gaze smoldered as he glanced at her. “You’re the one no one will be able to take their eyes off of.”
“Flatterer.” She grinned and adjusted one of the tight sleeves of her black cocktail dress. She’d ordered it online at Hunter’s insistence and had it overnighted. The dress was a cute, low-cut number designed to show off her curves. The body of the dress was form fitting, and the skirt tightening at her knees. She’d worn a white rose in her hair just to set it off and to please Hunter. “With that glib tongue, I think you’ll do just fine at this party tonight.”
He gave her a quelling look. “Not so sure about that. You know I don’t entertain.”
“Not even your friends?”
He looked uncomfortable again. “I’ve never invited them here.”
Really? That was surprising. She knew he kept himself remote from others; she just had no idea how remote. “Well, I?
?m here tonight. You let me handle everything.” And she leaned in and gave him a grazing kiss on the mouth.
He grasped her and turned the kiss into something deeper, darker, and far more passionate. She moaned in response, making soft noises of pleasure when his tongue thrust into her mouth with searing ownership.
Someone clapped mockingly behind them. “Dinner and a show. You really know how to treat your guests, Hunter.”
Gretchen gasped and turned around, whirling out of Hunter’s arms. A man stood behind them in the doorway, dressed in a casual sports jacket, his collar open. He was handsome in a rakish, too-slick sort of way that she’d always despised. And he was assessing her with a speculative gaze that made her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
At her side, Hunter had gone stiff, and she glanced over at him, expecting to see a sharp scowl. But there was none. He just looked . . . resigned.
His hand went to her waist. “Come. Let me introduce you to Reese.”
They crossed the dining room, and Gretchen kept a hostess smile pinned on her face even as she extended her hand to him. “You’re our first guest,” she said cheerfully. “You must be one of Hunter’s friends.”
“I am. You must be Hunter’s new ladylove.” He gave her an approving smile and then lifted her hand to his mouth. “I applaud his taste.”
“Thanks.”
“I do hope Hunter doesn’t monopolize you the entire evening,” Reese said, giving her his best seductive look.
She pulled her hand out of his with a little grimace. “Cool your jets, lover boy. I’m not into dual penetration.”
He looked startled, then laughed, glancing at Hunter. “I see why you like her.”