Chapter 6
Two weeks had passed since Michaela’s conversation with Hunter. She was almost finished with her murals and she couldn’t wait for everyone to see them at the unveiling scheduled in two weeks. This was also her last week of vacation and if she were being honest, she’d admit to not missing her job at all. Come to think of it, it hadn’t crossed her mind once and she wondered if it might be time for a career move, after all. As nervous as she felt about just outright quitting her job, she’d had him call and set up the meeting with Monte’s wife.
When they arrived at the airport for their early Saturday morning flight, it surprised her to see Hunter request the wheelchair, and she could tell by the tightness of his jaw that he was uncomfortable with her seeing him this way. She imagined having to rush across an airport would be tiring for him. “Ready?”
He whipped his head around and stared up at her. “What are you doing?”
“Getting ready to give you the ride of your life,” she said and tossed him a bold wink. “I can make it fast or…,” She leaned down close to his ear and whispered seductively, “I can take itrealslow.”
Desire flared in his eyes. “Be careful or I’m going to be the one takingyoufastandslow.”
And I’d let you. Right here. Right now.Heat spread through her body. Michaela didn’t say anything. She concentrated on getting them through the TSA checkpoint and to the gate without finding a spot to let him do exactly as he’d said.
Without any delays, they made it to LA around noon, rented a car and drove to his house. Michaela could see that the flight had taken a lot out of Hunter as he slowly climbed the stairs and trudged down the hallway to the master bedroom. She sat on the bed and patted the space next to her.
Hunter came and joined her. “Nervous?”
“A little. But you’ll be with me, so I’ll be okay. Right now, you need to rest. You don’t have to pretend with me, Hunter,” she added when he started to protest. She leaned her head against his shoulder. “You’re tired, baby. We have a good five hours before we have to leave, so there’s plenty of time.”
He placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “I know. It’s just frustrating.”
“It won’t be like this always. You’re getting stronger every day and needing that cane less and less.” She knew he didn’t like showing his weaknesses, especially in front of her. “Pretty soon, you’re going to be running marathons without breaking a sweat.”
Grinning, he said, “Thank you.” He kicked off his shoes and stretched out across the bed, face down. “I only need a couple of hours.”
“Okay.” She lay next to him and ran a comforting hand up and down his back. A few minutes later, his breathing became deep and even. He’d fallen asleep. Michaela eased off the bed and went to stand on the balcony. The early March temperatures hovered in the low seventies and a slight breeze blew across her face. She closed her eyes and tried to still the butterflies fluttering around in her belly.I can do this. This is my dream.She made a mental list of the questions she wanted to ask Janae and hoped she could remember them all.
Going back inside, she went downstairs. On her first visit, she had been so angry that she never took the invited tour. The second time, she had been so focused on getting her apology out that she’d only done a quick walk-through. She still marveled at the fact that he’d bought the house for her. Smiling, she hummed Salt-N-Pepa’s “Whatta Man” as she walked through the home with its highly polished wood floors, reverently running her hand over the dark marble counter in the gourmet kitchen with its two islands. The living, dining and family rooms had all been elegantly furnished, but still felt warm and inviting. Michaela noticed a partially walled off area between the dining room and kitchen.How did I miss this last time?Curious, she entered the space. Although the two walls of window offered nice views of the ocean, this space had the most spectacular one of all. It had been left empty, but had track lighting and built in shelving and cabinets.What’s he going to put in here?Leaving the area, she found a home gym and a smaller room next to it holding a hospital bed. He must have spent his time there when he couldn’t climb the stairs. The sight made her heart hurt all over again. She sent up a prayer of thanks that he no longer needed that bed and another one that he never would again.
Reversing her steps, she went back upstairs. The master bedroom was located on one side and she found three other bedrooms and two bathrooms on the opposite side. None were furnished. Michaela tipped back into the bedroom and found Hunter still asleep. She crossed the room to the master bath.Wow.The bathtub looked big enough to swim in and the shower wide enough for at least three people comfortably. She started humming the song again on her way out. “Yes, he is,” she said softly.
Still in awe, she walked back into the room and went still. Hanging over the bed, was the painting of a sunrise that she’d done for Mr. Prescott. She had wondered what happened to it, but was ecstatic that it hadn’t been lost. She retrieved her art pad and colored pencils and took a seat on the lounger next to the window. Her hand flew across the page as the sketch came to life.
“Hey, baby.” Hunter pressed a kiss to Michaela’s neck.
She jumped slightly. “Hey. How was your nap?”
“Good. I’m starving, though.” He sat next to her and studied her drawing. “I like it.”
“Thanks.” Michaela studied the abstract. “It’s not done yet, but I like it, too.” She pointed to the painting over the bed. “It looks good in here.”
He followed where she gestured. “Granddad left it to me because he knew I would treasure it.”
This man is going to make me fall even deeper in love with him, and I don’t know how that’s possible.She leaned over and kissed his bearded cheek. “I’m glad you have it. I was hoping someone hadn’t taken it. Do you want to go out to get something to eat?” she asked, going back to the previous conversation.
“No. I can fix us something light. It’s after three and we’re having dinner at six, so it doesn’t make sense to have a big meal.” Monte and his wife had invited them to dinner at their home, rather than meeting at a restaurant.
“I still can’t believe they invited us to their home.” She was going to have to try to act like she had some sense and not go all fangirl crazy.Like maybe I can pull that off. Yeah, right.She set her pad and pencils aside. “Let’s go raid the kitchen.” Together, they made turkey sandwiches, added a few chips and drank lemonade.
“You want anything else?” Hunter asked after they finished.
“Nope. I’m good. I do have a question, though. What’s going to be in that large space in the corner with the track lighting?” She hopped down from the barstool and walked over.
He followed and placed his arms around her waist. “This is the place I had renovated for your art studio. It has the most panoramic view of the ocean and I thought it would perfect.”
“Oh, my goodness.” Michaela could immediately see herself spending hours here. He’d told her he loved her, and continued to show her in every way. “Thank you, thank you.” She pulled his head down and crushed her mouth against his, wanting him to know how much he meant to her. It didn’t take much for desire to explode and she found herself against the wall.
“I think I want that ride now,” Hunter murmured, while easing her knit pants and panties down. “I can’t think of a more perfect way to christen this spot, to start with the passion that I know you’ll bring to every masterpiece you create.”
