It didn’t surprise Hunter that he couldn’t tear his gaze from Aaron. The man had always been impossible to resist. Hunter knew he’d only be hurt—the past had shown that—but as always, Hunter was drawn to the man, like a moth to a flame. And he now knew the time away hadn’t changed that.
2
The house came into view as the car entered the sweeping drive, the entire two-story structure a shining example of Christmas lighting at its best. Warm yellow light glowed from each window, giving the large house a welcoming feel. Hunter shook his head. The welcoming appearance of the house belied how cold it could often be inside.
The property hadn’t changed in the last four years; not surprising, really, when you considered how long it had been standing in the same commanding position and the number of people who were employed to maintain it. A team of gardeners and maintenance men plus a couple of indoor staff kept things running perfectly. Hunter snorted at the idea of his mother scrubbing a bathroom or wielding the vacuum cleaner, although he had to give her credit for her cooking. She made some wonderful family meals and was a pretty mean baker. But now he thought about it, it had been an awfully long time since he could remember sitting down to one of her pasta bakes or casseroles. More recently they’d eaten in a restaurant whenever they had the mandatory family dinner, usually to celebrate a special occasion. His mom preferred to bring in a personal chef during the holiday season to prepare canapés and other food for the multitude of parties she liked to throw. Hunter shuddered at the thought of the many cocktail and dinner parties he'd been forced to endure as a kid. As soon as he reached age fourteen, his mother had determined that it would do him good to attend the functions with the adults, learning to converse with the important people of town. His parents stressed the importance of networking, making the acquaintance of people who would potentially be useful to Hunter, or more importantly, useful to the family in the future. None of the parties had been about making true friendships. Just remembering those things nearly caused Hunter to ask Don to turn the car around.
Damn my family for making me come back.
“Hunter? You okay, kid?”
He turned at Don’s voice. Don had always referred to him as the kid, and even though he was a fully grown man now, he felt like a little kid as they approached the place with so many memories. “Y… yeah. It’s just been a while since I’ve been home for the holidays.” He gestured outside at the brightly lit house with fairy lights twisted around every column and balustrade. “It doesn’t look like much has changed.”
Don chuckled. “It’s tradition, kid. Some things never change. That’s the beauty of coming home. Familiar, comfortable.”
Hunter had no reply to that. Don probably wouldn’t understand howuncomfortablethe whole artificial nature of his family made him feel. Instead he nodded. “I guess so. Thanks for the ride.”
“Anytime, kid. You want me to bring your bags in once I’ve parked the car in the garage?”
“Nah. I’ve got it.” He grasped the door handle but hesitated, reluctant to leave the warm cocoon of the sedan and Don’s familiar presence.Ridiculous. Hunter shook his head and pulled the lever, stepping into the crisp evening air.
He could do this.
* * *
He’d hardly openedthe door and stepped into the foyer before he was enveloped in a cloud of his mother’s Dior perfume. He attempted to return her hug, but juggling his bags made it awkward and difficult. Still, he allowed himself a moment to enjoy the closeness—her warmth and familiar fragrance—knowing it was only temporary.
“I’m so happy to see you, darling,” she whispered.
“You too, Mom.” He squeezed her tighter for a moment, overcome with a strange emotion.
She released him and stepped back, meeting his gaze with a tender smile before stiffening. Hunter’s heart dropped as her mask returned. He put his bags on the marbled floor and shrugged off his coat.
“You’re very late. Your father mentioned something about car trouble.”
Hunter nodded. “The engine overheated. I’ve left the Jeep outside the repair shop, and I’ll call them in the morning.”
She waved a hand. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m sure your father will have Don take care of it, and you can use one of the cars while you’re here.”
“I can deal with it myself,” Hunter said.
“I know, darling.” She patted his arm. “But why should you have to? That’s what the staff are for. I’d rather you spend your time with our guests, not chasing around town after that old car. You’ll have enough running around to do anyway. Speaking of…” She glanced at the grandfather clock. “…our guests will be arriving shortly.”
“That’s cool. I’m all set. I just need to dump this stuff in my room, wash up and change into some fresh jeans.” He indicated the bags, surprised she hadn’t commented on how little he’d brought with him.
She pursed her pink-glossed lips but surprisingly didn’t suggest he call “the help.” Instead she gave him the once-over, displeasure clear on her perfectly made-up face. God help it if she ever came downstairs looking anything other than perfect even in her own home. He could hardly remember seeing her without makeup or with a hair out of place. “You’re not going to wear that are you, darling? Surely you’ll need time to freshen up and change?”
Hunter looked down at his damp jeans and gray sweater, his gaze finally resting on his booted feet. “Why? What’s wrong with what I’ve got on?”
His mother rolled her eyes toward the ceiling, giving her head that little shake from side to side, nostrils flaring briefly. It was a look Hunter wasveryfamiliar with. “Nothing, I guess, if you were heading out to run chores, but the Johnsons and the Whitehalls are coming for cocktails, and I’d like you to look respectable, Hunter. A collared shirt is much more appropriate. Go and find Don. He can shine those boots for you too. Goodness knows how long it’s been since they’ve seen polish.”
He calculated how long he’d owned the boots. “Probably about two years, Mom.”
“Oh, Hunter. I do wish you’d take more pride.”
“And I wish you’d treat me like an adult who can make their own decisions about their appearance.”
“Hunter!”
