“I guess we’d better get down there quickly then.” Hunter turned from hanging up a pair of pants and picked out a button-up shirt to change into for the party, thankful some of his clothes still resided in the closet. It was only then he took in Brooke’s outfit—skinny jeans, pale green top with a ruffled hem, and socks. One sock, red polka dots, and the other Miss Happy. No shoes. With her blonde ponytail and clean-scrubbed face, he thought again how much younger than her age she looked.
“How did you get away with wearing that?”
“Urgh… Don’t remind me.” She pulled the band out of her hair and shook her long locks free, standing as she did so. “I’ve already had the lecture from Mom. She’s even gone as far as buying a few dresses for me so that I’ll be ‘suitably attired’”—she made air quotes—“to be paraded in front of her friends. Although I’m not sure why she bothers. Most of the time they all see me around town looking just like I do now.”
Hunter chuckled as he gave the shirt he held a second glance. “Please tell me you at least usually wear matching socks.”
She looked at her feet and shrugged. “I guess Cameron and Gabby are going to be disappointed when I have to change into pantyhose and a dress.”
“The kids?”
“Uh-huh. Recently they’ve started to take turns choosing my socks each morning. They forgot whose turn it was today, so I told them to agree on a pair, but I should have known better than to think a four-year-old and a five-year-old would agree on anything. Especially those two.”
Hunter laughed. “Are you all staying here?” He contemplated the shirt in his hands.To hell with it.He rehung it in the closet.
“Mom insisted, although I’m pretty sure Freddy wanted to stay at the B&B. But I convinced him it wouldn’t be for too long, plus it had the added benefit of keeping Mom off my back. For a while at least.”
“I’m glad you’re staying. It’s probably safer, what with the snow on the roads, and this way you can have a few drinks and not worry about driving.”
“I might need more than a few drinks,” she muttered before she reached up and ruffled his hair. “And I guess it helps that you won’t be stuck here alone?”
Hunter raised his eyebrows. “The thought didn’t even cross my mind.”
“Liar. See you down there.” Brooke’s laughter lingered as she left the room.
Thank God she, Freddy, and his niece and nephew would be around to provide distraction.
3
Aaron took the steps two at time, cursing inwardly that he was running late. Damn Hunter for messing up his trip home from work and putting Aaron behind schedule.If I hadn’t had to stop for that ungrateful idiot….Arron sucked in a breath and put a hold on that train of thought. There was no point in letting Hunter rattle him—any more than he already had, at least. But that was easier said than done. Hunter Cavendish hadalwayshad the power to do that, to sneak into his thoughts, to get under Aaron’s skin. He was infuriating.
Aaron stomped the snow from his shoes when he reached the top landing and steeled himself to knock on the impressive front door. Glancing at his watch only confirmed what he already knew; the party had started some time ago. He hated these types of events at the best of times, but hated being late even more, especially when he’d promised Garrett he’d be here by 6:00 p.m.What sort of best friend am I? Leaving poor Garrett to face the onslaught alone. No one should have to deal with the Cavendishes by themselves.Aaron probably should have allowed Garrett to pick him up, but there was no way he was going to ask Amy, his assistant, to close up the store. She had a young son to get home to. Closing early wasn’t an option either—this was one of the busiest times of the year, and he couldn’t afford to lose sales.
But what had him on edge, more than being late, was the thought of seeing Hunter again.Hunter.
He shivered against the cold, although the freezing temperature was in total juxtaposition to the light and bright porch. The sheer volume of lights shining from and around the Cavendish house gave it a welcoming, festive appearance.
Oh well, no point in putting it off.Aaron rang the doorbell and could hear it ringing distantly somewhere in the house. Thankfully, he only had to wait another moment in the cold before the door opened and he stepped into the warmth.
He was immediately greeted by a familiar face. “Hi, Aaron. Can I take your coat?”
“Hey, Paul. It’s good to see you.” He shrugged out of the coat and handed it over with smile. “Not working you too hard, I hope.”
Paul chuckled. “They can work me as hard as they like. I’m always looking for work.”
“Still saving for the car?”
“You bet.”
Aaron had always been impressed by the teenager’s work ethic and had given him some casual work in the past. “Be sure to stop by the store in the new year. I’ve got some odd jobs that need doing once the Christmas rush is over.”
Paul’s smile was wide. “Thanks, Aaron. I’ll be sure to do that.”
Aaron peered around the foyer, taking in the giant Christmas tree and the display of tinsel, baubles, and fairy lights that adorned the staircase. French doors led through to the formal lounge area, and over the music drifting through the doorway, he could hear the gentle buzz of conversation. “I guess Garrett’s here?”
“He came with his parents.” Paul inclined his head toward the party. “About half an hour ago.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m late. Oh well, it couldn’t be helped. I guess I’d better get in there.”
