“Hunter!”
“What?” He leans over, and his hand slides up my thigh.
“Hunter,” I say. “I’m not about to make love in your Jeep.”
“Why not?”
“Because we were going to the beach, and I’m hungry, and you have a picnic.”
“And you’re not hungry for me?”
“No, I’m not hungry for you. I’m hungry for something delicious to eat.” I start laughing.
“But I’ve heard I taste delicious.”
“You taste semi-delicious.”
“Ah, so you do remember.”
“I mean, you’re kind of salty, though.” I lick my lips. “And right now, I want something sweet.”
“You, darling,” he says, pressing his lips against the side of my face. “You’re very sweet. And I’m also craving sweet,” he purrs against my ear.
“I want to eat you right now. Maybe you can eat the sandwiches, and I can eat you for lunch.” I glance at him, eyes wide, heart thudding.
“You really want to eat me for lunch?”
“I can’t think of anything more delicious. Can you?” I take a deep breath and grab his face and kiss him. I’m falling for this man. I love the way that he wants me. I love the way that he implicitly trusts me. I love the way that he makes me feel. I feel warm by his side. I feel wanted. And that’s something I never felt with Patrick. I can be myself with him.
And yet, I wonder how he will feel when he knows the truth.
I wonder how he will feel when he knows the real purpose for me being here. I need to speak to Emma. I have to figure out what to do. I can’t afford to lose my job. I thought I was a good reporter. I thought I was a good person. But I?—
“You look like you’re in another world right now,” he says, pulling me back. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. There’s just so much going on. Your grandma’s missing necklace and your grandparents’ love story and our fake relationship—but our real sex—and I just feel a little overwhelmed.”
“I’m sorry,” he says gently. “Let’s eat food and then just enjoy the afternoon. This evening, we can start working on everything else.”
“Okay. Thanks.” We get into the jeep and buckle up. As he starts the car, my phone starts ringing again. I’m nervous that it’s Holly, but not anymore enthused when I see it’s my sister.
“Do you mind if I answer this?”
“Not at all.”
“Hey, Tina. Is everything okay?”
“Hey. Yeah. I just wanted to say thanks for the other night.”
“You’re very welcome.”
“It was really nice of you to come over. I think I’m on my period right now, and I probably overreacted.” I feel cold inside at her tone and words.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I think I was just really emotional. Garth thinks that I overreacted because of that. You know how hormones are, and I agree with him. So, we’re booking a trip to Tahiti.”
“What are you saying, Tina? I thought he was in rehab.”
