“That’s what I said!” Mila exclaims, then jerks her thumb at Kat. “But this one said it would be gross having a calendar with her brothers in it. I said it’s her fault for having a hot family. You know, Hunter, you’re pretty hunky. You’d have to be in it, too.”
I grin at Mila. “Thanks. I am pretty hunky, and I’m a hero. Win-win. Maybe Kat could just keep her calendar to my photo all year.” I’m pushing it, and judging by how her eyes widen, Kat notices. Thankfully, Mila just assumes I’m being me, especially when I wink at her.
“Ha, that’s a brilliant idea. See, Kat? Hunter solved your issue.”
Kat mumbles something under her breath that I can’t understand, but judging by Mila’s broad grin, it was a pointed comment directed at her.
This is fun. Being able to flirt with her, all under the guise of simple teasing. Sure, Mila might get suspicious, so I know I have to be careful not to go too far, but then again, I know I’ve got a reputation of being a charmer, a goofy jokester, and hopefully, that’s what she thinks this is.
“Anyway ladies, I had better get going and leave you to your organizing and scheming.” I say, and the regret in my voice is only slightly exaggerated. I would much rather hang out here, but I do need to get back to work.
“I’ll walk you out so I can lock the front door. We’re closed, anyway.” Kat walks past me, and after saying goodbye to Mila, I trail after her.
She steps outside with me and immediately starts to shiver. I pull her in close, finally relishing having her in my arms.
“You shouldn’t be out here,” I mumble into the top of her head.
“I know, I just wanted a hug,” she says, her words muffled by my jacket.
I squeeze her even tighter at that. Because damn it, I wanted one, too. Then, reluctantly, I let go.
“Get back inside, Kitty Kat. And text me when you get home later so I know you’re okay.” I lean down and steal a quick kiss. At least it was meant to be a quick kiss, but just as it always does, it turns into something more within an instant.
When I finally get the strength to pull back, there’s a soft, dreamy expression on her face. And I can’t help but internally puff up with some pride that I put it there.
“Inside, babe. Now. I don’t need a Kat popsicle.”
“Okay, okay. I’m going.” She turns and puts her hand on the door before looking back over her shoulder. “Hey, Hunter.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m glad I got to see you today.” Her smile fills me with warmth.
“Me too, Kitty Kat. Me too.”
Chapter fifteen
Kat
“All I’m saying is,Die Hardis the best Christmas movie.”
“And all I’m saying is,The Grinchis the best Christmas movie. But only the original version with Boris Karloff.”
Hunter squeezes my hand, and I lean my head down against his shoulder. My stomach hurts a little from laughing so hard, but that’s the way it is with him. He has this capacity to make everything so much fun. Like tonight, all we did was go to a movie. But the entire time, sitting in the back row, Hunter was whispering his running commentary to me, making it almost impossible for me to hold back my giggles. I’m surprised we didn’t get kicked out, honestly, for making too much noise.
When we leave the theater, the debate about the best Christmas movie starts up. And when Hunter takes my hand, threading his fingers in mine, I mentally kick my heels in excitement. He’s normally so careful — too careful if you ask me — about public displays of affection in case someone we know is around.
But then, to my dismay, we reach the small café where Hunter insisted we stop for some dessert, and he drops my hand to open the door for me.
“What was it you said I needed to try?” I ask, hanging my coat on the back of my chair. “Pecan something?”
Hunter rolls his eyes and gives an exaggerated moan. “Oh, heck yeah. The maple bourbon pecan pie. Best. Dessert. Ever.”
I sit down and lean forward, dropping my voice to a whisper. “I thought you said I was the best dessert ever.”
His eyes grow dark with lust as he leans over the table, bringing our faces close together. “Good point. Pie is officially the second best.”
“Kat?”
