Just Home for the Holidays - Deborah Cooke Page 0,18

his mind was still spinning when he climbed out of the pool.

Maybe that was why he didn’t notice Meesha right away.

She was standing at the door to the women’s change room, looking at him. Her hair was tied back and she wore a brilliant pink Speedo. Her expression was puzzled, which made no sense until Hunter realized she was staring at the side of his chest. The only place he ever showed his scar was in the weight room with Nate’s vets. It gave him credibility there, though no one ever asked about it.

Meesha was staring outright. “Ouch,” she said when he acknowledged her with a nod and her reaction made him feel grumpy. Revealed.

“Not just the queen of social media but the empress of subtlety,” he said with some irritation and she smiled.

“Sorry. I had no idea.”

“You weren’t supposed to.”

Meesha being Meesha didn’t let it go. She took a step closer. “It looks like a burn.”

“It was a burn.” Hunter flung on his T-shirt. “But it’s healed.”

“A big burn,” she said, meeting his gaze. “What happened?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“I can tell.” She smiled again. “That just makes me really want to know.”

“Oh well.” Hunter turned to walk away, feeling her gaze boring into his back every step of the way. He knew better than to admonish her not to tell anyone—that would only ensure that she did.

There was no chance of avoiding the nightmare now. Hunter would head back to the place on the Upper West Side and just let it come.

Maybe once would be enough this year.

He knew better than to believe that.

Bryant Park was crowded, even on a Thursday morning. The kiosks of the holiday shops lined the walkways and were both lit up and decorated for the holidays. Dozens of people were skating on the ice rink in the middle. The smell of hot chocolate and peppermint wafted through the air, along with the sounds of laughter and Christmas carols. Tyler’s sister, Katelyn, had a shop for her jewelry and Mandy bought a pair of earrings from her. Chloe had bought a wooden charcuterie board for Damon and Haley at an adjacent booth. It might come in handy at their open house. They always had a buffet all day on Christmas Day and invited the health care workers who worked with Haley. It was a place they could go for a meal after their holiday shifts. It was snowing lightly and shoppers were bundled up.

Ten on the dot.

No Hunter.

She stood by the carousel and looked for his tall figure, without success.

Maybe he’d been kidding. Maybe he had no intention of showing up. Maybe he was going to stand her up on Friday night, too. She was making a bad choice by relying upon the man who seemed to have an allergy to plans. At least she hadn’t mentioned this meeting to anyone.

She realized that Mandy and the girls were disappearing down one lane. She would have followed them, but someone put their mittened hands over her eyes. “Guess who?” Hunter asked from behind her. His breath fanned across her ear, sending shivers to her toes. She could feel the heat and muscle of him behind her and couldn’t stop herself from smiling.

“You’re late,” she said, turning to face him.

“Call it a habit.” He grinned at her, letting his arms fall around her waist. “And I was here. You just threw my game.”

“How so?”

“I’ve never seen you dressed down before.” He surveyed her leather jacket, sweater and jeans with obvious approval. “You’ve abandoned even business casual. Loose hair. No glasses either. I like it.”

Chloe felt flattered and flustered. “It doesn’t matter what you like...”

“Isn’t your sister here? She’s on the schedule.”

“Yes, she’s just gone to look at those mittens....”

“Then give me a kiss, a good long one so she’ll have to interrupt us when she comes back.”

“You...”

Hunter lifted a brow. “It’ll look so plausible, like maybe you can’t live without me.”

Chloe laughed despite herself. “It’s too bad you have no confidence.”

“I know. Damn shame. Are you going to kiss me or do I have to kiss you?”

“Why does that sound more like a threat than a promise?”

“Because it is.”

“But rule number one...”

“Should die a noble death early,” he said with resolve. “Be warned that I’m not much for pecks on the cheek or the kind of kisses I should give my sister.”

“You have a sister?”

“One. Older. Cute niece.”

Chloe was delighted to know something about him. “And where are they?”

“Not here. Let’s get back to