Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 37259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 149(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 149(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
“Love at first sight?” I repeat what Hunter and I agreed to our story being when other people asked. I was to say that we fell madly in love with each other and knew we couldn’t live without one another. “It was a whirlwind.”
“Must have been because people are saying you were working yesterday.” I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. “Aspen, I’m only giving you shit because I want to make sure you know what you’re doing. I don't want you to get hurt. These rich people play in a whole different world than we do.” She leans close. “Is this some sort of arranged marriage?” I keep on chewing on my bottom lip, not wanting to betray my husband. Gosh, it’s so weird to think I have a husband. “All right, you don’t need to answer that. It’s just me being overprotective. I know one thing for sure: that man is into you. Women would die to have a man look at them the way he looks at you.”
“Really?” Now that gets me talking.
“Told me to keep my winks to myself when he thought I was flirting with him.”
I shrug. “He gets hit on a lot. It annoys him.” As much as I’d love to think that he did that for me, I know it’s more likely he did it because he doesn’t care for anyone flirting with him in general.
“If you say so. He wasn’t annoyed. He was pissed.” She gives me an evil smirk. “Got more pissed when I said I wasn’t interested in him and that you were more my type.”
“You’re terrible.” I laugh.
“I don’t know what you got going on, but that’s not the Hunter I’ve heard about. I do think I’m inclined to believe the love at first sight story.” She stares at me, waiting for me to crack.
“Maybe.” I give but only a bit because it’s the truth. I’m starting to think that I might have fallen in love with Hunter the second I laid eyes on him. My brain is trying to play catch-up at this point and reason that it’s not possible, but it keeps failing to do so.
“Shit, she found us.” I glance back over my shoulder and through the glass doors that go into the kitchen. I see Charlotte in the kitchen looking all around. Webster and I dipped out earlier before she saw us. My stomach drops when she finally spots me. Her eyes narrow before she heads toward us. “She’s going to fire me. I can feel it.”
“But you’re working for the catering company tonight.”
“That her daddy hired.”
“Oh.” The doors swing open, and Charlotte comes out. The expression on her face is one that says she isn’t happy. I’ve seen her wear it before when she’s talking to the staff at the hotel. That’s why I used to do my best to keep my head down and steer clear of her.
“Shouldn’t you be working?” I’m honestly not sure if she’s talking to Webster or me.
“I asked her to have a drink with me.”
“That’s not your place, Aspen. You are a guest here. I’m not sure why you think you can tell or direct any staff what to do.”
“’Cause she’s married to the big man?” Webster all but boasts.
I shoot her a look. I’m trying to save her job here, but Webster can’t help but be a smartass. It’s really part of her charm. People must enjoy it because she makes a killing as a bartender.
“Back to work now, Webster, or you’ll not only lose this job but your other one too.”
“No can do. Told Hunter I’d keep an eye on her.” Webster slips down from off the rail. Charlotte’s lips purse. She’s about to explode with anger.
“It’s Mr. Hoffman to you,” she hisses. “And I’ll see to Miss Loveall.”
“Mrs. Hoffman,” Webster corrects her, causing Charlotte’s face to turn a shade of red that I’m not sure I’ve seen before. That’s saying a lot since I’ve witnessed her wrath on many occasions at the hotel. “Sorry, no can do. Hunter gave me a job to do, and last time I checked, he was the head of this entire thing.” Webster gives her the sweetest smile I’ve ever seen.
A stare-off ensues between them, and I wait with bated breath to see how Charlotte is going to react to Webster’s words.
“Indeed, I did. The most important job of your life.” Hunter’s deep voice comes out of nowhere.
Charlotte gives us one last glare, letting us know this isn’t over before she fixes her face to be a pleasant one and turns around to Hunter.
The second I see Hunter, all the tension and worry leaves me. With him close, I know I’m safe from Charlotte’s wrath.
“Do you think you can spare a moment, Hunter?” Charlotte asks. Her voice is submissive and soft. I didn’t know she could talk in that tone. I do my best to keep my jealousy in check.