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Chapter Thirteen
Dani
Chad’s right beside me as we make our way up the long, winding driveway of Thomas and Angela Clarkson’s gargantuan mansion. We make our way up the asphalt landing, and as the directions described in the E-invite, we make our way around a path that leads out back. Once we arrive there, it’s a bustling scene with about fifty or so guests. Somehow, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
“I’m going to pass out,” Chad mutters.
I smirk. “Seriously? You need to act cool.”
“That’s a little difficult, you know.” He rubs his hands nervously together. “I think I just need a drink or two to calm my nerves.”
“You and me both.”
“Why are you nervous?”
I smile tightly, then lie through my teeth. “Just anxious about meeting a bunch of strangers.”
The truth is that after Hunter stayed the other night, with his arms wrapped around me and holding me tight, I’m feeling things for him that scare me more than ever. I’m afraid seeing him today will bring all those feelings to the surface.
“This place is amazing. Check out that pool,” Chad says. Just behind the exterior of the mansion is a huge pool, with a sectioned off hot tub on the far end. There are just a few people in the pool, splashing around in the water.
“There you are,” Hunter yells and heads toward us. I plaster a polite smile on my face, expecting him to act friendly but distant. Instead, he throws his arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug. Behind him, Chad’s eyes widen. Finally, Hunter pulls away and shakes Chad’s hand. “You guys are welcome to help yourself to anything. Food, amenities, facilities, whatever. Don’t be shy. And remember, Chad, this could all be yours someday.”
I frown slightly, but don’t say anything. After all, I promised Chad signing with Hunter was his decision.
“Speaking of which, there’s someone here who’s really interested in meeting you,” Hunter says to Chad.
Chad smiles nervously and pats his hands across his jeans. “I’m afraid I’m going to look like an idiot.”
“Trust me, Thomas is a very personable guy and you’ll be over your nervousness in seconds.”
“Okay.”
Hunter puts his hand on my lower back as if to guide me along with them, but I shake my head. “I’ll see you around,” I say, waving my hand in the air. “I’ll just hang back and let you guys do your thing.”
This will give me a little while longer to collect my thoughts and to figure out my next move.
Hunter frowns, as if he’s going to object. Then with a very subtle caress to my back, he says, “I’ll be right back, Dani.”
* * *
Some time later, I’m dozing by the pool when a shadow passes over my closed eyes. When I open them, Hunter is standing above me.
“Are you just going to lie there all day and be a party pooper?”
I stretch. “I wasn’t planning on it, but now that you bring it up, it certainly sounds like a possibility.”
“Nope.” He shakes his head and grabs my hand in his. “Come on. You’re going to be social, even if it kills you.”
“Really?” I purse my lips. “You’d wish me dead?”
“Stop being dramatic.” He tugs me to my feet.
I let out a fake huff. “Fine.”
I follow him as he navigates around the pool. “The only difference between these people and you and your brother are they happen to have more money.”
“Oh?” I raise a brow. “Is that all?”
