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Chapter Nineteen
Hunter
I’m sitting in my office, staring off into space, stewing and angry as hell at Dani even as I’m forcing myself not to call her. Not to go see her.
No matter what I say or do, she’s going to believe whatever the hell she wants to believe, and I refuse to defend myself any longer.
A minute later, I slam my fist on my desk.
Fuck that.
I’m not letting things end this way between us. Not after the way I held her in my arms the last time we were together.
I’m just about to buzz Trisha to tell her I’m headed out when my cell rings. I frown when Chad’s name comes up on Caller ID. “This is Hunter,” I answer. “What’s up?”
“Have you seen Dani?”
“No,” I say shortly. “Not since yesterday.”
“Fuck,” Chad breathes, and I immediately stiffen.
“What’s going on, Chad?”
“I—I fucked up, Hunter.”
“How?” I transfer the phone to my other hand as I rise to my feet to stare out the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“I’ve been receiving gifts, and—”
“Ah right. A new phone and some Lakers tickets. Dani thinks they were from me.”
“Fuck, I almost wish it had been you giving me the gifts. When I told her who… Fuck! The look on her face. It was like I’d stabbed her or something.”
Concern prickled my neck. “Who sent them?”
“The gifts came from our father.”
“Are you shitting me?” I think back to what Chad had told me at the barbeque, how their father was never around. “Don’t you think it’s more than a little convenient that he’s popping back into your life right as you’re potentially about to sign with an agent?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. Of course that’s what Dani said too. Right before she ran out of my house. She hasn’t answered her phone since. I’ve tried her apartment. I’ve tried the shop. I can’t get hold of her.”
“I’m sure she’s fine. She probably just needed to get away to think.”
“Time to build another wall around herself you mean. This time, against me. Dad. You. She’s gathering her defenses, and you need to help me get through to her, Hunter.”
I sigh. “Look, Chad. You’re giving me too much credit.”
“You’re not giving yourself enough credit. Because Dani’s falling head over heels for you.”
Wait, what? What's he talking about?
Chad continues. “I fucked up, and she’s going to try to protect herself from all of us. Shut down emotionally. I’ve seen her do it before. The question is, are you going to let her do it again?”
So many thoughts, so little time to process them all. Chad just told me his sister is falling for me. If it's true—or even if it might be true—I need to find her.
I need to tell her I feel the same way.
* * *
