“Have you talked to Dad lately?” Kate asked in a hushed voice.
“He’s been busy with the campaign,” Hunter said. “I’ve barely seen him or Mom.”
Kate was quiet. “Has he said anything about me?”
I didn’t hear his response, but I imagined Hunter shaking his head. “Thanksgiving’s coming up. Maybe you can use it as a chance to talk.”
After a while, Kate and Xander left us alone to admire the artwork. Hunter placed his hand on the small of my back, lowering his head to speak into my ear. “Have I mentioned how much I love that you did this?”
I smiled, my cheeks heating. Why did I enjoy pleasing him so much? And not just in the bedroom. More and more, I craved his acknowledgment, his approval. I did things I knew would make him happy because it made me happy.
“That said, you know you don’t have to do this.” His hand heated my skin despite the layer of clothing separating us. “I know how important winning theCasa Beautifulcompetition is.”
“Making sure you’re happy with your home is just as important to me,” I said, surprised by how true it was.
Before, the only thing I’d cared about was winning. But now… Now, I still wanted to win. I just wanted Hunter’s happiness more.
“I appreciate that, but I couldn’t care less about my home. Not if it means losing you to Luther.”
“Not this again,” I muttered. I should’ve known better than to think he’d drop it.
“Lauren,” he growled, turning me to face him.
“Any questions?” Xander interrupted our tense stare-off.
When I glanced at Xander, his brow was raised. I forced a smile, stepping back from Hunter to reestablish a more professional distance.
“I think we’re good. Hunter?”
“Lauren knows what I want.” His tone was laced with double meaning, his eyes narrowed on me. “I’ll let you two settle the terms, while I catch up with Kate.”
He walked off with a set to his shoulders that told me he was pissed.
And while I should’ve been mad that he felt he had the right to have a say in my professional life, I couldn’t blame him. I knew if roles were reversed, I’d feel the same. And I would be lying to myself if I said otherwise.
