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HUNTER
My arms wraparound Catherine at the hip as Palmer approaches. He still remains an enigma to me. She left him years ago. He’s got another woman on his arm. Why he continues to torment Catherine like a kid torturing ants with a magnifying glass is beyond me.
Catherine’s friends take a step back as I position myself in front of her. “Nice to see you again Palmer.” I smirk.
“I didn’t expect… I thought…” He stammers with uncertainty. My appearance upsetting his poorly constructed plan of embarrassing Catherine. The thought that the world wouldn’t bend to his will is a puzzle written across his face.
I slip my hand into Catherine’s and place a kiss on the back of her hand while maintaining eye contact with Palmer. “Rumors are so unreliable, but I’m sure you’re aware of that. You know, with them claiming you are the biggest asshole in all of Arizona and all? That couldn’t possibly be true, am I right?” I’ve had to deal with bullies most of my life. Palmer is just the most recent one, one of the worst because he continues to wage unprovoked attacks on a woman.
He sneers at me. “Whatever.” He hooks his arm around Claire, his version of a power move to show me that he too has a woman in his life so therefore he can’t be a complete asshat. The deadly glare he shoots me reminds me of a four-year-old scooping up his playground ball and stomping away. He hesitates for a moment; his lips move silently as if he’s reading off a mental picture of the seating charts. I know what he’s doing, he’s attempting to position himself next to Catherine. I twist away and ignore him, I’ve already made plans to swap with another couple at the table, a fake excuse of having a superstition of never having my back to a door. We’ll be seated across from him and will have to withstand three hours of heated stares but it’s far better than having Palmer within whisper distance of Catherine.
Catherine slips her hand from mine and whispers something to her friends who burst into a loud fit of laughs and begin to make their way across the dance floor to what I assume is their assigned table. She pivots on her heels and her smile shoots right through me. She’s dressed in a comfortable blue dress which speaks to her comfort and confidence. She knew she would be facing Palmer and his girlfriend yet didn’t feel the need to try to outshine them. To be something she’s not. This is her “I’m here, this is who I am, bring it” outfit.
It’s a look that I find intoxicating. A strong, confident woman ready for anything.
She strides next to me, her hands landing on top of my shoulders, slipping together behind my head. “You are a sight for sore eyes.” Her dark eyes sparkle from the sparkling light reflecting off the chandeliers above.
I can’t believe she’s back in my arms, the taste of her lips lingering on mine. It feels damn good. It feels real.
“I’m almost afraid to ask but I have to - why?” Her question is expected.
“I could tell you it was to see that expression on Palmer’s face…” Catherine joins in my laugh, her fingers caressing the back of my neck. “I could tell you that I’m here because I made you a promise to be your fake boyfriend and we have to see this through.”
I make note of the quick flash of disappointment on her face, and I dive in before her head fills with dark thoughts.
“But none of that would be the truth.” Hope returns to her lovely eyes. “I like you, Catherine. Really like you, as in for real. I know what I want, and I know it’s crazy to want it, but I’d like for us to date for real. There are a million reasons why we both think we shouldn’t, but I don’t care. I know it will be difficult and you live in another state and….”
She interrupts my plea by pressing her lips to mine. This kiss isn’t soft, it’s a determined committed kiss carrying a message I attempt to read. “Is this what you really want Hunter? Not what you think I want to hear?”
I understand her question. She needs to know this isn’t me being a nice guy trying to spare her feelings. “More than anything.”
She bites her lower lip as if withholding a big secret and my heart begins racing at a pace I didn’t realize it could. “Is it something you want?”
Her slow nod is the greatest yes I’ve ever received. “Can we enjoy the rest of today and talk tomorrow? Something tells me something in the universe may step in and help us work it all out. Fingers crossed, maybe even tomorrow.”
She has no idea how comforting her words are. Between this and Mr. Franklin, my entire world may look different in a few days.
* * *
My arm restsaround the back of Catherine’s chair, my finger twirling the end of one of her long dark tendrils, our shoulders touching, her head practically on mine.
The dance floor is filled with bodies swaying to a happy beat, sexy whispers sting the air with promises of post party hookups. Carlos’ booming laughter can be heard across the room, he and Ava standing behind the dais in a tight circle with the wedding party. The group sharing a tender moment as champagne glasses are lifted and another toast is made.
“I’ve never seen a green rose before, what is its’ meaning?” Catherine asks, holding the rose in her lap.
I enjoy the feel of her silky hair between my fingers before replying, “Balance … stability … and new beginnings.” I pace each word, allowing her to understand the meaning. “Adrienne gave me the abbreviated lecture when I asked for her help.” Even with the threat of the ticking clock I knew I couldn’t show up empty handed. I remembered the hurt on Catherine’s face when she spotted Palmer’s bouquet and knew she would replay that memory every time she visited the flower shop. I needed to find a happier one for her.
She shifts in her chair, twisting to face me. “What did you tell my sister?” I read the anxiety on her face, concern that I may have shared news with Adrienne that she hadn’t.
“Not much. I didn’t have a lot of time. I told her we had the wedding today and I wanted a special flower for you. It took all of thirty seconds for her to decide. I think this flower’s meaning is as much a message from her as it is from me.”
Catherine’s eyes glaze over as she ponders my words. When she lowers her head onto my shoulder, I realize I must pivot her thoughts back to a happier place.
“So has the Legendary Hall met your expectations?” I joke, knowing how concerned she was about the event.
From this angle I watch the corner of her mouth lift up and she pauses before responding. I imagine she’s running through the checklist of items she left for Frankie. “Actually… yes.”
“Is that surprise I hear in your voice?” I kid.
