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“I'm not one to be modest, but I think you're giving me way too much credit.” He leaned over and flipped off the light so that there was only a soft glow emanating from the alarm clock on the nightstand.
“No, Hunter. You’ve never realized what a deep impact you have on people,” she murmured. “You never did.” He heard a wild yawn coming from her direction.
He allowed her words to wash over him for a few moments. To hear her speak about him in such a glowing light felt amazing. But did he deserve it? Was he really someone who should be spoken of in such a way?
“Don’t make me more than I am. I’m a man. Flawed. Human. Selfish at times. I make mistakes and sometimes with my line of work, I hurt people. I don’t take that lightly, Olivia. I’m not soulless, but I’ve always had to separate business from personal. And sadly, sometimes people get hurt in the fallout. I hope you can understand that. You’re special to me. I never want to hurt you.”
Silence greeted him. Why hadn’t Olivia responded? He was opening up the conversation so he could tell her about his intention to acquire Renault Industries. Suddenly, he heard the light sound of her snoring. She had fallen asleep! Olivia hadn’t heard a word he had just uttered. He let out a groan. Saying those things hadn’t been easy. Wasted words! Could he summon the courage again to tell Olivia about his plans for Renault Industries?
He fought against sleep, willing his eyes to stay open so he could savor the wonderful moments he’d shared with Olivia this evening. He knew before long that daylight would come, stealing these fleeting moments away from them. Reality would come with the breaking of dawn, bringing with it a clarity and focus he couldn't ignore. As soon as he made a move to take over Renault Industries, lines in the sand would be drawn and allegiances would be tested. His newfound relationship with Olivia might not weather the turbulent storms that were bound to come.
Once again, he was going to shatter every ounce of faith she had in him.
As he finally surrendered to the irresistible pull of slumber, a final thought flashed through his mind. If he lived to be one hundred, this night would go down as one of the most unforgettable of his life. It could have been a disaster after his motorcycle broke down, but instead they had reconnected. Bonded.
He had no clue how he was going to move forward with his acquisition. If he did, it might break both of their hearts.
“Happiness is always in reach. You just have to reach out and grab ahold of it.” Olivia Renault
Chapter Eight
Olivia stared into the bathroom mirror and vigorously brushed her teeth. She rinsed, then placed her toothbrush on the sink. She examined her face in the mirror with a critical eye. Surprisingly, she looked none the worse for wear after the late night they had enjoyed. There was a rosy glow to her cheeks and a special sparkle in her eyes.
It was all because of Hunter.
Going out on a date last night with Hunter had been sheer perfection. Even their unexpected stay at the Red Oak Inn couldn’t dampen her spirits.
Riding behind him on his motorcycle with her arms wrapped around him and her hair whipping in the wind had been a once in a lifetime experience. Dancing up a storm to the amazing sounds of Hurricane Soul had been thrilling. Being at Hunter’s side had been a dream come true.
She knew she would replay these memories over and over again in her head for the rest of her life. Last night had been a precious gift from God. Over the years she had become resigned to the fact that she would never see Hunter again or spend time with him. His return to Savannah had changed all that. At least temporarily.
Once they were at the inn they had talked until they had both fallen asleep. Not once had she felt uncomfortable being alone in a room with him. He hadn’t even tried to kiss her, she realized. Part of her felt slightly disappointed about it. Dates should end with a goodnight kiss. Hunter had been a perfect gentleman though—and she respected him all the more for it.
For the first time she’d gotten a glimpse into the hardships he had endured on his rise to the top. She had ached for him upon learning of his loneliness and self-doubt. He had made himself vulnerable with his confession.
She loved him. Still. And she knew she'd go on loving him for the rest of her days. It was that simple. And that complicated, she realized, since Hunter was only breezing in to town for a short period of time. Once the wedding had taken place, he’d be leaving to return to his high flying life in New York City. She feared that she would never see him again and that he’d take her heart along with him when he left. Just like last time.
Last night hadn't been about saving Renault Industries or rescuing her father from financial ruin. It had been all about the irresistible pull she felt towards Hunter and the overwhelming need she felt to be with him.
And now that they'd connected on a deep level, could she really ask him to step in and help save her father's failing company? She didn't want to cheapen their relationship by bartering for favors. At the same time, she couldn't ignore reality. Time was of the essence. With every passing day she knew that the company was slipping like grains of sand through her father's fingers. Losing Renault Industries would devastate her father and cause irreparable harm to the local community. Hundreds of people would lose their jobs, and the closure of the plant would forever alter the landscape of Savannah.
Just stop it! a voice inside her head whispered. Stop worrying and obsessing over Renault Industries and live in this moment with Hunter. Cherish it. Savor this time. It might not come your way again.
When she emerged from the bathroom, Hunter was standing by the window staring at her with an incredulous expression stamped on his face.
“What?” she asked. “Why are you looking at me like that?” She reached up to her lips and rubbed them. “Do I have toothpaste on my face?”
“Nope. Forgive me for staring, but I’m in awe. You look just as gorgeous this morning as you did when I picked you up for our date last night.” He reached up and touched his jaw. “I need a proper shave, but that will have to wait until we get back to Savannah.”
Olivia ran her eyes over his face. His stubble lent him a rougher edge. He still looked as handsome as sin. “At the risk of giving you a big head, you look very handsome.”
“Why thank you. It never hurts to hear those words.” Hunter’s grin was infectious. He held out his arm. “Ready to go eat breakfast. My stomach is already rumbling. It feels like days since I’ve eaten anything.”
Olivia rubbed her stomach. “I’m hungry too. Last night’s dinner seems so long ago.”
Hunter turned toward her and smiled. “There was something I forgot to do last night. And I need to take care of it right away.”
“What did you forget?” Olivia asked with a frown.
