“Almost couldn’t believe it myself.”
Nick and I had dated for six months a few years ago but broke up because both of us prioritized our careers above our relationship. We’d remained friendly, and even though Nick had suggested repeatedly that we could be friends with benefits, I’d never been interested.
Outside the building, I spotted Hunter immediately. He’d come by car, and he’d pulled in the no-parking zone in front of the building. He narrowed his eyes when he noticed Nick.
Guess who knew about Nick’s insistent propositions? Hunter.
“Congratulations, man. Heard you’re the lucky one who put a ring on her finger,” Nick said, holding out his hand to Hunter, who shook it very briefly, giving him a sardonic smile. The look in his eyes was so intense that for a split second, I thought he’d crush Nick’s hand.
“Thanks.” Turning to me, he added, “Ready?”
“Sure. See you, Nick.”
Hunter opened the door for me, but right when I was about to climb inside, he kissed me. His mouth was hot and urgent on mine, coaxing me to give in to him until I forgot we were not alone. I felt wanted, claimed.
When he pulled back, smiling down at me, I was dazzled. Crap. I’d completely forgotten Nick was still on the sidewalk. I gave him a small smile before climbing in, watching Hunter as he rounded the car to the driver seat.
Over the past few weeks, he hadn’t had a chance to wear a suit, and I’d forgotten how hot he looked in one, especially since he was so tan now. The bronze skin contrasted beautifully with his blue eyes and crisp white shirt. The tailored jacket fit him like a glove.
“How was your day?” I asked once he’d climbed in.
“Half my brain was still in the Maldives.”
“So was mine.” I smiled, but then the corners of my mouth dropped as I remembered the conversation with Nigel. “One of my colleagues is suspicious of our marriage.”
“What makes you think that?” he asked calmly, eyes on the road.
“He asked about your green card. I’m wondering if the immigration services been asking around at the office.”
“Okay. Okay. If they think it’s a sham marriage, they’d tell us.”
“Not right away. They’ll investigate first.”
Hunter pressed his head against the headrest. At a red light, he turned to look at me, touching my cheek.
“Josie, we’ll figure it out together, okay? We’ll convince everyone this is real, don’t worry.”
“How will you do that? Kiss the living daylights out of me in front of everyone? Like you did in front of Nick?”
His voice was hard. “He was looking at you as if he still has a claim on you. I had to do something about that.”
Will you look at that. Hunter Caldwell was jealous. I felt like a terrible person, but I was secretly enjoying it. Well... apparently not so secretly, because Hunter narrowed his eyes at me.
“You fiend,” he said.
“You kiss me shamelessly in front of a coworker, and I’m the fiend?”
“Yes. Because you’re enjoying the fact that I’m jealous.”
“Drive, Caldwell. The light turned green.”
I was grinning as he turned his focus on the road, feeling ridiculously giddy. Kee
p your feet on the ground, Josie.
This... thing was still new, and who knew how long it would last. Hunter had never thought about having a family, he’d said so repeatedly. Would we go back to being friends after the three years were over?
I was slowly beginning to understand that there was no way our friendship would remain the same after all was said and done. I didn’t think it was possible to forget all this. At least, not for me.