Impatience swelled. He’d forgotten about the host. Hunter suppressed a frown, annoyed at his lack of concentration in the presence of this beautiful woman. And at the need to defend himself again. Not only that—this time he’d positioned himself within touching range of the sexy little troublemaker...

His insides coiled tight, the memory of kissing Carly barreling over his usual ability to remain calm. It had been hotter than he’d expected. More dangerous than he’d anticipated even after factoring in her looks and sultry ways.

The blond talk-show host grinned at Hunter. “Carly’s Clan had some not so nice nicknames for you.”

Despite everything, Hunter had to bite back a smile at the term. “‘Carly’s Clan’ certainly did. And a good number of them can’t be shared with your audience. Most of the commenters’ choices of names aren’t repeatable on TV.” He turned his focus back to Carly. “But among the most creative ones I was called were reprobate—”

“Fitting,” Carly interjected swiftly.

With a small smile, Hunter kept talking. “Degenerate—”

“Ditto,” Carly went on.

“And a rake,” Hunter finished.

“Rake?” Brian O’Connor said with a chuckle, beating Carly to the comment punch. “Who uses that word in this day and age?”

Carly’s smile was genuine as the two stared at Hunter, making him feel as if he was on trial. “I don’t know, Brian,” she said. “But it doesn’t quite suit the man, does it? Rake sounds far too...” She sent Hunter an I’m-so-cute smile and tipped her head. “Too romantic,” she finished, and Hunter appreciated the playful look she flashed him as she went on. “I suspect Mr. Philips is a bit too cut and dried for the term.”

The host chuckled and said, “You don’t think he’s a romantic?”

Carly rested her arm on the back of the couch. Their forearms were now lightly touching, the tips of their fingers each brushing the other’s elbow—briefly breaking Hunter’s focus. Carly’s sparkling gaze remained on his.

“You mean beyond Mr. Philips’s efficiently designed app? The one he uses to gently tell a woman it’s over?” A murmur of amusement moved through the crowd. Despite the dig, Hunter’s lips twitched. “I’m sure I have no idea,” Carly finished.

But her eyes told him she did, and Hunter fought the smile that threatened.

“Speaking of The Ditchinator,” Brian O’Connor said. “Today it moved to number five on the top sellers list. Carly has vowed to keep up the pressure until you discontinue the app. She’s also mentioned she’d like to hear about the inspiration behind the idea. In fact all of Miami is interested.” He leveled a pointed look at Hunter. “Care to share your thoughts?”

“Discontinuing the app isn’t in my plans at this time,” Hunter said truthfully, deliberately ignoring the mention of the story behind its creation. That was one truth he had no intention of sharing.

Clearly delighted, the host said, “Can I interest you in returning in a few weeks to discuss how you’re holding up against Carly’s campaign?”

Hunter glanced at Carly, who looked as if she wanted to laugh, and he could no longer restrain the smile. Since Carly Wolfe had entered his life tedium was certainly no longer a threat. In fact the excitement might very well do him in. But the thought of the two of them being through after tonight left him feeling disappointed.

“I’ll accept the offer to return if Carly does.” Hunter shot Carly a meaningful look. “Though I’m sure Ms. Wolfe will eventually tire of her game.”

“Of course I accept.” Her eyes on Hunter, Carly’s tone was a heady mix of amusement, arousal...and a hint of resigned irritation. “And I guarantee I won’t grow tired.”

A slight pause ensued, and Hunter appreciated the mixture of emotions in her eyes—until the host interrupted.

“That’s right,” Brian O’Connor said with a chuckle. “Tenaciousness runs in the family genes. Carly’s father is the William Wolfe, of Wolfe Broadcasting.”

Even though they were barely touching, Hunter felt the instant tension in Carly at the host’s words, and the light in her eyes dimmed a touch. As if she was preparing for the upcoming discussion to turn ugly. From his proximity, it was obvious the charming smile she was aiming at Brian was now forced.

“Just to be clear,” Brian said, turning to address the audience, “there is no behind-the-scenes monkey business going on. Mr. Wolfe has never been involved in our decision to have Carly on the show.” He held up his hands on display. “No screws have been applied to either mine or my producer’s thumbs...” He hesitated with impeccable comedic timing. “Or to any other parts of our anatomy.”

Tags: Aimee Carson Billionaire Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net