They got off the elevator on their floor and went to their rooms together, not even bothering to make small talk. She was tired, her body felt heavy, and she planned on taking a shower as soon as she entered her room.
Well, unless Hunter had other plans…
“Good night, Gracie.” She watched in shock as he stopped, took his key card out of his pocket and pushed it into the slot of his room door, getting the green light so he could open it.
“Um, good night.” She did the same, opening her door and slipping inside the quiet, dark room. The door closed behind her with a soft click, and she suddenly felt terribly alone.
Disappointment crashed over her, thick and suffocating. She probably would’ve turned him down if he’d asked, but she’d secretly wanted him to make a move on her. Kiss her, urge her to come into his room with him, something.
But he hadn’t said a word. Simply went into his room like he didn’t give a crap about her and wished her good night.
Confusion swamped her, and she went into the bathroom, flicking on the harsh overhead light. She turned on the shower and stripped off her clothes, stepping beneath the hard, hot spray of water and trying to wash her emotions away.
But she just couldn’t. She ended up lying awake half the night despite knowing how busy they would be tomorrow. All because she could think of nothing else but Hunter and his family.
And what could never be.
Chapter Eight
Gracie watched the two men as they spoke animatedly to each other. Lots of arm gesturing and shakes of their dark heads, their similar voices rising together for one brief, tense moment before they both settled back down, an agreement reached after the rising storm.
But there would be another storm. She’d realized quickly that it was a constant, turbulent winter when it came to these particular Worth brothers. Never any sort of violence displayed between them, thank goodness. Always tension, though, and sometimes it was nearly unbearable.
Was it wrong she found Hunter even more attractive when he was angry? His blue eyes blazed, his face tensed, all sharp bones and angles, and his jaw clenched so tight she was afraid he’d crack his teeth. The irritation vibrated from his body in waves, reaching her, affecting her.
Arousing her.
At least all of that anger wasn’t directed at her. He’d look at her and his eyes would soften, as would his mouth. He’d smile, he’d nod, all the while with a smoldering gaze.
If she could fan herself without anyone noticing, she would. It was almost that necessary.
All day as they’d worked together, prepping and planning for the spring launch event, it had been like this. She’d only escaped the brothers once, when she met with an event planner Rhett had called in earlier. They’d given her the job to discuss party details, behaving as if such tasks were beneath them.
Men. Sometimes they hadn’t a clue.
Late afternoon, and the sun had started to set, leaving the interior of the Worth store washed in a golden warm glow. The windows were plenty and vast, allowing lots of natural light within, and she planned to use that fact fully to their advantage during the party.
She swallowed hard and ducked her head, glancing over her notes once again. Sitting at a table that was usually reserved for customers, she waited for Hunter to finish his conversation with Rhett. Then they would most likely head back to the hotel, eat a quiet dinner via room service—separately. Take a shower—separately—and go to bed—again, separately.
She thought she was okay with that. Believed that it was for the best. She didn’t need the trouble or heartache any sort of physical or emotional interaction with Hunter would bring. She’d already allowed herself to become far too entangled for her own good.
Frowning, she glanced up, saw that the brothers had separated. Rhett was nowhere to be found. Hunter was headed straight toward her, his stride as determined as the expression on his face.
“Are you ready to wrap it up soon?”
“I’m almost finished.” She’d been done for a few minutes but needed the time to compose herself. Gather her scrambling thoughts and see if she was willing to be as daring as she felt.
“Good. I already called the car service. They should be here in about twenty.” Offering a curt nod, he turned on his heel and left, the tension radiating from him palpable.
“Hunter.” She bit her lip the moment she said his name, nerves clamoring within her as he slowly turned around to face her. Expression perplexed, dark brows lowered. He scowled at her, she could feel his confusion and she wished she could offer him a bit of comfort. Anything to make him smile.
“What?” he asked when she didn’t say anything and she smiled weakly.
“Are you okay?”
He lifted his chin, jaw still tight, eyes filled with sadness. “I’ll be fine.”
“Do you want to talk?” Could she step in it even further? God, she needed to shut up.