Page 5 of Hunted for Halloween
“I was going to tell you!” I defend myself weakly, suddenly feeling embarrassed.
He doesn't say anything. He maintains his soft gaze, but I can see the hurt in it, making my chest knot tightly.
“I'm sorry,” I whisper. “I just didn't want you to be disappointed in me.”
He squints his eyes on me. “I could never be disappointed in you, Angel. I knew the job made you unhappy. I was elated when you quit. Now, you can finally pursue your dreams as a fashion designer. I'm so proud of you for doing the right thing, Angel.”
My eyes water, and I have to blink back my tears so I won't smear my makeup. I wrap my arms around him in a hug, breathing shakily.
“I love you so much, Dad.” I murmur.
He kisses my temple. “I love you too, Angel.”
We both laugh when we pull away from the hug. I kiss his cheek, grinning.
“I'll go check on Harriet in the kitchen.” I tell him.
“I love the sound of that. Christian will be here soon.” He responds, glancing at his watch. I rub his arm, walking away from him.
Christian is Dad's long time best friend. I don't really know him or remember him, but that's because he left the countrywhen I was really little. He stayed in touch with Dad while he ran his business in England. I was never really curious to know more about him, but I know he has one heck of a strong bond with my Dad. So, I understand why Dad's so elated to have him over for dinner now that he's back in the country.
“Harriet!” I exclaim with excitement as I saunter into the kitchen.
The older lady looks up from the grilled chicken she's setting aside, a motherly smile blooming on her face. Her greasy brown hair is tucked in a ponytail, her honey brown eyes gleaming with softness.
“Aurora!” she walks towards me, engulfing me in a hug. I pat her back softly, laughing. “It's like you totally stayed away from us.” She adds when she pulls away.
“That's not true,” I groan, defending myself. “But, I'm not going to bore you with details. Oh, this smells heavenly!” I drag in an exaggerated inhale, soaking up the aroma that coats the air.
Harriet giggles.
“What can I help with? Do I set the table?” I glance around excitedly.
“There’s no way I'm letting you lift a finger in my kitchen.” Harriet counters, wrapping the chicken with a plastic wrap.
“But…”
“Out, out,” she sends me out with a smile, and I release a frustrated groan, huffing and striding out of the kitchen.
“Angel,” I hear dad call out to me from the living room when I stop by the floor length mirror in the lobby.
“Coming, Dad!” I holler in response.
I take a deep breath, assessing the way my blush pink silk dress molds against my curves. The soft hue not only compliments my skin, it enhances my feminine side more. Myplatinum blonde hair falls down my back in gorgeous beach waves, my makeup soft and enthralling.
I hope I impress Dad's best friend. He really seems to like him and I'd love more than anything to get along with him.
I plaster a smile on my face, my green eyes flaring with an accommodating glint. Then, I head for the living room.
“Look at you, man. It's been ages!” My Dad exclaims, wrapping his arms tightly around the muscular frame of his friend who I can't properly make out from where I'm standing.
“Um…gentlemen?” I drag out a nervous breath, still maintaining my smile.
My interruption leads to the duo disentangling from their hug and his face slowly comes into view, knocking the breath out of me.
I freeze, running my eyes up the length of his frame, my heart pounding terribly in my chest, hoping my worst fears aren't about to come true. There's no way I'd ever forget those whiskey eyes. The same eyes from two days ago. The same eyes that drew me in and watched me come like a slut.
His crisp white shirt stretches sinfully against his ripped taut pectoral muscles and large muscly arms. My eyes trailed down his upper torso, taking in his long, large veiny fingers and the familiar tattoo on the back of his palms. Those flame tattoos etched on his palms seem like they are mocking me, alongside his rings.