Chapter 3

As skeptical as she was about her date with Hunter, Skylar was impressed with the restaurant he’d chosen. It was a new traditional French restaurant, lined with rustic café chairs and tables alongside small wooden picnic tables. It was beautiful and quaint, but the smells coming from the kitchen were heavenly. She stood and waited for the hostess to acknowledge her. The woman looked up with a phony smile and a raised eyebrow, which she guessed passed for a question in her world. “I’m meeting someone, reservations for Cross at eight.”

The underweight blonde scanned the list and gave a curt nod. “Right this way.”

Skylar followed her to a small table for two where Hunter had already been seated. He stood and waved when he saw her, looking like he’d stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine. “Hunter, good to see you.”

He stepped back and eyed her up and down several times, a slow smile crawled across his face. “Skylar, you look good enough to eat.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh boy.”

He laughed. “Too much?”

Skylar held her thumb and forefinger about an inch apart. “Just a little.” She looked around the restaurant and couples sipping wine and quietly flirting. “This place is amazing, great choice.”

“Thanks,” his eyes held a predatory gaze. “I’m glad you decided to go out with me tonight.”

“Oh yeah? Why?” She laughed at confusion that crossed his face. Women probably didn’t really care why he asked them out, as long as he did.

“Mostly because you’re hot.”

She laughed at his honesty. “Alright. Anything else?”

Hunter leaned in close, giving her a good look at his gorgeous green eyes. “That is yet to be seen.”

A beautiful waitress with long brown hair approached the table. “Good evening, my name is Tammy and I’ll be your server tonight. Can I start you with a drink?” Her gaze never left Hunter’s face and he ate it up, flirting shamelessly with her.

“I’ll have a gin martini. Dirty.” The girl nodded but she seemed incapable of pulling her gaze from Hunter.

“I’ll have your best scotch, Tammy.”

“You got it. I’ll be back soon,” she promised and put a little extra sway in her hips when she walked away.

“Someone has a fan,” she teased even though she was a little disappointed that he’d flirted so openly with her.

“Jealous?”

She shook her head. “Why should I be jealous?” Hunter wasn’t hers and she had a feeling he would never belong to just one woman.

“Because you want me all to yourself?”

She laughed at the way he batted his eyelashes at her. “You’re a funny guy, Hunter.” She was about to say more but Tammy returned with their drinks and took their orders. Skylar watched them flirt a bit more before she sauntered away and she knew already, accepting this date had been a mistake. “Tell me Hunter, what do you do when you aren’t working?”

The smile that split his face made him look a work of art. “I love extreme sports and whenever I have time, I fly off to ice climb, BASE jump, white water rafting, surfing you name it. I love the rush of conquering nature.” He sipped his scotch with great satisfaction. “I’ll be ice climbing in Norway this winter.”

She nodded, mildly interested in what he was saying but mesmerized by his enthusiasm. Dismay quickly set in when she realized he wouldn’t ask about her interests. “You do love a rush, don’t you?”

“I do! When I’m not traveling for extreme sports I indulge in cars, mostly fast cars. I have all the quality sports cars, Porsche, Lamborghini, Corvette and I just bought a Formula One car.”

Their food had arrived and Skylar had never been more grateful. Conversation was stilted and boring and she was ready to go home. There would be no more attempts at conversation on her part. He wasn’t interested and she didn’t need to waste her breath. The only sounds she made were a few moans while she finished off her torte. “That was delicious.”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure go ahead.”

“Are you a real redhead?”

Her brows wrinkled in confusion. “I don’t dye my hair if that’s what you’re asking.”

He leered at her and she grew nervous. “I’m eager to find out for myself, Skylar. Will I? I’ve heard good things about redheads in the sack.”

His words sank in. “Okay Hunter, time to go.”

His eyes widened. “Let’s go.”

Before she could tell him he’d misunderstood he was out of his chair and in search of Tammy. Oh well, she thought and stood to gather her purse and jacket. She had nearly made it to her car when Hunter caught up with her. She turned at his voice. “Thanks for dinner Hunter, the food was delicious.”

“And the rest of it?”

She nodded. “It’s been interesting.” Hunter leaned and cut off the rest of her words by shoving his tongue down her throat. His kiss was too wet and too aggressive for her taste and she pushed him back. “Jeez Hunter, read a room!”

“I thought we were on the same page, babe.”

“No. We’re not. I’m not sleeping with you.”

Realizing his mistake, Hunter stepped back apologetically. He was not deterred thought. “Sorry Skylar, you’re just so hot I guess I lost my mind for a moment. Can we start over, please?”

She knew she would regret it but she nodded her agreement. “Fine.”

“Great, let’s go out again on Saturday night?”

“Sure.” What’s the worst that could happen?

***

Ryder stood behind his desk, looking out over the city as rained drenched everything in sight. The grey sky combined with the grey concrete made everything look lifeless, vacant. He loved the rain though and he spent a few minutes just enjoying the monotony of each drop falling from the sky. It had been more than week since he’d seen Skylar and he felt about as happy and the dreary landscape beyond his office window. He’d probably handled the entire situation badly, but no one had ever accused him of having good people skills.

“Ryder, Lyla Peterson is on the line,” Mimi interrupted his thoughts over their shared intercom.

He pulled himself away from the rain reluctantly and picked up the phone. “Lyla, so good to hear from you.” Lyla was President of a private school organization that oversaw more than 60 schools across the U.S. and Canada. Their focus was on students with learning disabilities, autism and any other obstacles to traditional learning. He’d tried to get her on the phone for weeks.

“Ryder, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you. We’ve just opened a school in Connecticut and the homeschool parents are being difficult.”

That was a new one. “Why?”

“Because a dozen of their students have been enrolled at New Day and they don’t like it. They’re terrified I’ll be teaching evolution and sex ed,” she laughed but it was more frustrated than humorous. “Listen Ryder, I’m interested in your services but I don’t want a pre-existing program. I want you to create a few programs specific to the needs of our students.”

A smile spread across his face. This was the next step in growing Edu-Tech and Lyla had jumpstarted the process with her request. “That is wonderful to hear. I can send Hunter to you to get the information we’ll need and he can answer any questions you might have. He’s my brother and in charge of Business Development.”

Lyla scoffed. “No offense, Ryder, but no thank you. The last thing I need is some handsome charmer who’ll charm me before I get what I need. I’ve seen your brother and while I’m sure he gets the job done, I need the CEO.”

He nodded, respecting her honesty. “Okay then. Let me check with Mimi and see when I can fit in a trip to California.” He shot off an email to Mimi while he spoke and noticed Hunter at the door. “I’ll have Mimi call you as soon as we have a few days open, probably next week sometime.” They said their goodbyes and ended the call. He took a moment to enjoy the good news before his brother would inevitably ruin it.

“Stealing my job, Ryder?”

“Not at all. This isn’t something you can really do and she requested the CEO.”

Arms crossed defiantly, Hunter tilted his chin up. “What exactly is it that I can’t do, Ryder because just a week ago you were singing my praises.”

Here we go, he thought as exhaustion began to set in. “She wants custom made software and since I’m the one with the programming background she asked for me. Is that a problem?”

Hunter rolled his eyes. “I guess not. So I went out with Skylar a few nights ago. Cold fish.”

His jaw clenched but his face was blank. “And why do I care about this?”

“It’s called conversation Ryder, it’s how humans interact.” Something was up with him, but Hunter didn’t know what.

“Thanks for the lesson but I have work to do.”

Hunter grunted. “Of course you do. Never time to sit and talk with your brother, or is it that Mr. CEO is too important?” He taunted him because he hated that Ryder was so dismissive.

“You want me to ask about your, what, one thousandth conquest? Why? Go find someone else to brag to.” He didn’t want to hear one detail of Hunter’s night with Skylar. He wasn’t sure he could sit through it without bloodying his brother’s perfect face.

Hunter looked closely at the strain around his eyes and his clenched jaw. He suspected Ryder might be angry or jealous, but it didn’t make sense. Everyone knew Ryder didn’t date and he didn’t mess around with anyone involved with the company. “Fine, whatever. You know Ryder, one day you’re going to wake up and find yourself completely alone.”

“Your point?” At Hunter’s silence, he scoffed. “Oh right, you want to be my friend? Give it up Hunter, I know you can stand me.”

Hunter was stunned. He thought their competition was friendly and fun, he never realized Ryder thought he didn’t like him. “You’re my brother, of course I can stand you.”

“Is that why you’re so quick to tell people we’re step brothers?” He didn’t know what Hunter’s angle was, but he knew there was one. Then he stilled. Had Skylar told him about their last meeting? He looked closely at his brother’s face, looking for any trace that he knew.

“It’s the truth, we are.”

“Right. Is that all?”

“I wanted to ask your advice about something. I have another date with Skylar and I thought you might know why she’s not feeling me.”

“Why would I kno—, oh I see. She told you. Well I don’t know a damn thing about the woman and certain don’t know what she likes or dislikes.”

“Told me what?” Hunter leaned forward, fear washed over him at the thought he had missed something important. “What, Ryder?”

“Nothing, it’s irrelevant. I really can’t help you Hunter, you’re the charming one so…charm her.”

A cold chill crept up his back and Hunter didn’t know why or what to do about it. “Fine Ryder, sorry to have bothered you.”

“It’s no bother,” he said sincerely. “I just don’t have any answers. Sorry.” Hunter nodded and stood, raking a hand through his hair and walking away. “Hunter,” he called after his brother. “Sometimes you can be too charming, try to tone it down with her.”

He gave a sad smile and said, “Thanks, Ry.” He turned and practically ran into Mimi on his way out. “Hey Mimi,” he stopped and took in her beautiful face, full of pain once again.

“Hunter.” She ignored him and stepped inside Ryder’s office. “So Lyla Peterson, that’s good news.”

“Yep.”

“I’ve blocked out three days at the end of next week.”

“Great thanks Mimi.”

“So you gave him advice. On how to woo the woman that you want for yourself. Are you up for a saint aware or something?”

He glared at her. “Why shouldn’t I help him? She didn’t even want to go out with me so it doesn’t matter how I feel.” Ryder had never been blind to his brother’s charms and the way women fell at his feet, but this was the first time it had hurt. It was a physical ache he could not escape no matter what he did. Every time he tried to block it out, all he could see was her face contorted in horror and it all came back again.

“Yeah well that doesn’t mean you need to help him. He doesn’t need your help and if the situation was reversed, he wouldn’t help you.”

“I don’t know that and neither do you. Hunter isn’t a bad guy Mimi, he just doesn’t like me.”

“Or me.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be Ryder. I’m not.”

“Liar,” he smiled.

“Brat.”

Hunter stood outside his brother’s office, gutted by what he’d heard. Ryder had asked Skylar out and she turned him down, yet he’d still helped Hunter. Mimi was right, he wouldn’t have done something as selfless as that. But Ryder had because there was no reason for him not to. He felt like a jerk, more because Ryder thought he didn’t like him. That was his biggest regret. Well, that and Mimi. He tiptoed quietly down the hall and took the elevator to his office.

***

As Skylar sat at a deep red booth inside the trendy Tapas bar and restaurant, she was already regretting she’d ever agreed to this date. Hunter had walked in the door ten minutes ago and still hadn’t made it over to where she sat…waiting for him. He flirted with the busty hostess with the sexy olive skin for a few minutes, before he winked and moved on to the busty bartender with the pink streaks in her blonde hair. They did a shot together, then another and then she whispered something in his ear that made him laugh so hard he had to wipe tears from his eyes. She watched him chat with a short man who she pegged as the owner or manager. They ogled a waitress in tight black pants as she slid between them carrying two pitchers of sangria.

When a waitress stopped at her table, she ordered a large red sangria and sent thanks up to the universe that she’d taken a cab tonight. Sometimes having a temperamental car worked out for the best. She knew that whatever happened tonight, she would need the sangria to keep her from castrating Hunter Cross. “Can I get the Whoa Baby tapas platter too, please?” The waitress nodded and walked away.

She wouldn’t sit back and wait for Hunter to grace her with his presence. She would enjoy the food, whatever in the hell tapas were, drink the sangria and enjoy a night catching up on The Big Bang Theory. Whether he showed at her table or not, because it was her table, she would enjoy the lively party atmosphere just long enough to satisfy her hunger and then take a taxi home.

Watching Hunter smile that dimpled smile and charm every man and woman in sight, made her think about Ryder and his dark good looks. He was a tad awkward and more than a little abrupt but he was sweet and gorgeous. If she was in the market for something more, he would be right up her alley. As it was, her reaction to him had caused a rift between them she wasn’t sure would ever be healed. The only positive was that it hadn’t cost them the contract, which just went to show how stupid she really was. A man who had the power to screw her over, but chose not to because he was a good guy, was a truly good man. She took a long gulp of her sangria, glad that she had made a mess of things with Ryder. With his looks, inhere goodness and the chemistry between them, she would turn her life upside down for a man like that. If she were looking for a man like that.

But her plan had backfired because she’d chosen a man who was nice to look at but had nothing under his beautiful surface. She’d chosen shallow to passion and tonight she paid the price.

“Skylar, when did you get here?” Hunter leaned down and kissed her cheek with a bit too much force.

She glared at him, unaffected by his charming smile. “About fifteen minutes before you walked in.”

He smiled, glad she wouldn’t let him get away with being a bastard. “Really? You should have said something.”

If looks could kill, Hunter would’ve keeled over and died on the spot. “Why would I have done that Hunter? Didn’t you come here to meet me for dinner?”

He took a seat across from her. “You know I did.”

“Then why didn’t you scan the room for me or, I don’t know, ask the hostess if I had arrived yet?” He opened his mouth but she held a hand up to stop him. “Don’t bother. I don’t really care, I’m still here because I’ve already ordered my food.”

He groaned. “You ordered without me?”

“I wasn’t sure you’d even stop by my table.” She gave him a sickly sweet smile that she hoped was menacing.

“Of course I would, babe. That’s why I’m here. For you.” He flashed her that panty dropping smile but he noticed she didn’t smile or blush or give any indication she was affected. “So tell me Skylar, how was your day?”

“It was fine. Busy. How was yours?” She waved the waitress over for another drink.

“It was pretty good. I’ve been working the leads brought in by social media and it’s looking good.” No matter how things played out tonight, he was still impressed by the work her firm had done.

The waitress returned with her platter and another glass of sangria. “Thanks,” she said politely and dug in while Hunter ordered. She ate her fried baby squid while the waitress pushed her boobs in Hunter’s face and flirted like it was her job.

“Hunter you’re funny,” she giggled and touched his arm, making Skylar roll her eyes. “I bet we’d have a great time if we went out.”

Skylar sipped her sangria and said, “Hint, hint” loud enough for them to hear.

Hunter stifled a laugh. He enjoyed this smart, sarcastic version of Skylar. Too bad Ryder wanted her because he had a feeling he could really like her, even though nothing would ever come of it. Nothing could. “Well sugar, maybe some time soon. How about you get me a scotch and some albondigas?”

“Wow,” she said as she bit into a marinated olive. “I’ve never been completely ignored like that.”

He shrugged. “If you looked like this no one would ever ignore you.” He wiggled his eyebrows and ran a hand through his wavy locks.

She wanted to laugh but refused to reward his bad behavior. “Since busty waitresses aren’t my type, I think I’m good.” This was possibly the worst date she had ever been on but she refused to leave until she finished eating. “I won’t be offended if you want to go chat with your friends.”

He looked at her, stunned. “Why would I want to do that?”

She gave him an, are you kidding me look. “Because your head is swiveling so much I think it’s about to roll right off.” She shook her head in disgust and dug in to her stuffed mussels. “It’s fine” Her words were cut off by the approach of a sexy Asian girl wearing leather. Leather!

“Hi Hunter baby. It’s good to see you.” She bent over and pressed her plump pink lips against his, and moaned into the kiss.

It went on and on and on until even Skylar felt uncomfortable. She dropped her fork loudly on the plate and when that didn’t work, she stood and went to her busty waitress. “Excuse me, can you have my platter put in a to go bag and get my bill? I’ll be by the cash register, thanks.” The girl gave her a strained smile until she caught a glimpse of Hunter mouth locked with Leather Girl, and gave her a pitying smile.

“Sure thing. Just give me a sec.”

A few minutes later she had two small boxes inside a bag and a check for Skylar. The boxes were still warm and she smiled. If the cab ride was quick enough she could eat it warm when she got home. “Thanks,” she said as she signed the receipt. “Keep the change.” She heard the waitress’ surprise ‘thanks’ as the door closed behind her. She sent Kendra a text to let her know she was on her way home. Well that’s a date I’ll never forget.

Her phone rang and she picked it up before looking at the screen, a fact she regretted until she heard her aunt’s soft voice. “Sky sweetheart, how are you?”

She sighed wistfully and a real smile touched her mouth. “Aunt Marie, I’ve just come back from the world’s worst date, that’s how I am. How are you?”

“Was he at least a good lover?”

“Aunt Marie! I didn’t sleep with him, it was the second, and last date.” She heard the chuckles on the other end of the line.

“Oh dear, what is the arbitrary date number for sex these days?”

She had no idea but that wasn’t the point. “Aunt Marie, we are not having this conversation.”

“Oh psh, dear! I need your help and I’m hoping you’ll come spend a few days with me.”

“I’m not sure if I can. When do you need me?”

“If you can come sometime next week, that would be great. I have something in the works and I could use your expertise. I’ll pay you of course, dear.”

“Aunt Marie you know that’s not necessary. I’ll look at my schedule and tell you when I can come.” “Let me know when you can get here and I will pay you. Good night, Sky.”

She hung up before Skylar could protest payment so she grunted at the phone and threw it back in her purse. What a crazy week! “That’s it, I’m staying in the house until Monday morning!” She didn’t even flinch about talking to herself in the backseat of a cab. Nope, after tonight she was going full on spinster cat lady.

***

“If you don’t get out of her soon Ry, you’re going to miss your plane.” Mimi pushed him out of his office and shoved his briefcase into the elevator with him. “If you miss your flight you’ll be stuck at the airport for the next six hours.”

“Ugh, why didn’t you book a later flight?” He turned to look down at her small frame.

“Why didn’t you buy that company jet like I told you to?”

He sighed. “Not this again. I told you it was a prudent purchase, particularly until we’ve had eight consecutive quarters of growth.” Dammit he didn’t even want to make this trip except it would put ETI on the map.

“Yeah well, this is why you have to take commercial flights. Maybe you should look into it when you get back.” She gave him a knowing smirk and walked out of the elevator ahead of him. “Now let’s go and we can go over a few things on the way to the airport.”

He huffed with irritation and slid into the back of the Town Car. “How’s the marketing campaign going?”

Mimi fought to keep the smile that threatened to appear. “It’s going great, actually. You should meet with Skylar again and get an idea how things are going.”

“That’s alright. I don’t need to, I’m delegating. You should be happy.” Mimi had been after him for years to delegate more.

“Oh I am, but you aren’t delegating for the right reasons.”

“But I am delegating and that’s what matters. As long as I see results, Cressly can handle it.” Plus the last thing he wanted to see was the glow on her pale skin from an all night sex session with Hunter. No thank you.

“Ryder, you exasperate me. Seriously. Just admit that your feelings are still hurt and then talk to her again. Explain things.”

“Not going to happen.” He would rather eat soup off a public toilet than explain anything to her. About anything. Ever. “Well fine then. Let Hunter have her, date her and break her heart so she quits and we have to start this whole thing over in six months.” Dramatic, sure but she wanted to get her point across.

“Don’t you think you’re being a tad dramatic Mimi?”

“Not even a little bit. If anyone knows what she’s in store for Ryder, it’s me.” And I’m still not over him. That part went unsaid because they both knew.

“Well they are both adults and I’ve warned Hunter to tread carefully. If they let their personal lives interfere with work then it’s their business. There’s nothing I can do about that. If she quits, we’ll have to find another marketing firm.”

She poked his arm. “Don’t play nonchalant with me, buster. It’s killing you but you just can’t admit it, damn you!” She stopped the car. “We’re here. Get out.”

He looked up and around at his surroundings. “What? What about my bags?”

“Put those big strong muscles you try to hide to use.” She winked and shoved him out of the car. “Call me when you arrive and I’ll tell you what you’ve missed. Later.”

Ryder stepped into the early morning sunlight and grabbed his luggage. He hated airports.

He hated California more.