Page 18 of Just Home for the Holidays
Why had he even come to New York in the first place, and where had he come from?
And what was this Jacinda like, the one whose call made him smile so warmly?
She had a list of questions and no answers to any of them. Plus she doubted Hunter would tell her anything outright.
On the upside, she had ten days to uncover the truth. Good thing Chloe loved a challenge.
They got stuck in traffic near Central Park, which was good as she needed the time. She’d just have to change quickly. Chloe started a list of her own, so she could send it to Hunter before he broke more of her rules.
Chloe Richardson’s Rules for Hunter Tate
In effect December 18 - 26, 2019
1. No (more) kisses.
2. No other physical intimacy.
3. No sex.
4. No calls during activities in public venues. (See schedule.)
5. No calls or text messages between 10 PM and 9 AM.
6. No sextingever.
7. No modification of the established schedule. (See schedule).
8. No late arrivals or departures when your attendance is agreed upon.
9. No pretending at F5F that our relationship is real. (i.e. Tell Meesha nothing.)
10. No selfies or incriminating photos.
11. No mistletoe.
12. No surprises.
13. No expectations or obligations after December 26.
* * *
Three
Chloe’s list landed on Hunter’s phone right after he left the tailor’s shop. He hadn’t thought she had an actual itemized list of activities that were out-of-bounds, but he’d underestimated her. Or maybe she’d compiled it just for him.
Reading it was an eye-opener. She’d forbidden every single fun possibility that he’d been able to think of.
He’d have to think of more.
The combination of the rules with the schedule for her so-called vacation was enough to make him break out in hives. It was astounding to Hunter that any sane person could imagine that life could be controlled to such an extent.
The temptation to show her otherwise was immediate and fierce.
He tried to stop it. He really did.
Hunter scrolled through the list, twice. The fact was that it would be a public service to teach Chloe that life was more unpredictable than this. It might just be his civic duty. It certainly would be a favor to Flatiron Five Fitness and everyone who worked there to disabuse her of this fantasy.
Never mind that he’d enjoy it. It was the perfect project for his holiday season. Hunter felt himself smile. He was going to break every single one of her rules if it was the last thing he did.
