Page 23 of Just Home for the Holidays
“He won’t tell me.”
“Sounds like a riddle you need to solve.”
Chloe shook her head. “One of many. With Hunter, I’ve got a list.”
“Then he’s perfect for you,” Mandy said with misplaced confidence. She continued before Chloe could argue with her. “Doesn’t this place blow your mind?”
“Why? Because it’s so big?”
“Because Mom’s still living here, seven years after Cooper’s death.” Mandy came back to sit on the bed beside Chloe, her expression concerned. “Do you think she can still afford it?” she asked in a whisper.
“I never thought about it.”
Chloe’s sister shook her head, but her gaze was searching. “I though maybe she talked about money with you.”
“No, never.”
“There’s a scary thought,” Mandy said. “I wonder who she does talk to about her money.”
“She must have a financial advisor, maybe at the bank.”
“I hope so.” Mandy stood up and brushed off her skirt. “Sleep well, kiddo, and wear your running shoes tomorrow. These two never stop.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Chloe said, because it was true.
It took her a long time to fall asleep, though, even though it had been a full day. Had Hunter seen anything in her schedule, or was he just messing with her?
And how could anyone hate Christmas?
* * *
Wednesday evening stretched to eternity,devoid of activities and distractions—and it was still a week to Christmas. Hunter fully expected that he’d have his recurring nightmare again, but he didn’t have to welcome it.
It wasn’t the first time he’d tried to make himself too tired to dream, and just because the tactic hadn’t worked in the past didn’t mean it wasn’t worth another try. He locked up the apartment and headed down to F5F. He didn’t usually go swimming, but maybe this was a good chance to try it out. The partners were big on it as good exercise, plus when he checked, the lap pool was virtually empty.
No one would see.
Hunter bought himself a pair of swimming trunks in the shop, kidded around with Germaine, then changed and headed for the pool. He had it to himself, no doubt because the holidays were so close. It was kind of peaceful, with the lights of the city shining through the big windows. It got dark early this time of year, but there were a lot of lights shining in the windows of adjacent buildings. He dove in and swam, oblivious to everything else, until he couldn’t manage another lap. His body was tired but his mind was still spinning when he climbed out of the pool.
Maybe that was why he didn’t notice Meesha right away.
She was standing at the door to the women’s change room, looking at him. Her hair was tied back and she wore a brilliant pink Speedo. Her expression was puzzled, which made no sense until Hunter realized she was staring at the side of his chest. The only place he ever showed his scar was in the weight room with Nate’s vets. It gave him credibility there, though no one ever asked about it.
Meesha was staring outright. “Ouch,” she said when he acknowledged her with a nod and her reaction made him feel grumpy. Revealed.
“Not just the queen of social media but the empress of subtlety,” he said with some irritation and she smiled.
“Sorry. I had no idea.”
“You weren’t supposed to.”
Meesha being Meesha didn’t let it go. She took a step closer. “It looks like a burn.”
“It was a burn.” Hunter flung on his T-shirt. “But it’s healed.”
“A big burn,” she said, meeting his gaze. “What happened?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
