He shoots me a look of understanding, followed by a longpause. “Dorothy, I’ll miss sharing meals with you. They were some of my favorite times.”
“Thank you. They were some of mine too.” I take a bite and allow myself to enjoy my last meal with Hunter.
He’s been good to me and loved me the best he knew how. It wasn’t his fault I had feelings for another man. It was just bad timing and bad luck. I hope he finds someone who can give him all he deserves.
He slices into my thoughts. “Where did I lose you?”
“I was just appreciating the time we shared. We had some great moments together.”
“We did.” He puts a piece of steak in his mouth.
We eat for a minute in comfortable silence. I’m grateful as hell because, for a moment there, I thought he was going to beg me to give him another chance.
I glance at Hunter. “Jami was right. I needed this goodbye with you. It feels complete.”
Hunter’s eyes shine my way. “Beauty, this isn’t goodbye. This is bye for now. I’m sure we’ll bump into each other at one of Mateo’s bashes. I’m invited and expected to go to every one that crosses my desk.”
“You are?”
“Mateo owns clubs and restaurants in some of our casinos. The alliance is good for both our businesses. He hosts the events, and I can do a site visit while I’m there. I’m more productive that way.”
“I guess we never really talked about your business trips.”
He raises his eyebrows and purses his lips. “Events were always a sore spot for us. I didn’t bring them up for a reason.”
I smirk. “Probably for the best.”
“Most definitely.” He takes his last sip of wine.
The server rushes over to pour him another glass.
Once he’s gone, Hunter turns my way. “I’m surprised you went with red wine today.”
I bunch my nose up. “Why? I love red wine.”
He changes his voice to mimic mine. “Because you know red wine doesn’t pair well with salmon.”
I may have said white wine doesn’t pair well with steak, but I know what he’s referring to. I burst out in laughter at his reference to our first dinner together. He joins in seconds later.
We enjoy a moment remembering each other in a positive light. It gives me hope he’ll be able to move on and find someone who can love him as much as he does her.
After we finish our lunch, he takes me back to Jami’s, with Tom following close behind. I have movers at my loft and want to stay out of the way.
Hunter gazes at me from across the back seat. “So, your plan is to spend the rest of your life with your man?”
My cheeks heat as my heart swells. “Yeah, I think it is.”
“Well then, I feel good about being a part of that by letting you use my jet to get you there.”
My stomach twists. “Are you sure you’re okay with doing that for me?”
He lifts a shoulder to his ear. “It’s the only way you’re getting those routing numbers, so take it or leave it.”
“Fine. I’ll take it.” I lean my head back against the leather seat. “Thanks. Flying private is so much better than flying commercial.”
“That’s why my first major purchase was that jet.” He glances out the window, seeming to watch the buildings go by.
“You bought your jet before you bought your apartment?”
