Passionate Night Page 9

  Two staircases on each side met at the second floor landing where another chandelier sparkled bright in the hallway. His room was up there, and while he’d wanted to stay at the family estate, Hunter knew his mother would’ve put him and Harper in separate rooms. Sneaking down the hall could’ve worked except for the cameras his dad had installed a few years back.

  Hunter hadn’t been home in almost a year even though he’d seen his family a couple of times on vacation but a peace fell over him when he squeezed Harper’s warm hand. The aromas of delicious home-cooked food filled the atmosphere, and he’d eaten light that day because he knew his mom would prepare all his favorites.

  “Mmm … smells like apple pie in here,” Harper said, closing her eyes and inhaling the air.

  “It is. It’s my favorite. My mother makes it when I come home, along with homemade vanilla ice cream.”

  “Oh, I love her already. My dad used to make homemade ice cream for me and my brothers when we were children. Cam does it now.”

  A familiar cheerful laugh followed by the fast click of heels, and Hunter wasn’t surprised to see his lovely, dainty mother running toward him from the dining room. He almost chuckled as she wore pearls around her neck, a flared purple dress with a matching cardigan that resembled something Michelle Obama would wear, heels, and an apron. She reminded him for a moment of June Cleaver who was always dressed up to vacuum the house before Wally and the Beaver made it home. Everything was topped off by a see-through hair bonnet that covered huge pin curls. His mind wandered back to Harper earlier as she fussed over her hair.

  “My baby is home!” Evelyn Arrington exclaimed with a wide smile as her son picked her up for a hug. “Aww, look at you,” she beamed, kissing his cheek when he placed her back on the floor. “I know we saw you a few months ago in Martha’s Vineyard but family vacation isn’t the same as being home.”

  “Yes, Mother. I agree.” Smiling, Hunter wrapped his arm around Harper’s waist. “Mother this is Harper Bennett.”

  “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Arrington,” Harper greeted warmly, holding out her hand.

  Evelyn smirked and shook her head. “Nonsense child. We’re huggers,” Mrs. Arrington stated, giving Harper a strong hug. “And please call me Ms. Eve. We’re not that formal around here. Goodness, you’re even more stunning than the pictures Hunter emailed me. You’re absolutely breathtaking.”

  Harper’s eyes grew wide as saucers as she peered at Hunter with a questioning smile. Realizing he’d forgotten to tell her he’d sent his parents the photos from the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s outing, he chuckled slightly.

  “Why thank you, and you’re gorgeous as well,” Harper complimented in a sweet manner. “Love your purple dress.”

  “Thank you. Love your green blouse, Soror.” Ms. Eve paused, interlinking her hand with Harper’s as an impressed smile crossed her face. “Now everyone is waiting for you two down in the media room. The basketball game will soon be on, so May and I made all kinds of sports event type foods, plus some of Hunter’s favorite dishes. While I love all the good you do for the world, son, I hate you don’t eat a home-cooked meal on a regular basis. Perhaps that will change one day.” She winked. “I’m going to check on my apple pie and then run upstairs to finish my hair.” She kissed Hunter’s cheek once more before dashing through to the great room.

  Grasping Harper’s hand, he gazed down at her warmly. “See, I told you she’d adore you right away. The reason why I know she does is because she said to call her Ms. Eve. Usually it’s Mrs. Arrington unless she really likes the person.”

  She exhaled a tad and ran her fingers through her hair. “Cool. I guess we should head downstairs and hope everyone else feels the same.”

  Moments later they arrived on the terrace level of the home and landed in the great room where the rest of his family sat in oversized theatre chairs with their attention focused on the basketball game that had just started. Everything was exactly as he remembered except for the huge flat screen on the wall.

  Hunter cleared his throat and his siblings, along with his father, turned their heads toward him. “Can a brother have a little love before y’all become engrossed in the game?” he asked in a teasing manner.

  “Hunter!” Addison rose from her spot and ran toward him with open arms for a hug. “You’re home.”

  “What happened to all of your hair, Addi?” he questioned, perusing her short, pixie style. “I’m surprised you chopped it off.”

  Addison shrugged her shoulders with a laugh and rustled her fingers through her dark brown hair. “I wanted something different considering I’m moving where it’s mostly sunny and warm year round. New life. New haircut.” She paused and placed her cinnamon, doe eyes on Harper. “And you must be Harper. He can’t stop talking about you whenever we’ve chatted lately.” She grabbed Harper for a hug and graced a heartfelt smile upon her. “So glad to finally meet the special lady my big brother raves about.”

  “Nice to meet you as well, Addison.”

  Addison turned to Chase who’d approached along with their father. “Now if only my other big brother would find that someone special he’ll stay out of my love life. They act like I’m a teenager and not twenty-three,” she informed Harper followed by a playful punch to her brothers’ upper arms.

  “Girl, trust me. I understand your gripe. I’m the youngest of triplets and the only girl. My brothers swear we’re not the same age.”

  “Exactly,” Addison agreed. “I’m a grown woman and eventually they’ll have to realize that.”

  All three men laughed at Addison for that would never happen as long as she was the baby sister. Hunter continued with the introductions before they all returned to the game. His mother soon joined them along with May, the estate manager and cook. The ladies set the food out on the table along with Harper and Addison assisting. Hunter caught his mom and sister exchanging happy smiles and nods while glancing at Harper. He knew they would adore her as much as he did. She was truly the one for him, and now that his family solidified that fact, he needed to convince her they were meant to be together.

  During half time, Hunter decided to give Harper a tour of the house. They ended up in his old bedroom which is where he wanted to go in the first place. She strolled around the room and admired his Taekwondo trophies, baby pictures of him, and other mementos.

  “You were an adorable baby,” she said, pointing to a picture of him when he was six months old. “Look at those chubby cheeks.”

  “Thank you. I’m glad I grew out of them.”

  “Yes, because I love the chiseled look.” She opened the double doors of his closet, which contained some winter clothes that he hadn’t worn in almost two years.

  Hunter perused the built in bookcase housing all of his precious souvenirs and artifacts he’d collected over the years. His mother had promised to keep them safe for him until he settled down and had a home of his own to display them. Each piece told a story about his travels—some good while others heart wrenching.

  “Ever sneak a girl in here?” Harper asked slyly, sitting on the edge of the bed and crossing her legs.

  “I plead the fifth,” he chuckled, joining her and drawing her to his lap. “Nah. I got caught.”

  “Oh good,” she joked, clapping her hands. “What happened?”

  “The dog snitched on me. He barked so uncontrollably outside my door that my siblings and my parents rushed out to see what was wrong at two in the morning. My dad demanded I open the door, so I did. I wouldn’t have gotten caught except that the girl in her attempt to hide in my closet had left a part of her dress sticking out. They wouldn’t have noticed if it wasn’t floral,” he said, sarcastically. “I was grounded for a month. No car. No television. No extracurricular activities except for basketball.”

  “That’s what you get,” she teased, pinching his cheek.

  “Look, I was only seventeen. Never did it again though. Well … not when they were in town.”

  “Goodness you’re a mess.�
�

  He leaned them back on the bed and kissed her lightly. “And grown.” Kissing her again, he delved his tongue deeper and wound it with hers in a slow, sensual dance. Clutching her hips, he drew her body hard against his and travelled his hand up to her breasts. Their tempo increased and the strain against his pants grinded against her.

  She opened her eyes and pushed against his chest. “Boy, bye,” she said, smacking her lips. “You know kissing me leads to other things. I have a rule. No hanky panky in the parents’ home.”

  Sitting them up reluctantly, he scooted back. “Fine, but as soon as we’re back at The Peabody …”

  “It’s on,” she finished. “Hotel sex is hot because we have to be really quiet.”

  “Yes, and that’s kind of hard for you to do.” Tempted to kiss her again, he pulled her closer to him once more.

  A knock on the ajar door jerked both their attentions to it with a nervous jump. Hunter thought for sure it was one of his parents, but it was Cannon wearing a mischievous grin.

  “Excuse me for interrupting,” Cannon began with a chuckle. “I was told you’d probably be upstairs.”

  Rising, Hunter trekked to his cousin and gave him a big hug. “Hey, man. Great to see you.”

  “You too. We talk and Skype all the time, but I haven’t seen you in person in almost two years,” Cannon stated, glancing over to Harper as she approached. “And you must be the lovely Harper. Heard a lot of wonderful things about you.”

  “Thank you,” she replied, shaking Cannon’s hand. “And the same about you and your beautiful family.”

  “Thank you. My wife and daughter are a blessing. They’ve changed my entire life.”

  Cannon beamed with delight at the mention of his family. Hunter was truly happy for his cousin and hoped to one day experience the same.

  “I’m glad I have a chance to see you in person, Hunter,” Cannon said. “Do you think you have a few moments to discuss Doctors Unlimited?”

  Nodding, Hunter turned to Harper. “Is that okay with you, babe?”

  “Certainly. I’m going to go grab another one of those Memphis Belle cocktails your sister made.” She kissed Hunter on the cheek and walked toward the door. “That girl is a pro. I may need to convince her to work at Club Masquerade and not Precious Moments Event Planning.”

  “Come on, man,” Hunter started once she left, “let’s go down to Dad’s study to chat.”

  “Sure, after I grab one of Addison’s drinks.”

  “I agree, man. Me too.”

  Ten minutes later, they settled in Judge Arrington’s rich wood-paneled study whose walls were lined with shelves and shelves of law books. The cousins shot the breeze for a bit until Cannon stopped laughing about one of their summer vacations to Martha’s Vineyard and a serious expression washed over his features.

  “I heard from the team in Ghana a few days ago, and they’re ahead of schedule on building the medical facility. Dan stopped by there today on his way back to the States, and he said everything was progressing smoothly.”

  Hunter felt his heart drop out of his body, but he had to remain professional and composed. “Oh, I see. That’s good.” Normally, he would be ecstatic, and while he was happy for the organization, this meant his next mission was now a reality. Leaving Harper soon was now a reality.

  Cannon tilted his head and tapped his chin. “I know we discussed you going there at the end of the summer but now it may be in the next month or so.”

  Hunter could barely hear the words as the annoying screech on the chalkboard sound scratched across his heart. He knew he would have to leave Atlanta, but he’d figured he had at least three more months to spend with Harper in order to convince her that they could still be together despite the distance.

  “Hunter?”

  Blinking his eyes, Hunter focused on his cousin who wore a bewildered expression. He had a feeling his face matched Cannon’s.

  Clearing his throat, Hunter took a gulp of his drink and was glad his baby sister made it extra strong after all. “No, I’m good. Surprised it was so soon. Do you know how long I’ll have to be there?” He knew the answer to the question, but he’d hoped perhaps now it would change.

  “Can’t say. Maybe two to six months. Just until everyone is hired and everything is up and running efficiently like you’ve always done.”

  Hunter knew it would be closer to six months because that was the normal length. Sometimes he was in and out if he had to check on other facilities or there was an emergency somewhere, but for the most part four to six months.

  “Cool. I’ll start wrapping up things in Atlanta. The headquarters is almost complete. I have a few more positions to hire.”

  “Found a director yet?” Cannon asked, leaning back in the leather chair and shaking the ice around in his drink.

  “I’ve met with a few candidates. Still dozens of resumes to sort through. A lot of qualified people are vying for the position. Some of them are already a part of Doctors Unlimited.”

  “I see. Are they as qualified as you? Offer still stands.”

  “I’m going to Ghana, remember? And then wherever else afterwards.”

  Releasing a half-smile, Cannon nodded in understanding. “Right. I know you love your current position. I thought maybe you’d at least give it some more thought, but I won’t mention it again.” Standing, Cannon walked over to Judge Arrington’s desk. He browsed the family pictures for a moment before turning his attention back on Hunter. “Harper seems like a really wonderful woman.”

  “Yeah, she is. She’s truly something special.”

  “Obviously. I can’t remember the last time you brought someone home to Memphis.”

  “I had to. I wanted my mother to meet her.”

  “So you’re going to do the long distance thing, huh?”

  “That’s my plan. Harper isn’t onboard yet. She thinks I should continue my life as I always have but … I don’t know, cuz. She has me thinking about things I’ve never considered before. I don’t want to let her go because of distance. In my heart, I know she’s the one.”

  Cannon raised his eyebrow and took a sip of his drink. “You know, I knew Yasmine was the one the second she let me go. I know that sounds weird, but she was willing to sacrifice our relationship for my dream.” He chuckled sarcastically. “She told me to go save the world. It took me twelve years to get back to her. Sometimes I wonder how my life would have been if I hadn’t left, but I guess there are too many what ifs. Not saying I regret creating Doctors Unlimited because I don’t, but at the same time I had to spend over a decade without my true love. She says it was worth it, and she’d do it again. Me? I still question that at times. There had to be some other way to work it out. Nothing wrong with sacrificing but there’s nothing wrong with compromising either.”

  “I hear you, big cuz.”

  “Think about what I said.” Cannon shook the melting ice in his glass. “Let’s go back to the game. I have a bet going on with Chase.”

  “Don’t we all?” Hunter laughed but deep down he really didn’t feel like laughing. Now he needed to muster up the strength to tell Harper he was leaving sooner than planned.

  Hunter replayed his conversation in his head with Cannon later on as he finished watching the game with Harper snuggled close to him on the couch. They’d both known he wouldn’t be in Atlanta forever. The words “sacrifice” and “compromise” rung loud in his ears. He’d found himself falling in love with Harper and the thought of being without her tore through his heart like a category five hurricane.

  Chapter Nine

  Harper rested her head on Hunter’s shoulder as they rode the River Loop Trolley around downtown Memphis later that night before heading back to The Peabody. She’d had a wonderful time with his family and was relieved that they were as down-to-earth as Hunter. They’d made her feel at ease and welcomed into their home.

  “I had a wonderful time tonight,” she said, squeezing his hand.

  “Me too … minus the fact th
at my team didn’t win, and I had to pay my brother one-hundred bucks.”

  “And you keep saying your team is going to the playoffs. Not this year, boo.”

  “All right, perhaps not but I still had a wonderful time. Glad you were able to meet Zoe via Skype. My family really likes you.”

  “And I liked them. Your father is such a character with his funny-but-not-really-that-funny jokes.”

  “Oh, yes. We’re all used to his silly jokes. People always assume he’s some stuffy, old, snobbish judge but he’s about the most down-to-earth, humble man you’d ever want to meet. My dad grew up in different times and not well off like we are now. He and his two brothers were from a poverty-stricken environment, but they’d made a promise to themselves to not let their environment hinder them from succeeding. Both have always remained humble and very much aware of the world around them. They passed those traits down to us. Once they lost their mother at a young age, my Uncle Francis—who is the oldest and sixteen at the time—helped my grandmother raise my dad and my Uncle Sean.”

  “I didn’t know you had another uncle.”

  Taking a deep breath, he squeezed her hand. “Yeah, he went into the military after high school, but he was in quite a few wars and returned with PTSD. He committed suicide a few years later.”

  “Oh no. I’m so sorry. Did he have a family?”

  “No, just us. I was really young when it happened. My cousin, Sean, who is named after our uncle, took it the hardest. He’s a psychiatrist because of it and spends a lot of his time counseling veterans so they won’t go down the same path. You’ll meet him tomorrow night at my cousin’s blues club on Beale Street.”