Page 10 of The Hunter’s Affection

Chapter 4

Ah, hell. Charlotte didn’t need this today. Weekends were supposed to be about rest and relaxation.

Six plus feet of pure, unadulterated man stood in front of her. Slightly darker hair than his brother’s, but not so black as that of the Morley brother, Torr’s appeal came not just from his good looks, but from the expression he wore even now. Confidence oozed from him.

She only realized she’d been staring when Alessandra cleared her throat next to her. They’d arranged last night to grab coffee at The Witch’s Brew as they did many Saturdays, and she hadn’t thought twice when her friend had mentioned stopping by the construction site first to see if Toni wished to join them. If she’d known he would be here, Charlotte would have insisted on meeting them at the coffee shop.

This man was the exact opposite of what she needed right now. Ever.

After the debacle with her family, Charlotte had finally picked up all the pieces. She’d obtained her degree in education, a job she excelled at, and now she was on track to become the next English Department chair.

At Stone Haven High School, she’d gained something she’d never thought to have again: the respect of her peers.

Sure, she could admit Torr Derrickson was sexy as hell—she had eyes—but she didn’t need anyone to tell her this man was dangerous. Reckless, even. The exact opposite of the kind of guy she hoped to attract.

Too late.

He watched her with eyes the same frosty green color shared by his brother and sister. A Derrickson family trait, she supposed, along with unearthly good looks that hardly belonged in a town so small.

And he was staying all month.

Wonderful.

“No, no, no, no,” Alessandra muttered as they walked farther into what looked like a war zone. Construction workers everywhere and a flurry of activity.

“I hear you, loud and clear,” she murmured back, breaking eye contact with Torr, who turned away.

“What are you guys doing here?” Toni asked, wiping her hands on her leggings. Only she could manage to look fashionable in that outfit. Typically, Toni looked like a cover model for Urban Outfitters, her boho vibe less in line with Stone Haven’s simple style and more suited to a NYC grad student.

“We’re on our way to The Witch’s Brew. Come with us,” Alessandra said.

Toni glanced toward the center of the room, where Lawrence and his brother stood talking. His back was to her now, thank goodness. Unfortunately, however, it gave her a very clear view of—

“Charlotte . . . ,” Alessandra warned.

Toni looked back and forth between them, and of course, it didn’t take long for her to catch on.

“Um, yeah. I may have to agree with Alessandra on this one,” Toni said.

Charlotte rolled her eyes. “There’s nothing to agree with her about. I was just saying”—she lowered her voice—“that Lawrence’s brother is the last guy on earth I’d ever get involved with.”

Well, if she hadn’t been saying it, she’d been thinking it for sure.

“No offense,” she added hastily.

Toni smiled. “None taken. He’s not staying long anyway—”

“Thank heavens.”

Charlotte swiveled to look at Alessandra. It wasn’t like her to be so uncharitable. She was one of the nicest people Charlotte knew, although there was definitely something different about her friend lately. Edgier.

“Sorry,” Alessandra muttered. “I’m sure Torr is much more charming when he isn’t actively hating on my fiancé.”

Though the words were addressed to them, Alessandra looked at Torr, almost as if she intended for him to hear them. But he was clear across the room . . .

His back was still toward them.

“His ass though,” Charlotte said wryly. Which was when Alessandra began coughing so hard Charlotte thought they might have to take her to the ER. She turned and stumbled outside, leaving them to follow.