Leading the Witness

by Chantal Fernando

  “I’m not a gym kind of woman,” I tell him with a grin. “I tried going a few times, but I prefer to do hikes, or scenic walks. I like walking or jogging along the beach if the weather is good. If worse comes to worst I jog around the block with Bear before or after work. I don’t do anything else other than that, although I probably should.”

  “Well, whatever you’re doing, it’s working,” he murmurs.

  I flash him a smile and then pour him a soda. When his food is ready, I bring him the plate and then move to serve a few other customers who come in while he eats.

  “How was it?” I ask him just as he finishes his last bite.

  “Really good,” he tells me, pushing the finished plate away. “I think you should definitely keep this on the menu.”

  “Is this going to be your new order?” I ask him, arching my brow. “Or are you going back to the usual?”

  He studies me for a second and then replies with “The usual.”

  I start to laugh. “You have issues.”

  “Can I take you out this weekend?” he asks me, catching me off guard.

  He wants to take me out, like on a proper date? I can’t remember the last time I went on a date. I said I didn’t want to go there with him, to do this, because I wasn’t sure if I was ready. The timing isn’t right, but then, is it ever? Wrong timing, right person. My brain is telling me to refuse him, to try to be on my own for a while, to sort out my life, but another organ is telling me to say yes, that I’d love to go on a date with him.

  I let my heart lead.

  “Okay,” I whisper.

  “Okay?” he asks, sounding a little shocked.

  “Why do you sound so surprised?” I ask him, lip twitching.

  “I thought I’d have to do a little more convincing,” he admits, studying me.

  “Are you calling me difficult?”

  “Are you denying it?” he fires back.

  “No,” I reply, ducking my head to hide my smile. “Where will we be going on this date?”

  “It’s a surprise,” he says, and excitement fills me. This is all so new to me, and it’s both thrilling and overwhelming. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing, but maybe it’s time I started taking risks. I only have one life, and maybe I should start living it.

  “Surprise many women on first dates?” I tease, arching my brow at him and lifting my chin.

  “None, actually,” he says, scanning my face. “I’d better get back to work.” He places money on the table, much more than what is necessary, and says, “I’ll pick you up on Friday at four?”

  “Sounds good,” I reply, making a mental note to ask someone to cover my shift. I haven’t taken any time off since I opened the place, and I know I deserve a Friday off. Without feeling guilty. “What am I meant to wear to this surprise date?”

  His eyes narrow in thought. “Something casual and comfortable. No heels.”

  “You got it,” I tell him. When he leans over and gives me a quick kiss, I don’t pull away. I’m not usually one for public displays of affection, and I have no idea why I allow it now, but this whole thing hasn’t exactly been in my comfort zone.

  “Hope you enjoy the rest of your day, beautiful,” he says, smiling.

  I don’t think anything could now make this day a bad one.

  “RILEY’S GOT A DATE,” Callie sings, doing a little happy dance. “I can’t believe it. I have the morning off and this is what I miss.”

  “You should have seen them,” Preston tells her. “They were all lovey-dovey and shit. In their own world. I dropped a glass and it smashed, and she didn’t even realize.”

  “Really?” Callie murmurs, eyes going wide. “This is long overdue, and we all know it. And I’m happy to hold down the fort on Friday night, because I have nothing better to do, and I think I’d make a great bar manager.”

  “Why should you be in charge?” Preston asks, scowling. “I should be the one handling shit while Riley’s getting manhandled by Hunter. I’m the backbone of this place.”

  “Can you stop talking about me like I’m not here?” I growl, looking between the two of them. “No one is manhandling me. And yes, one of you two will be left in charge. I’m thinking of hiring someone too, as well, because as the place gets busier we’re going to need a little more help.”

  “So who are you going to choose?” Callie asks me, hands on her hips. “Your best friend, or this idiot?”

  “Your best friend is Kat,” I point out in a dry tone. “And he may be an idiot, but he’s our idiot, and he makes a mean cocktail.”

  “But can he handle multitasking and whatever situations may arise?” she continues pushing. “Come on, Riley, I was born to lead. I’m a lawyer.”

  “Well, you’re not,” Preston inserts, bending to tie his shoelace. “You left the world of law to serve drinks, remember? And what if a fight breaks out? I can handle that. I’m a man.”

  “Are you going to allow this sexism?” Callie asks me, stepping toward Preston. “I could handle it if a fight breaks out. We have more security on weekends now anyway. I’m not some delicate flower, so don’t even try and play that card, Preston.”

  “Calm down, you two,” I tell them, shaking my head. “I’ll decide and let you know.”

  “Fine,” the two of them grumble.

  You’d think they were children, and I was their mother telling them off or something. “Callie, can you put a ‘help wanted’ sign on the door and in the paper or something? The sooner we hire someone, the better.”

  “No problem,” she says, then turns to Preston. “See, she asked me, not you, because I’m more responsible.”

  “Or because it’s a menial task and she has more important things for me to do,” Preston replies, smirking.

  I throw my hands up in the air and walk out of the staff room.

  I don’t know how I’m going to put one of them in charge without them killing each other, but I’m going to let Thursday me worry about it.

  chapter 20

  HUNTER

  “CONGRATULATIONS ON OFFICIALLY BEING divorced,” I tell my pro bono client, Laurie, who beams as she holds the piece of paper, of freedom, in her hand. Her husband would abuse her but in ways that never showed physical proof. A shove against the wall, a push from behind. He was smart and knew how to intimidate her. But she stayed strong throughout this whole divorce proceeding.

  “Thank you for everything, Mr. Brayze,” she gushes, a big smile on her face. “I’m so happy this is all done with, you know? Fresh start for me.”

  “I’m very happy for you, Ms. Karen,” I tell her, walking her to her car. “If you need anything else, you know how to get in touch with me.”

  “Don’t think I’ll be getting remarried any time soon,” she jokes. I can see how relieved she is, in her tone, expression, and body language. I share her relief too. It’s always a good feeling when everything reaches a solution and your client is happy with the outcome. You’d thinking working in family law and handling divorces would make me cynical and never want to get married, but for some reason that’s not how I feel at all. Maybe it’s because my parents still have a happy marriage. Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t always been pretty, or easy, but they stuck it out, so I know it can be done no matter how many bitter, hurt, and fed-up people wanting to break their vows come through my office door.

  Laurie drives away and I head back to the office, preparing for the rest of the day. Yvonne is sitting at the front desk, her hair in a big bun on her head, looking like a beehive.

  “What have I missed?” I ask, stopping in front of her desk to annoy her.

  “Callum dropped by with Medusa,” she tells me. “Other than that, nothing much. Kat and Tristan are out of the office, and Jaxon is with a client.” She points her finger as she remembers something. “And there are doughnuts in the lunchroom.”

  “What kind?” I ask, perking up. “And I think you should stop calling her Medusa.”

  “Variety, although I don’t know wh
at’s left. Are you heading to Riley’s for lunch?” she asks me, spinning her chair from left to right.

  “I’m not going to have time today. Going to have to have lunch at my desk,” I say, glancing at my watch. “And doughnuts, apparently.”

  “I’ll probably go grab some food from there. Although I don’t think I’m her favorite person in the world,” she says, tapping her pointed blue nails on the table. “I was just looking out for you, Hunter. I know that everyone here thinks you’re this player with no feelings, but I know better than that. Yes, you might be a bit of a slut sometimes, but you have a good heart. And I’ve never seen you like someone so much, so I wanted to see where she stood with you.”

  I wasn’t sure what Yvonne had said to Riley; I’d completely forgotten about it, to be honest, too distracted with Riley herself. “What did you say to her?”

  She shrugs, grimacing. “Just asked her a few questions about her intentions.”

  “Defending my virtue?” I tease, my eyes gentling on her. “I appreciate you looking out for me, Yvonne, but Riley is mine to handle, and you shouldn’t say anything to her. I don’t want to upset her.”

  “I know you, Hunter, and that’s the problem for me, looking in from the outside. You’re looking out for her best interests, considering her feelings, but who is doing the same for you? Because I’m not sure it’s her.”

  Her words hit me, but I know Riley would never intentionally hurt me, or anyone else. Still, putting yourself out there is always a gamble. Riley could decide at any moment to retreat, to go ice queen on me, and to push me out of her life for good, and there’s not much I could do besides give her time and hope that she changes her mind.

  “Nothing worth it comes easy, sweetie,” I tell her, leaning down and kissing the top of her head. “Thank you for worrying about me, but I’ve got this, all right?”

  She nods.

  I flash her a smile to lighten the mood and then head to my office.

  Some people believe in fate, destiny, and luck, and while I think such things play their part, I believe that if you want something you need to fight for it.

  You have to make your own damn fate.

  FRIDAY FINALLY COMES AROUND, and I can’t wait to see Riley. When she opens her front door dressed in light blue jeans and a white tank top, I can’t help but admire her for a few seconds before my manners kick in.

  “You look beautiful,” I tell her, handing her a bouquet of lilies. Callie told me they’re her favorite flowers, and I was more than happy to get some inside information. It’s also nice to know that Callie seems to be rooting for me.

  “Thank you,” she beams, bringing the flowers to her nose and inhaling. “How did you know?”

  “I have my sources.” I smirk.

  She shakes her head, but I can tell she likes them from the twinkle in her eye.

  “Come on it, I’ll put these in a vase,” she says, stepping back for me to enter. I follow her inside and into the kitchen, where she pulls out a clear vase and fills it with water, places the flowers in it. Her apartment is small but extremely tidy, with no clutter anywhere. I wonder if she left most of her possessions with her ex, or if she’s just not a woman who needs a lot of stuff. I didn’t know one of those existed. I know my sister has a lot of shit; she even drags a giant handbag around with her every time we go somewhere, and I have no idea what she puts in there. Bear is asleep in his bed, a huge fluffy monster taking up most of her living area.

  “Are you going to let me know what we’re doing yet?” she asks, sounding a little apprehensive, but I can see the excitement in her hazel eyes. She might feel a little out of control not knowing what we’re doing, but she’s excited about it.

  “Nope,” I reply, offering her my hand. “You’ll just have to come and find out, now, won’t you?”

  She takes my hand, and I lead her outside to my black four-wheel drive. I open the door for her and wait until she’s settled before closing it and walking around to the driver’s side. When I slide in, her soft laugh has my head turning, and asking, “What’s so funny?”

  “Nothing,” she murmurs, grinning. “It just still amuses me that you listen to this kind of music.”

  “Tupac is for everyone,” I say, deadly serious, rapping along to the lyrics from the legendary rapper, making her laugh harder.

  When she starts to rap along with me, knowing all the words, I think I fall just a little more in love with her.

  “Where the hell are you taking me?” she whispers, glancing out the window as we leave the city and head toward the mountains. “Looks like we’re going to the middle of nowhere.”

  “Somewhere I can dispose of your body easily,” I reply with a straight face.

  She simply rolls her eyes at me. “You can try.”

  Ten minutes later we arrive at our destination. “Don’t move,” I tell her, opening my door, and then going around to open hers. “Close your eyes,” I say, pulling out a silk blindfold from my pocket.

  “Just carrying that around, are you?” she asks, brows raising.

  “Yep,” I reply, holding out the black silk in front of me. “Are you ready?”

  She hesitantly nods, then closes her eyes. I tie the blindfold at the back of her head, then take her hand and lead her away from the car.

  “Don’t let me fall over something,” she tells me, squeezing my hand.

  “If you fall, I’ll catch you,” I say, more meaning to those words than she probably realizes. We walk for a few minutes before we come to a stop, and I face her toward the paddock and then remove the blindfold. I watch as she opens her eyes and glances around, the smile that takes over her face worth bringing her here.

  “Pick which one you want to ride,” I tell her, nodding toward all the horses in the paddock. “We’re going on an adventure.”

  “We’re riding together?” she asks, beaming, eyes alight with happiness. She turns to me and says, “You remembered,” while lifting her bracelet up and touching the horseshoe charm.

  “I remember everything you say, Riley,” I say, smiling in welcome as the man who owns the horse-riding ranch approaches. He lets us choose a horse each. I choose a bigger, black stallion, while Riley chooses a stunning, pure-white mare, her face in awe as she looks upon it.

  “It’s an Andalusian,” she says to me, like I know what that means. “They are really expensive. Look how beautiful she is.”

  “Very beautiful,” I murmur, my eyes still on her as she gives this horse more attention than she’s ever given me.

  She climbs up on the horse like a pro, while I awkwardly get onto mine. I probably should have mentioned that I’ve never ridden before. How hard can it be, right?

  “Are you okay, Hunter?” she asks me, bringing her horse up next to mine.

  “Yes, why do you ask?”

  “Because you’re holding on to that horse for dear life,” she says, tone laced with amusement.

  I sigh and decide to go with the truth. “This is my first time on a horse.”

  She looks surprised, but then a gentle look comes over her. “Just relax, you’ll be fine. Pull the reins right or left for which way you want to go, and do this if you want him to move.”

  She shows me how to click my heels in a way that will make the horse move forward.

  “Okay, I’ve got this.”

  “Pull the reins like this when you want him to stop,” she instructs, and I nod.

  I don’t want her to go slowly or not enjoy herself because I’ve never ridden, so I hope that I can get the hang of this thing sooner rather than later. We set off on our trail through the forest, passing trees and beautiful scenery before we make it to the beach. We stop for a moment, side by side, to take in the beauty before us.

  “Thank you for bringing me here,” she tells me, turning her head toward me. “You have no idea how happy I am right now. I’d forgotten how much I love riding, and this place is just amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it, and it’s been under my nose the entire tim
e I’ve lived here.”

  She looks so content and relaxed that I want to buy her the damn horse.

  And the way she’s looking at me right now, I want to keep that too.

  chapter 21

  RILEY

  AFTER AN HOUR RIDE on the beach we follow the trail back. With the wind in my hair, I can’t help but smile, feeling freer than I have in a very long time. I’ve missed this, so much, and now that I’ve had another taste I know I’m not going to be able to stay away. I had no idea that Hunter had never ridden before, but I’ve been watching him and he seems more comfortable now. I hope he knows how much this means to me. The fact that he brought me to do something like this when he knew it would be out of his comfort zone says a lot about him. I turn back to check on him, grinning when I see his eyes already on me. Playfully, I wink at him, and then let the beautiful horse gather speed. I glance back to see him catching up, although not looking as excited as me. I laugh to myself as we come to a stop back at the ranch. I slide off the horse and pat her head while I wait for Hunter to do the same. He pulls me back against his chest when he does, wrapping his arms around me.

  “Trying to give me a heart attack, aren’t you?” he growls into my ear.

  “Did you die though?” I ask, spinning around to face him. “You did well for your first time.”

  “It was that or fall off and die,” he murmurs, being dramatic.

  “Thank you for bringing me here,” I tell him. “I had such a good time.”

  He smiles at me and says, “It’s not over yet.”

  There’s more?

  Do other men put such thought into dates? Because from what I’ve heard from women at the bar, the best offer they usually get is Netflix and chill. I thought romance and old-school dating were extinct, yet here Hunter is, proving my theories wrong. We return the horses and then we get back in the car.

  “What now?” I ask, excitement filling me. I feel so good, like I could do anything or try anything. Like I’ve been missing out on so much. Work isn’t everything, or at least it shouldn’t be—I need to get out and live and enjoy my life a little more. He’s given me a little taste for adventure.