Reforming Hunt

by Jules Barnard

“Are you seriously telling me you want to marry me to help with Noah?”

  “Yes.” And also because he wanted to help Abby. He was drawn to her, and being married didn’t sound so foreign when he thought about it with Abby.

  She stared at him for what felt like twenty minutes, but was probably more like two. “I need to think about it.”

  “Think quickly. I want to hire a lawyer, and if we’re engaged, my involvement in any custody issues with Noah will make more sense.”

  Abby rubbed her forehead. “I can’t afford a lawyer.”

  “Maybe not, but I can.”

  She closed her eyes. “What in God’s name are you getting out of this?”

  “Nothing on the surface, except to help out a mother and a kid I care about.”

  “Me? You care about me?”

  He nodded.

  He wasn’t sure what it was about Abby—maybe a little bit of everything—but Hunt was drawn to her in a way he hadn’t been to any woman. He’d not thought to go to this length to help her and Noah, but once he’d met the she-devil, Vivian, he realized they needed him. It was wrong what the grandmother was doing, and Hunt had the resources to stop it.

  “We can keep it a marriage in name only.” Hunt would like more with Abby, but he’d never push it. However, should things happen naturally…who was he to fight nature?

  “What happens when you go out with other women?”

  He shrugged. “I won’t.”

  She looked at him like he was crazy. “You’re willing to give up women, pay for a lawyer, and get married, just to help me?”

  He didn’t want to think about how far he was willing to go to protect Abby and Noah, because he couldn’t explain it. “Yes. Until you get your son back and have the custody squared away. I’ll also make sure you and Noah are set up. My brothers and I inherited money from our father. I’ve been meaning to do something with it.”

  She laughed and shook her head in disbelief. “You have money burning a hole in your pocket, and this is what you do with it?”

  It did sound crazy, but if he couldn’t explain his need to help Abby to himself, he certainly couldn’t explain it to her. “Look, there’s plenty in my account for me to help you and Noah, and a dozen other families. We’ll sign a prenup, if it will make you feel better.”

  “Except that we won’t sleep together or consummate the marriage.”

  Hunt let out a choke. Truth be told, he’d like to consummate the marriage. Shit, he’d like to consummate the engagement. But he wanted Noah and Abby safe more. “Right. If that’s what you want.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “This isn’t some kind of strategy to get me into bed, is it?”

  He grinned cockily. “I’ve never had to marry a woman to get her into bed.”

  She bit her lip. “That’s probably true. Still, I need to think about it. You can’t expect me to immediately agree to this scheme. It’s totally nuts, you know.”

  Again, he shrugged. “Makes sense to me, but sure, take your time.” He rose and walked to the door. “But just so you know, as soon as you give me the word, I’m going to hire the best family lawyer in town. I want to get Noah out of that woman’s clutches.”

  Abby’s chest shook and tears fell from her eyes. She nodded. “Thank you. For today. And for considering ways to help me.”

  Consider it? His mind was already made up. Now he just needed to convince Abby.

  Chapter 14

  Maria choked on a sip of white wine. “He what?”

  “Keep your voice down.” Abby glanced across the room at Noah playing a game on Maria’s computer. “Hunt asked me to marry him,” she said quietly.

  Maria’s gaze shot to Abby’s ring finger.

  “It’s not like that,” Abby said. “It wouldn’t be real. It would be a marriage in name only. Something to show I’m in a stable situation, and hopefully get Vivian off my back.”

  “A marriage of convenience,” Maria said.

  “Yes.” And wow, did that sound wrong. Was Abby seriously considering it?

  “Does Vicious know you’re marrying this guy?” Maria asked.

  Abby winced. “I haven’t agreed to marry him, and that’s the tricky part. He called himself my fiancé right in front of her. He was trying to help, but it does put me in a bind. I don’t know why he offered or why he would go to this length to help out Noah and me.”

  Maria set her glass on the dining table. “Honestly? I don’t know either. This isn’t meshing with the Hunt Cade I’ve heard about. That man is a love god. Have you any idea how many women he’s slept with?”

  “Eww, no. And please don’t tell me. I’m struggling with the proposal. I don’t need numbers like that affecting my ability to make a sound decision.

  “Society might view me as a better provider if I’m married—not that it’s right, but that’s the way the world works. As long as I don’t marry a psychopath.” She searched her friend’s eyes. “Can I trust Hunt? Or is this the worst idea ever?”

  Maria took in a deep breath, then made a funny, screwed-up face and let it out. “It could be your best idea. Or Hunt’s best idea, since he was the one to come up with it. If it makes any difference, nothing alarming comes to mind, and you know I’ll tell you if I think you’re making a mistake.”

  Abby chuckled. “You have a very loose filter.”

  “Why, thank you.” Maria said.

  “Seriously, though, Maria, I can’t screw this up. CPS ordered Vivian to return Noah to me, because there wasn’t evidence of wrongdoing, but what about the next time Noah’s grandparents try something? What if I marry Hunt, and he’s not the man I think he is? It could make things worse.”

  Maria looked away absently. “Hard to imagine things could get worse, what with the slander campaign Vicious is unleashing. Hunt would have to do something truly irresponsible. Or suddenly turn into a violent man. And I’ve never heard anything about the Cades being violent. Well”—she snorted—“there was that time at his brother’s engagement party…but does that count?”

  “Yes!”

  Maria waved her off. “Brothers and fisticuffs go hand in hand. According to all reports, it was a hell of a party, and the hot-man scuffle was the icing on the cake.”

  Abby rubbed her head. “Oh my God, you’re as crazy as Hunt.”

  “Crazy smart?” Maria said. “Why yes, I am. So you’d be silly to turn down Hunt’s offer. Now, let’s get to the important stuff. Exactly what kind of marriage is this going to be, hmm?”

  Abby rolled her eyes. “In name only, remember? Prenup and all.”

  Maria’s eyes narrowed. “You sure you can stick to that agreement?”

  “The prenup?” Abby said. “Of course.”

  Maria shoved her shoulder. “You know what I mean. The other stuff. The hot sexy-time stuff.”

  Abby’s head swung around to where Noah sat, but he was laughing at a cartoon hopping across the computer screen. “Keep. It. Down.” She death-glared her friend.

  “Answer the question.”

  “Hunt said he wouldn’t date other women while we are married.”

  “Really?” Maria’s brow rose. “Wow. Okay, well, that still doesn’t answer my question. What about you, the wifey?”

  Abby cleared her throat, which suddenly felt dry. “We’ll keep things platonic.”

  Maria lifted a finger. “Let me get this straight. You’ll be married to one of the hottest men in town…and not touch him?”

  Abby coughed into her hand. It sounded ludicrous, when Maria put it like that. “Yes, that’s right.”

  Maria slammed her palm on the table and Abby jumped. “You’re going to be in a damned sexual vortex,” Maria whispered, finally keeping her voice down with Noah only a few feet away. “He’ll be hot and bothered and without an outlet, and so will you. There’s no way two beautiful people, who are attracted to each other, wouldn’t lose their minds in that situation.”

  “I don’t really think he’s—”

  “Knock it off,”
Maria said sharply. “He’s attracted to you. I saw him with you at the club and then at the Fireside Lounge, remember?”

  Abby’s radar was skewed, what with her celibate lifestyle since Trevor’s passing. She’d wondered if Hunt was attracted to her, but he’d done such a good job keeping his distance when she discouraged his initial advances that she didn’t know anymore.

  Maria screwed up her face again, but this time, there was a glint in her eye. “Are you sure he’s going to abstain from sex? Because that doesn’t sound like the guy around town everyone’s known him to be. I might have to come in and rescue him.”

  Abby chuckled. “Are you planning on helping him out with his dry spell?”

  “Well,” Maria said, and sat back all casual, “I am nothing if not a good friend.”

  Maria was kidding. Well, half kidding. “He’s handsome and there will be temptation.” Maria made a face. “Fine,” Abby said. “I’ve considered what he looks like without his clothes on.”

  Maria nodded. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

  “But this isn’t about me and my dating life,” Abby said. “I have to keep things platonic. What if we crossed that line and it didn’t work out? Then I’d be a divorced single mother. Lord only knows what Vivian would do with that information. She’d find some way to use it against me like she has everything else.”

  Maria slowly nodded. “Right. Like the vaccinations.”

  Abby threw up her hands. “Those stupid vaccinations. I only wanted to draw out the schedule, not send Noah to school unvaccinated. But Vivian remembered when he was three that he still wasn’t totally caught up, and she used it against me. I have no idea who Vivian told inside the education department, but whoever it was nearly blackballed my child. I’m still going around town showing people in the district that Noah’s up to date. I swear that woman looks for any reason to paint me as a bad mother.”

  Maria nodded. “She does… Okay, so fine, a marriage in name only—God help you. The question is, will you go through with it?”

  Abby slowly sucked in a breath. “I’m tempted. I don’t know if Vivian could actually take Noah away from me, but that woman is crazy. And powerful with all the money they have. I don’t want to take any chances with her. I can’t.”

  “You could always move away,” Maria said.

  Abby sighed. “I’ve thought about it. But Noah loves Lake Tahoe, and it’s the last part he has of his father. I also strongly sense that Vivian’s reach would extend any distance. In fact, I wouldn’t put it past her to file some sort of lawsuit to prevent me from moving Noah away. And without money, I can’t fight.”

  “Moving isn’t cheap, either,” Maria said, her mouth twisted in thought.

  “There’s something else,” Abby said. “Before I came over today, I maybe sort of cyber-stalked Hunt.”

  “Of course you did.” Maria leaned forward and grinned. “What did you find out?”

  “His worst crime seems to be his love for women, like you said. There are pictures of him all over women’s Instagram and Facebook accounts, though he doesn’t appear to have any accounts of his own.” She shrugged, frowning. “I guess I could turn the other shoulder if he changes his mind about not seeing women while we’re married.”

  Abby’s stomach soured. Even if they married, she’d have no claim on Hunt. But the idea of him with someone else while they lived together was just—gah, not right either.

  “It’s like you told me,” Abby said. “The man is sex on a stick. Why wouldn’t he cave to some woman hitting on him?”

  “Because he said he’s willing to make a commitment to you?” Maria pointed out. “He’s a player, but unlike most players, I swear that man has the most beloved reputation among women. That wouldn’t be the case if he were a dick. He doesn’t lie and screw women over, he just…doesn’t commit.”

  “Yet he’s committing to me?”

  “Yes.” Maria nodded slowly, her expression serious. “Think about that. You’re a catch when you’re not stressed out with work and life. Maybe he genuinely likes you? Maybe he genuinely wants to help?”

  Abby closed her eyes. “And we’re back to square one. That this could be the right thing to do for Noah and me.”

  “You should marry him,” Maria said.

  Abby blinked. “Really?” She had been considering going through with it, and now her best friend in town was telling her to do it too.

  “He and his brothers are bazillionaires,” Maria said, “and money builds power. Let me put it to you this way; those brothers have more money and influence than Vicious, and that’s key. If Hunt is sincere—and from what you’ve said, I believe he is—he’ll hold up his end of the bargain.”

  Abby rubbed her forehead and glanced at Noah. “I can’t pass it up, can I?”

  Maria pushed Abby’s full glass of wine closer. “Not if you’re smart.”

  Chapter 15

  It was Monday and Abby had it off, so she’d kept Noah out of Club Kids for the day. She planned to play with him and get housework done. She’d love to skip the housework portion, but Noah was out of underwear and Abby didn’t even want to consider what kind of negligence Vivian would claim over that one. Besides, Abby was out of clean scrubs, so it was all-around dire straits in the laundry department.

  “What do you feel like for breakfast? Waffles or pancakes?” she asked Noah.

  He rubbed his eyes, wearing pajama bottoms and a T-shirt. He’d just emerged from his bedroom after sleeping in until eight, thank the universe. “Pancakes with extra syrup,” he said in a sweet, groggy voice, and flung himself face-first onto the couch.

  “You got it.” Abby was more optimistic this morning than she’d been in a long time. She didn’t feel so backed to the wall. Abby had options. True, they involved a man she barely knew, but Hunt was offering a tempting alternative to the daily struggle she’d met for years.

  She scrolled until she found an old playlist with Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” on it and cranked up her phone, swinging her hips as she prepped the pancake batter.

  Giggles ensued from behind the counter, and she glanced over her shoulder.

  “You’re funny, Mommy.” Noah was grinning, his knees tucked up near his chin. “Why are you dancing?”

  “Because we’re going to eat pancakes and Aretha is playing.” She lifted the stirring spoon to her mouth like a microphone and lip-synced the chorus.

  Noah jumped up and jerked his narrow hips while hopping around the living room. “R, E, S, Peee, C, P,” he shouted.

  Abby laughed at her son’s slaughter of the lyrics. “You’ve got moves, little man. Just wait until the girls see how well you dance. They won’t know what hit them.”

  Noah jumped onto the couch and shook his hips to the beat, kicking his leg in the air in a karate move.

  Laughing, Abby turned and carefully poured the batter onto the grill she’d preheated. She set the bowl down and spun just in time for the next chorus, with a spoon to her mouth, eyes closed for emphasis.

  Only, when she opened her eyes, Noah wasn’t alone.

  “Gah!” Abby yelled, and stumbled back.

  Hunt stood across the counter from her, arms crossed, feet spread apart. He quirked his eyebrow.

  Noah stood next to him in an identical posture. Only he was unable to keep a straight face.

  Abby set the spoon on the counter and quickly wiped her hands on a dishtowel. “What are you doing here?”

  “Big Aretha fan, eh?” Hunt asked.

  Noah dropped to the floor in a fit of giggles.

  She frowned at her son then looked back at Hunt. “Do you always walk into people’s homes unannounced?”

  Hunt stepped toward the front door and appeared to be checking the doorknob and lock. “Came by to fit the front and back doors with a chain lock. I noticed there wasn’t one the last time I was here.” He finished his inspection and looked back. “I would suggest you change the locks so that certain people with access can’t just walk in whenever
they feel like it.” He sent her a knowing look.

  Vivian, she thought, remembering how she’d told Hunt that she’d stupidly given Vivian a key to her home years ago.

  “But I don’t think your landlord would appreciate that,” he said, and looked past her toward the stovetop. “I called,” he said, seemingly distracted by the food. “And knocked. Your performance must have muffled the sound. You don’t check your phone very often, do you?”

  Busted.

  “Besides,” he said, “once Noah started shouting about PCP and drugs, I thought I should check in on things and make sure everything was okay. Your door was unlocked, by the way.”

  She twisted her mouth in annoyance. “First of all, I’m home. Sometimes I leave the door unlocked during the day. Second, Noah’s five. He got the lyrics wrong. And getting back to your purpose here, I can’t install a chain on my door. My landlord wouldn’t like that any better than changing the locks.”

  He scratched the side of his jaw, scruffy as though he’d run out in a hurry this morning and hadn’t taken the time to shave. “It’s nothing permanent. They’ll probably appreciate the extra security. Everyone wants their property protected.” He notched up his chin. “What’re you cooking over there? Looks like pancakes.”

  “That’s because it is pancakes.” Speaking of—Abby spun to flip the food before it burned. Hunt was rubbing his stomach when she turned back around.

  “I haven’t eaten breakfast myself.” He gave her the saddest puppy-dog eyes she’d ever seen. “I wanted to run this errand before I went into work.”

  She shook her head. “That’s the most pathetic attempt at inviting yourself to breakfast.”

  “Did it work?” He lowered his voice. “Besides, I’m doing my fiancé duties and taking care of my woman. Can’t have the doors unsecured. What kind of man would I be if I put my food intake ahead of your and Noah’s safety?”

  Her belly dropped. Damn him, he was good.

  But that wasn’t what this was about. It was all a show. Only now, Noah was an avid audience to the interplay between her and Hunt.