Page 24 of Conquered

Chapter 9

Hunter’s initial reaction after finding her gone was apprehension. He sat up in bed so fast his head spun. Normally he'd breathe a sigh of relief, thankful to be spared the morning drama with other women. Then he spotted her gown still lying on the floor. He smiled as relief washed over him. The reaction was something new, something he had never felt before.

He padded on bare feet towards the kitchen. The sound of pans and utensils alerted him to her whereabouts. He stood by the doorway and watched her move assuredly around his kitchen, not aware that she was being watched.

“How can someone who was putty in my hands last night be totally oblivious of my presence?’ Hunter wondered. He cleared his throat. She looked up instantly and flushed.

“Hi,” she greeted shyly, “I’m preparing breakfast. Would you like some? I’m really famished,” she admitted.

He approached her slowly, checking her reaction to his sudden appearance. She was definitely looking flushed. He removed the tray of eggs she was holding and placed them on the counter. Then he took her in his arms and kissed her hard on the lips.

She was panting when he finally let go.

“Good morning,” he grinned suddenly feeling triumphant, “Yes, I’m famished too.”

“Could you beat those eggs for me please?’ Noelle asked turning away in search of fresh milk for the scrambled eggs she planned to make. She found a carton and began dicing potatoes, some bell peppers, and onions.

She stole a glance in his direction. He had a bemused look on his face.

“What?” she asked surprised.

“Beat? What-how, I don’t know…” he stammered.

Noelle almost burst out laughing. He couldn’t boil water, he admitted in the past, even if his life depended on it.

“Here, let me show you.”

She expertly cracked an egg into a bowl.

"Give me three more of those," she requested and went in search of the whisk.

"Fuck," He cussed under his breath as a cracked egg landed on the counter.

He had better luck with the rest.

Noelle grabbed some paper towels and wiped the counter clean. She handed the whisk and made a beating gesture. He reached for it awkwardly, not knowing which end to use. Noelle kept a straight face as she splashed olive oil into a pan. But the recollection was so comical her shoulders shook with silent laughter.

“You’re feeling very unimpressed with me right now, aren’t you?” he asked sternly.

Noelle burst out laughing. He gave a sheepish grin and handed the bowl over. Noelle tossed the eggs with the rest of ingredients into the pan.

She handed him the ladle and with his hand in hers, mixed all the ingredients until eggs were just the right amount of softness.

“See? You can cook.”

She was just making conversation because standing close to him wasn’t doing much good for her equilibrium.

She found a serving dish and expertly flipped the eggs into it. He looked impressed.

“Do you have any plans for today?” He asked over spoonfuls of the delicious meal.

“What did you have in mind?” she retorted.

“Well, I was wondering if you’d like to spend the day with me here in the house.”

A whole day with him?

Noelle was bowled over. The idea of a repeat of last night was making her sweat. There was nothing she wanted more. Then she remembered Nikko. She was certain Miranda spent the night with him in her apartment. Nikko adored the girl. Each time their doorbell rang, her son expected Miranda to be at the threshold.