20 Questions

Chapter 27

When we enter the lobby, the older woman at the counter greets us and asks us how our tour was. "Perfect," Hunter and I say in unison. The lady thanks us and tells us that she has already called our cab. While we wait, she processes our pictures and before long, we have our photographic evidence of this magical day. Glancing down at them, I look cold and Hunter looks like a model for men's cologne. His good looks are so effortless. We thank her and say goodbye.

The cab is outside waiting and thankfully the driver has the heat going full blast. My cheeks are still red from being outside for almost an hour. When my stomach rumbles louder than the passing traffic, Hunter laughs and promises to feed my hungry ass. The cab driver suggests a little café within walking distance of the lodge and I jump on the recommendation immediately because my stomach is currently eating itself. Before the car comes to a stop, I pull cash out of my purse and launch it at the cab driver before Hunter has a chance to pay for something else. He gives me a frown, but I have been taking care of myself for years now and I feel guilty letting someone else pay for me. Plus, I'm certain that sleigh ride wasn't a cheap excursion.

We walk into the little café and I all but drool down my chin at the comforting aroma of home-cooking. The hostess seats us and hands us our menus. On our way to the table, I pass by a man in his mid-forties and I can't help but notice that he has not taken his eyes off me since I walked through the door. He's stalky with a buzz cut and a big belly. Every time I turn around, his eyes are fixated on me, making me uncomfortable. I don't say anything to Hunter about him because I'm sure it's just my imagination.

I look over at my hot date who is studying the menu harder than I ever studied for my nursing boards. I thank him for the millionth time because my parents didn't raise an ungrateful little shit. Anybody who spends their hard-earned money on me deserves all the appreciation in the world.

"Babe, you have to stop thanking me," he chuckles. I start to object, but he holds up his hand to stop me. "I love spending time with you. I love everything about you. You make me ridiculously happy."

The way his tongue touches his teeth when he says "love" makes my stomach flip flop. I could fall in love with this man quickly. If I'm being honest with myself, I may already be well on my way. I'll be keeping that to myself though because I've seen How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days and I'm pretty damn sure a premature love proclamation was on that list somewhere. I'm a self-proclaimed overachiever, but your girl ain't trying to set a record for the quickest breakup.

Not today, Kate Hudson, not today.

The server arrives and takes our order. I go with pot roast, mashed potatoes with gravy and corn. I'm thrilled to find out that they have sweet tea here because I am seriously withdrawing from my sweet tea addiction and for some reason, Colorado doesn't see it as priority like I do. Hunter decides on steak and a baked potato. We hand over our menus and the server wonders off to the opposite corner of the restaurant. I look over and Mr. Creepy McCreeperson is still staring at me.

What is this guy's deal? Do I remind him of someone he knows or does he just have a dreadful staring problem?

I turn my attention back to Hunter because there is information I really want to know.

"What's on your mind, pretty girl?"

"I want to ask you something, but I fear I may be prying too much. You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

"Jenna, I'll answer anything you ask me. Fire away."

"I...well...I was just wondering. You told me what happened with Josh's parents, but you never told me about your parents and how you ended up in the orphanage."