Green Table

THIRTEEN

Coopers’ eyes darkened when they landed on what he figured was Hunter sitting outside Renae's truck. Hunter appeared tall and fit Day noted as he took the stranger in, he had jet black hair and a clean boy like face dawning manly features. Hunter glanced at Cooper with a cocky smile, almost like he was saying game on causing him to fume. A small hand came to rest on his forearm, giving it a light squeeze and her gentle voice calmed his anger. "Cooper it's going to be alright. Just stay calm and meet him." Renae could see the storm pooling in his eyes start to expel.                                                                                                                                                    

"I will do my best." Renae smiled at his effort, then wiggled out of the car. Her smile widened as she ran up to the dark-haired man and gave him an embrace. "It's nice to finally meet you." Cooper said, hoping to break up the close contact they had. Setting down Renae's bag, he stuck out his hand welcoming the man to a handshake. Gritting his teeth as Hunters hand made contact with his own, pulling him closer into a manly embrace Cooper whispered in Hunters ear. "I prefer if threats are made to my face, then over the phone."

Renae oblivious to the tension smiled at their attempt at friendliness.

The men broke their hug, and Hunter stepped back closer to Renae as he picked up the earlier greeting, "you as well. Rae has said lots about you." He narrowed his eyes at Day.                      

"All good things of course." She beamed. Then turned to Hunter, "Cooper told me you were coming to town." She giggled, her face glowing. "I've only been gone a week! Did you miss me that much?" She giggled once more. Cooper stiffened; he didn't like how flirty she was being. Noticing his tension Renae grabbed ahold of his forearm, relaxing his muscles.

"I really did. It's just not home without you being close by." Hunter said, flashing a toothy grin. "You have your mom and dad close by." Renae stated back.

"But they just aren't you." Cooper was starting to feel real irritated by his arrogance, even by now Renae could feel his flirtation, turning to Cooper she wanted to see his reaction to Hunter's bold actions before she replied; his face was set in a scowl. He was being pushed to the edge with jealousy.

"Yes, but they are still your family." Hunter frowned as Renae rejected his attempts to flirt. Cooper felt as though he was third wheeling their conversation but wanting Renae to be happy he bared through it.

"We should go to dinner tomorrow! I would love for you to get to know Cooper better."

It was nice being able to call the detective by his first name in public, it felt normal and relaxed. She figured Hunter could and should know about their affair, it wasn't like he was with the EIA. At this Cooper seemed shocked by her public declaration.

"Of course, anything for you." Hunter grunted, staring directly towards Day. This made Renae visibly happy at the sight of them being civil. The silence was awkward, and was broken by Hunter clearing his throat, "Rae could I walk you to your room? I need to speak with the detective in private. Please." Thinking nothing of the request, it was like an older brother who wanted to question his sister's boyfriend, thus Renae happily agreed.

Cooper thought it was odd yet nodded his head in agreement.

"Be on your best behavior." She wagged her finger at both men. Then she turned to face Cooper, standing on the tips of her toes she planted a small kiss on his cheek. His face flushed red as she wished him a goodnight, before leaving she gave his hand one more gentle squeeze; a reminder to get good.

"Goodnight Renae, I'll be in touch soon." She smiled at his sudden professionalism that he protruded in front of Hunter.

The dark-haired man grabbed her bag then roughly grabbed her elbow in the other hand. Dragging her away from Cooper, and up the stairs to her room.