The Hunt

Chapter 2

Emily scrolled through her phone in irritation, unable to get her mind off the morning's exchange.

Did her father really think so little of her? Unwilling to even give her a chance to explain? Sending her on her own instead of apologising and taking her to the market herself?

Pure rage coursed through her at the memory of how unbothered Melissa had looked. Who did she think she was, taking her father away from her and having the nerve to nibble on her breakfast innocently? Angry with Melissa for having ruined her morning and herself for letting her, Emily discarded her phone somewhere on the nightstand and threw herself on the bed, letting the soft pillows comfort her.

Not once in all twenty-two years of her life had she witnessed her father act this way. What had got into him? He had not looked twice at a woman since his late wife. Did Melissa truly hold that much influence over him?

Emily was upset, because she knew what her behaviour looked like to her father. He must think her a disobedient child in need of a good scolding. Little did he know that she was not in the least opposed to him dating again. In fact, she wanted him to. As much as she loved her father, she knew how lonely he was sometimes. And although no one could ever replace her mother, if someone made him happy, she would welcome them with open arms.

But of all the people in the world he could have chosen, he brought home Melissa. It was so painfully obvious what she was after, Emily wondered how her shrewd businessman of a father had not realised it yet. Men really were such fools.

Emily jumped as the doorbell rang. Confused, she climbed down the bed and made her way to the front door. Her father and Melissa must have already left for work. If it was them, they could have simply unlocked the door. Who could it be?

Emily hurried to the entrance and fiddled with the lock. Her heart skipped a beat as the door clicked open.

In front of her stood what Emily could describe as the most beautiful man with the nastiest scowl she had ever seen. The unnamed man had the eyes of the Devil himself- inviting chocolates orbs framed with lashes so long Emily was almost jealous. Sharp cheekbones made way to a powerful jaw and sinful lips that momentarily made her forget women were not supposed to be the fools. Tall and broad, his frame was complimented by his dark choice of clothing that hugged his body with promises of powerful muscles underneath.

Emily glanced down at her own choice of clothes- crumpled pyjamas adorned with the glorious Spongebob, hidden unflatteringly under a pale blue cardigan- and frowned. At that moment, she wanted the earth to open up and swallow her whole.

"Ms Brooks?" Emily was going to hell. Even his voice was so deliciously deep, she wanted to pull him into the cottage and attack his lips.

Bad, bad Emily.

"How can I help you?" she instantly regretted her choice of words. Not only did her voice sound like she swallowed sandpaper, she sabotaged herself in front of this beautiful man with the most rude response her brain could come up with.

She cleared her throat in embarrassment, wishing she weren't so awkward in front of strangers. "I mean-"

She was cut off by the rumbling laughter of the stranger in front of her. Her face warmed.

"I was told I was supposed to do the helping," he grinned mischievously, his previous annoyance seemingly long gone. Emily furrowed her brows.

"Mr Hunt?" she guessed, recalling her last conversation with her father.

"In the flesh," he smiled. Emily couldn't help but smile back.

"Are you here to take me to the local market today?" What was wrong with her vocabulary today? She made him sound like a tour guide.