Tyler’s reminder made Rachel glance down at herself. She was completely bare beneath the sheets. Her throat felt dry as flashes of last night came rushing back. She recalled her arms wrapped around his neck, his ragged breath, and his burning kiss.
Her cheeks turned red instantly. Catching her reaction, Tyler leaned closer. “Remember now?” Rachel pursed her lips tightly, clutching the sheets so tightly that the veins stood out on the back of her pale hand. “They say alcohol ruins lives. I swear I’m never drinking again!” Tyler didn’t tell her the wine had been tampered with. There was no point in burdening her with another worry. Instead, he dropped a light kiss on her forehead. “It’s fine. I like you when you drink. You become quite interesting.”
Just recalling her boldness the night before made his throat feel dry. Mortified, Rachel yanked the blanket over her face, wishing the earth would swallow her whole. “Please, stop talking about it.” “Alright, I’ll stop. Otherwise, you might never be able to show your face again.” Just then, Tyler’s phone rang. It was Yale. “Mr. Hunt, it’s about time. If we delay any longer, we’ll miss the flight.” “Got it.” After hanging up, Tyler turned to Rachel. “Think you can make it? If not, stay here and rest. I can go with Yale on my own.” “N–No, I’m fine,” Rachel insisted. She wanted to help him settle this matter quickly. It had been weighing on both of them. “Then get ready. I’ll shower first.” “Okay.”
As Tyler stood, the morning light traced the flawless lines of his muscular frame. Rachel couldn’t help but think how unfair life was–to give him not only striking looks, but wealth, a powerful family name, and terrifying competence. Aside from a less–than–perfect childhood, the man was almost without flaws. Rachel checked her phone and saw a message from Cecilia. [Are you up? How was last night?] Rachel blinked in confusion. What did Cecilia mean by that? Worried that Cecilia had something urgent to tell her, she quickly called Cecilia. “Cecilia, what’s wrong?” “Tsk, tsk, you’re awake? So did you and Mr. Hunt stay up late last night?” Rachel frowned. “What are you talking about?” “Well, I called you last night, but Mr. Hunt answered. And I heard you in the background. Let’s just say I heard some strange sounds.” Cecilia hadn’t spelled it out, but Rachel instantly understood. Her ears turned red. “You misheard! I went to bed early. Tyler was working. I didn’t even know when he went to sleep.” “Really? Well, it doesn’t matter. Whether it’s serious or not, with a man like Mr. Hunt, you can’t lose.” Rachel tried to deflect. “No, that’s not it at all. Anyway, you didn’t call just to tease me, did you?” “I wanted to check in and see if you needed my help with anything.” “No, don’t worry. If I do, I’ll let you know. Oh, be careful these next couple of days. I’m afraid Tyler might be getting suspicious of you.”