Chapter 26

The ride to Hunter's home was quiet. Eve just stared out the window, watching the rain drip down the glass, while the occasional sad whimper escaped her. She didn't know what to feel or what to say. Only the empty numbness that was washing over filled her thoughts.

Hunter looked over to the passenger's seat, trying to find the words to make her feel better. Deep down, he knew there was nothing that would ease the pain. He hurt for her and had been there before, and the all too familiar feeling of loss was something he knew too well. No words could change that feeling. He would just be a comfort and a friend. What she needed most at this moment.

On the way home, Hunter picked up food and drinks to help distract Eve from the events of the evening. He hoped keeping her busy would somehow help. He knew how easy it would be to fall into a dark place after such huge news of a cheating, lying ex.

They headed to his beautiful oceanfront mansion down the beach as the storm raged on. Pulling up the drive, Eve was in awe of the Mediterranean style beachfront home. White columns and red brick roof tops that looked like something straight out of a mob movie. Fitting for a single guy with a macho era about him. At the same time, it felt homey and romantic from the palm trees that lined the drive leading to the Floridian style home, swaying with stormy winds. It was nothing short of beauty and luxury at its finest.

"Wow. Hunter, this is stunning. You really don't have to let me stay here. I can go to a hotel, or wait at the airport to catch a flight back to Indiana," Eve said as her eyes roamed over the estate before her.

She was nervous being around Hunter, and was sure time alone with him was going to be more nerve-wracking knowing what she had just gone through. It was humiliating. The man she admired for so long saw her at her worst. Even in her sad state, she couldn't help but catch herself taking in the slightest glimpse of him at every chance. The conflicting emotions were almost more than she could take.

"There is no way you are going anywhere tonight. This storm is only going to get worse and you're safe here. All planes are grounded and I don't mind you staying. I have extra room." He reached over and patted her leg, trying to comfort her. "Especially after what my brother did to you, it would be wrong to leave you alone."

For some reason, Hunter wanted to be a comfort to her. Maybe it was because he was attracted to her, despite the protest he gave to his siblings to the contrary. Maybe it was a way of healing his own emotional wounds. Either way, he couldn't be another man who abandoned her tonight. His protective nature wouldn't allow it. Eve seemed like a strong woman, but even the strongest person needed a friend in times like these.

Friend. Yes. Just a friend. At least that was what he would tell himself.

"Hunter. Look. There's Grace's car. She must have beat us here."

They pulled into the garage, and Hunter led her inside, yelling for his sister. "Grace! Where are you?"

"Kitchen with Maria! Eve's things are in the main guest room."

They entered the kitchen as Eve, with mouth agape, looked around at the massive home. She thought about how her little condo would fit inside his kitchen, with room to spare.

"Hey, Maria. Thanks for staying. This is Eve. Eve, this is my maid, Maria. She's more like family though, since she has been with us for so long."

"Hola, Eve. Nice to meet you." Maria, an older Mexican woman with a lovely smile, greeted her. The woman was a nice-looking lady. It was obvious she would have been a stunning woman in her younger years. Age was catching up with her, but her dark eyes were bright and full of life.

"Nice to meet you too, Maria."

"Hola, Papa! I missed you." A little blonde girl with braids ran in, hugging Hunter's leg.

Hunter smiled from ear-to-ear while picking up the little girl. "I miss you too, pumpkin. Did you have fun with Maria today?"

"Yep. We played with dolls and watched cartoons." The girl looked at Eve, smiling. "Hola. Who are you? Are you my daddy's friend?"

Hunter laughed saying, "Yes. This is our new friend, Eve. She is going to stay with us tonight because of the storm. What do you think of that?"

"A sleepover? I like new friends."

"I know you do. So, is Maria teaching you more Spanish?"

"I'm learning. I counted to ten all by myself."

Eve walked over, smiling at the little girl. "Who is this pretty little princess?"

"I'm Elsa. I'm three. I will be four in this many days." She held up seven fingers.

Hunter smiled with a chuckle. "Are you sure? I think that is a Disney princess's name. Not my baby girl's name."

"Daddy. I not a baby. I a big girl." The three-year-old shook her head, rolling her eyes. For her age, she was very sassy and articulate.

It surprised Eve to find out Hunter had a child. She thought that she had known everything about this man. This was news that she had never known and was sure she never saw it in the media. She took a second, trying to understand what was going on. Seeing Hunter Ashford holding a little girl who looked like someone could have cloned her from him was surprising.

"This is your daughter? I didn't know you had children."

"Yep. I try to keep her out of the media limelight. Eve, this is my daughter, Harper." He tickled the little girl who was in a princess dress and tiara with little fake plastic high heels.

Eve smiled at her. "It's nice to meet you, Harper. I love your dress. I see you like Frozen."

"Thank you. My daddy got it for me. I'm his princess. Daddy? Why are you and Miss Evey all wet?"

"We got caught in the rain silly."

Harper laughed. "Nuh-uh. You jumped into the ocean to catch me a starfish."

"Well, I would have, but it's storming. All the starfish are in their homes sleeping like you should be soon."

"Oh, yeah. It's almost dark time now. Can I go play?" She wiggled down from his arms.

"Well? Do I get a kiss from my big girl first?"

She hugged her father and kissed his cheek, giggling. "Your whiskers tickle my face."

"You have to eat dinner before you go play. I brought you chicken strips from your favorite place. An hour to play, then off to bed."

"I don't have to eat those yucky veg'ables tonight?" She snarled her nose with an ick face, sticking out her tongue.

"You mean vegetables. Nope. I may even spring for some ice cream later if you're a good girl." Hunter rubbed her head.

The little girl went over, pulling on the hem of Eve's dress. "Evey. Will you play with me after we eat?"

"Sure, little love."

Harper smiled a big grin at the new woman. "Daddy, I like Evey. She's nice and has pretty eyes."

Hunter smiled at Eve. "I'm glad, baby girl. Eve is nice. Why don't you go wash up for dinner." He hurried her away.

"Okay, Daddy," the little girl agreed, rushing off.

Eve bit her lip, trying to not blush. She couldn't believe she was in Hunter's home, and then finding out he had a daughter. The way he looked at her made Eve forget for a moment the heartache she had been feeling all evening.

As Grace and Maria left to head home through the storm, Hunter started grabbing plates and setting the table.

Eve walked around the kitchen island. "Can I help?"

"Sure. Why don't you grab some forks from that drawer in front of you."

Eve grabbed the utensils and helped him lay out the food. "Harper is adorable. She looks just like you."

"She's my world. Her mother doesn't really have much to do with her. My ex, Victoria, isn't exactly the motherly type." Hunter huffed, thinking about the hate filled woman. "Harper doesn't even ask to see her anymore. Vicky only thinks about herself."

"I've watched her reality show a few times. She never mentioned having a child."

Hunter shrugged, noting, "She wouldn't. Harper was just a way to gain access to my money and fame. When she figured out that would not play out, she moved on. My daughter will not be used as a meal ticket, despite what her mother believed. She still visits occasionally, but it's to the point it's easier on Harper if she just stays away."

"That's true. No child should be used as a pawn. You're lucky. I always wanted a big family. Having a kid would be a life changer, but being a mom seems so special. I couldn't imagine not wanting that little cutie in my life if she was mine."

Hunter walked past Eve, pulling out a small medicine vial from the refrigerator. He went to the cabinet and pulled out a syringe, putting the needle into the bottle.

Eve thought she was going to faint. The man she idolized doing drugs? No, it couldn't be. She couldn't catch her breath while Hunter seemed like it was an everyday occurrence to him. Steroids maybe?

No. He's an athlete. They closely tested football players in pro football. He never seemed the type.

Had this started when he stopped playing football? Was he sick?