Thump.

I run headlong against someone’s solid chest.

“Whoa, easy there.” Warm hands lock around my arms, steading me.

“Oh! I am so sor—“ I glance up and the words die on my lips. “Hunter.”

He gives a tiny mock bow. “M’lady.”

“Why are you always following me?”

“Am I?” He takes on an endearing quizzical expression. An all too practiced expression, I’m sure.

“Would you leave me alone?” My words come out in a tight hiss. “I know exactly what you’re doing.”

“Do you?” His eyebrows shoot up. “I’ll remind you, you ran into me.”

“Oh yes, because you just so happened to be in the exact location I go every day at the exact time I go there? If you think for one minute you have me fooled, you are dead wrong.”

“My intentions are purely honorable.”

“Yeah.” My eyes narrow. “I’m sure that’s why you show up everywhere I am.”

“Have you considered maybe I just like being around you?” His thumb gently grazes my arm.

I jerk from his grasp, “I cannot stand you!”

I have the good sense to stop myself right before stomping my foot.

He cocks an eyebrow. “Why then are you still listening to me?”

It takes every inch of my willpower to resist smacking that smug look off his handsome face.

“Because some of us,” I lean closer, lowering my voice. “unlike you, have manners.”

“Sure you aren’t just avoiding Prince Charming over there?”

I bristle. “Why would I be avoiding my fiancé?”

“You tell me.” The smirk stays irritatingly in place.

Heat creeps up my neck.

I clear my throat. “I think I should leave.”

He holds up his hands. “I’m not stopping you.”

I don’t move, feet glued in place. His face is inches from mine.

My heart does a weird flip-flop in my chest.