Baby Be Mine(Spinsters & Casanovas Series Book 1)(41)

“Pay you back?” Hunter asked, his face a mask of confusion. “Dad, I live off your money. You’re basically saying you’re using your own money to pay yourself.”

“No, I don’t mean payment in monetary terms. I mean in the form of action and consequences,” Clinton said, smiling, as the plan formed inside his head. He couldn’t wait to see his son all grown up and responsible.

Hunter didn’t like where this conversation was heading. He recognized the smirk on his father’s face, the one he’d inherited and often pasted on his own face when an evil idea popped in his head. He even dreaded asking, “How?”

“Go to Queenstown next week.”

“Choice!” Hunter slammed his palm on the table in happiness. And here he thought his father was going to come up with some ridiculous idea, like another matchmaking scheme.

Queenstown meant skiing, and he loved skiing. Plus, there was also an abundance of other dangerous sports the South Island had to offer—jet skiing, sky diving, abseiling. How crazy! He just couldn’t wait any longer.

“With Caroline,” his father finally added.

Hunter’s excitement died down like a flat battery. He knew it. And here he thought he could have another fun holiday. What a way to take the candy from a child.

“What? Why?” Hunter whined in disappointment.

“You are going to escort Caroline to Queenstown. She’s never been to that part of the country before, so I think you could be the perfect candidate for it.”

“I’m not perfect, Dad. Why don’t you ask Anton? I’m sure he would be happy to escort such a lovely lady like Caroline,” he suggested.

“No, Anton has to work. He’s too busy organizing the Dental Hygiene Conference over there. So you’re the only one left. Unless you want to help organize the conference and leave Anton free to entertain Caroline.” Clinton pretended to ask his son, offering the choice of whether to have another holiday or work. In the end, the choice was his son’s alone. And whichever he chose, his son would fall into his trap.

“No, I’ll entertain her,” Hunter interjected before his dad could come to a decision for him. Escorting Caroline around Queenstown would definitely be boring, but not to the extent of death, which was sure to be the result of organizing the conference. That was definitely not his cup of tea.

“Just as I thought,” Clinton said. Right into the trap. “So we’re settled, then?”

“Yes,” Hunter grumpily agreed.

“Now, get out of my sight before I have a heart attack for real,” his father shouted.

“Yes, Dad,” Hunter grumbled under his breath as he closed the door of his father’s office.

Hunter hated being told what to do. And right now, he hated being forced to go to Queenstown with Caroline. And his mood just got worse when he saw Winton, his father’s secretary, out near the elevator.

“Master Hunter. How are you today?” Winton spoke, rubbing his hands together.

“Foul!” Hunter said in gloomy monosyllable, putting on his D&B shades, even inside the hotel lobby because it just made him look cool, while he continued heading to his car. Winton’s little feet trailed after him like a little servant’s.

Hunter didn’t like Winton. The man always had this sneaky look about him, as if he were hiding some secret or something. But because Hunter hardly came into the company, he didn’t know what the man was up to. Maybe he should be more careful. Come into the company more often—if not to work, at least to get the free chocolate bar that was out for the guests’ indulgence.