Chapter 36

"My conference call is in half an hour, I have to go get ready. Will you be okay?"Hunter asked pausing the movie we were watching after eating so much food we had to lie on our backs.

"Yeah I'll be okay. You go do your thing."I reassured him.

"Okay then, I'll be in the office upstairs in case you need me."Hunter said getting up.

He kissed my forehead, grabbed his phone and skipped up the stairs taking two at a time. Only after he was out of sight did I realize that I didn't know where the office was. I'd find it if I needed him and if not I'd just shout his name.

It wasn't going to be much fun watching the movie on my own so I decided to do some exploring. The house was huge and there were some rooms that I had yet to visit so I ditched the movie and got exploring. I'd changed into a tank top and pair of shorts when Hunter couldn't keep his hands to himself not that it helped anyway, it was all the same to him.

I found a laundry room, what seemed to be a poor attempt at a library, another fancy living room for some reason, a bedroom and storage room. A door I should not have opened had descending stairs to what I assumed was the basement that I was definitely not going to venture into. I'd watched enough horror movies to know what happens to the lonely girl who went exploring on her own in an unknown house.

I found myself in the backyard and decided to dip my toes in the cool swimming pool. I didn't know how to swim so I stuck to the shallow end just to be safe. As I looked all around the vast wealth around me, I let myself imagine what it would be like to be a part of it. Like if Hunter and I became really serious and I married him and we had kids. I would be Mrs Makau.

Don't even go there.

"Fuck."I cussed out and jumped out of the pool before my thoughts drove me crazy.

I was definitely not ready to become someone's wife and I had to keep reminding myself that before I messed up.

I realized it had been a couple of hours since I'd seen Hunter so I went searching for him. We had to make meal plans since apparently we were playing host to his whole family. After opening a couple of wrong doors I finally found Hunter seated behind a large desk talking to his laptop with airpods on.

His head lifted up to me as soon as I walked in and he smiled. I waved shyly at him and mouthed and apology for barging in. He waved me in and I entered closing the door behind me. I sat down on one of the two chairs infront of the desk and made myself comfortable. The office was decorated with a traditional look to it with wooden furnitures and lots of business books. I liked the floor to ceiling windows behind Hunter that overlooked the small forest at the back of the house.

"I think we should take a quick break gentlemen and reconvene in ten minutes."Hunter suggested.

A minute later he cut the call and closed his laptop turning his attention to me. He was wearing a full suit from the waist up but only had a pair of shorts on. Definitely a hack for video conferences where only your torso was visible.

"I like your outfit, very modern."I teased getting up to go around his desk.

I sat on his lap sideways wrapping my hands around his shoulder.

"Thank you baby girl. Sorry this is taking too long. Doing business with foreigners is hectic."He apologized.

"It's okay. I just wanted you to know that its getting late and we haven't talked meals for supper later."I explained.

"Shit, I forgot about that. I don't have time to make something so we'll just order in enough food for six."Hunter suggested.

"That will cost a fortune."I exclaimed.

"It's the only choice."Hunter said with a shrug.

"What if I cook."I offered the words coming out before I could stop them.

"No that would be asking too much of you. It's already enough that you're here."Hunter defended.

"I'm serious, I'm not doing anything right now so let me cook."I insisted.

I had no idea why I was setting myself up for disaster but I couldn't seem to stop.

"Are you sure?"Hunter asked me.

"Yes."I asserted.

Hunter sighed and kissed me gently.

"You are heaven sent baby girl."He praised looking proud of me.

"Happy to help. So dinner? Any requests? Allergies I should know about?"I asked Hunter.

"Don't stress yourself, just make enough food and nothing too fancy. No fish, my dad hates it and don't use garlic, my brother is allergic."Hunter replied.

"Got it, no fish or garlic. Now that we've dealt with that I will leave you to your call. I'll see you down there when you're done."I said to Hunter.

"Of course doll, I'll try to be fast."He replied.

"No rush, I've got this. Trust me."I assured him.

"I do."Hunter replied with so much conviction it made my breath hitch.

I kissed him softly and got off his lap leaving him to his business.

Walking back downstairs to the kitchen I took a few minutes to come to terms with what I'd just agreed to. It was so much responsibility but I had given Hunter my word so I calmed myself and got to cooking. Hunter had asked for simple and that's what I would give him but with my own little twist. I put on some music and soon got lost in the chopping, boiling and frying of all the different foods.

"Jesus Christ baby girl. What have you done?"Hunter exclaimed walking into the kitchen two hours later.

"Cooked."I squeaked looking at all the food I'd made laid out on the formal dining table.

I'd just finished setting the table and I quite liked what I had done.

"Doll this is a feast not a meal."Hunter expressed looking at all the food laid out.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself once I started."I apologized covering my face.

Hunter laughed and walked towards me pulling me into his arms.

"You did good baby, just a tad bit too much. I appreciate it though."Hunter expressed kissing my hair which probably had some floor in it.

I looked at all the food I'd made and even though it was a little bit too much for six people I had to admit I was impressed by my skills.

I'd made pilau, mukimo, chicken, kachumbari, a fruit tray and a strawberry shortcake trifle for dessert.

"Nope."I scolded slapping Hunters hand away from messing with my fruit display.

"Just a piece."He pleaded.

"Get a mango from the kitchen if you really must eat one. These will have to wait until everyone gets here."I reasoned.

"Okay fine, we need to go get ready. They'll be here soon."Hunter informed me.

I nodded and detached myself from him to deal with the finishing touches. Once I was happy with how everything looked and the kitchen was neat and clean, I followed Hunter up the stairs.

"I know you hadn't packed for this so just wear anything, as long as you're comfortable."Hunter said pulling a suit from his wardrobe.

"Says the man wearing a three piece suit."I retorted with an eye roll.

The situation we were in was the reason why I always over packed.

"I just don't want you to feel pressured."Hunter added.

"Don't worry bear, I'll be okay."I grinned at him picking up my bag and leaving him in the bedroom.

"No need to worry about me. I'll get ready in another room."He yelled sarcastically after me.

"You do that."I laughed closing the door behind me.

I didn't have much time so I immediately stripped, put on a shower cap and turned on the shower.

Half an hour later I emerged fully dressed and all made up.

"Wow."Hunter who was sitting on the bed exclaimed when he saw me.

"Glad you approve."I grinned happy that he liked my outfit choice.

"You look beautiful baby girl."Hunter complimented walking towards me.

He kissed my cheek and held me at arms length making me twirl for him. He whistled making me laugh.

I was wearing a a high waisted maxi ankara skirt with a high slit, a matching cropped off shoulder top and a head wrap of the same material. I wore the heels Hunter had bought me for the wedding and the only make up I had one was some chapstick. Hunter looked dashing in a three piece maroon suit.

"Thank you for being here."Hunter whispered lowly looking into my eyes.

"You're welcome."I replied because I was honestly doing it all for him.

He leaned in to kiss me but we were interrupted by the doorbell. Hunter sighed and settled for a quick peck. He took my hand and led me downstairs to meet the family.

Showtime.