Something Special

Chapter 7

Hunter had been headed to the conference room and immediately heard her cry. His heart leapt out of his chest when he followed the commotion to none other than Brianna’s desk. He immediately scooped Brianna up out of her chair and gently laid her on the floor. “Get something to elevate her feet,” he ordered with authority. Winnie grabbed a cushion from a nearby chair and handed it to Hunter. With the greatest care and compassion, he placed her feet on the cushion and brushed her hair from her eyes and waited for her to regain consciousness. While he waited, he noticed an unusual tattoo on her left ankle.  

Within moments Brianna opened her eyes, and there to return her gaze were the amazingly beautiful orbs of Hunter Stark. “Hey, how are you feeling?” he said with a calm soothing voice and gentle smile.

“Bri! I’m so glad to see you open your eyes.  You started to freak me out for a minute!” Winnie confessed. “I hate to leave you like this, but it looks like you’re in capable hands.” She winked at her friend. “Somebody has to answer the phones down there.”

“Omigosh, I’m so sorry.” Brianna suddenly realized all the concern on her coworker’s faces and was thoroughly embarrassed. She bolted upright but instantly regretted it. The room seemed to start spinning and she couldn’t focus on anything. 

Hunter gently grabbed her shoulders and eased her back to a prone position. His fingers felt warm as they made contact with her arms. The adrenaline of the moment must have had an effect on him, too.

“I think you may want to take just a moment to relax.” Hunter suggested, still sitting on the floor with Brianna. Grabbing her cup off the desk, he held it so she could take a drink from her position.

“This is kind of embarrassing,” Brianna admitted.

“Couldn’t be as nearly as embarrassing as when I lost my swim trunks in a public pool. My brother paid the lifeguard to get everyone out of the pool, but since I was still looking for my shorts, I ended up giving everyone a bit of a show.” Hunter confided.

Brianna laughed. “You’re right. You win.”  Taking her drink from Hunter’s hands, she rolled to her side to take another sip.

Hunter’s gaze stopped short on her ankle. “Nice tattoo. I feel like I’ve seen a similar lotus tattoo like that before.”

“Oh, that.” Brianna suddenly became self-conscious. “It’s just a birthmark. I’ve had it all my life. My mom always helped me to cover it up when I was younger—I guess she was embarrassed by my imperfect skin. Since they died a couple years ago, I haven’t really tried to hide it anymore.”

“I’m so sorry you lost your parents. I can’t imagine how painful that must have been.” Hunter looked at her with the kindest eyes. 

“They were actually my adoptive parents, but I don’t remember anyone else.  We moved here when I was just 3 years old.” Brianna’s cheeks flushed as she realized she was returning his gaze. It felt like she could see his soul through the portals of his face. “I’m so sorry. You just got here and here I am rambling about my childhood.” She slowly made her way to her chair at her desk.  “I’m sure you have lots of other things to be doing.”

“To be honest, I’d much rather hear about your childhood than anything else I’ve heard this morning.” Hunter rolled his eyes in the general direction of Portia’s desk. “And hey-let me know if you need anything. I’d be glad to help—I graduated top of my class.”

Brianna smiled as she thought of the ordeal he endured this morning. “I may just take you up on that. Thanks.”

“You are very welcome.” Hunter gave a slight nod and a grin as he left Brianna’s cubicle. 

He walked into the empty conference room and quietly closed the door as he pulled his cellphone from his pocket. After dialing, the call was answered by the other party.

“You’re not going to believe this. I think I found the lost princess.”