June Summerfield

Chapter 15

June wasn’t sure how to respond. How should she? One part of her hated this man with every fiber of her being while the other part was starting to soften up to him. She shivered at the thought of actually liking Hunter, especially romantically.

“Thank you.” She tried to make it as sincere as possible, as she was thankful for such a large gift, but the words just felt small in comparison.

“I have another surprise for you,” Hunter started, happy to see that she didn’t attack him for existing this time.

“What?”

“There’s going to be a big party in a couple of weeks, in your honor.”

“A party? I didn’t ask for a party.” The thought of all the attention being completely on her made her nervous.

“I know, but everyone’s looking forward to celebrating your arrival. Do you know how to dance?” He crossed his arms now, looking down at her with a gentle gaze.

“I took ballet when I was four for a few months.” June shot her eyes back up to him, annoyed. “So I wouldn’t consider myself qualified. Looks like I can’t go.” She shrugged and returned to browsing the shelves, looking for a book to read.

“Nonsense. I’ll teach you.” He smirked down at her as she became frozen in time.

“Yeah, no. I’m good, but thanks. I don’t exactly like parties.”

“Well, it’d be a real shame if the lady of honor didn’t show…” Hunter let his words trail off. “And I think you might even enjoy it. So I have to beg you to please reconsider.”

June sighed. “Fine. I’ll go to your stupid little party.” She rolled her eyes as she turned to face him. “Why do I need to learn how to dance?”

“Because everyone’s expecting us to have a dance at the beginning.”

June’s face dropped. “I don’t care what they’re expecting, I don’t want to dance with you.” There was that annoyed and snappy tone. Hunter was almost worried he had made her happy.

“You don’t have to. But I’d be honored to have at least one dance with you. I’ll even let you choose the song.”

June pondered the thought for a moment before sighing again. “Fine.” She spat through her teeth. “I want to go lay down now.”

“You don’t want to practice?”

“Do we have to?”

“Well from what you just told me, you don’t know a thing. And it is only a week or two away.” Hunter insisted.

June rolled her entire body around to face him and eventually agreed. He escorted her back to his room since it was a little bigger and he knew no servants would burst in or bother them.

“Okay, do you have a song in mind? The playlist is based completely on your favorite artists, so feel free to pick any that you like.” The door shut behind them with a soft click.

“How do you know my favorite artists?”

“As I said, I’ve been watching you. Taking notes. I know that sounds creepy,” June nodded as she stared back “But it has made planning this party possible. And making you as comfortable as possible. Now you can either choose a song, or we can dance to a classic.”

“What kind of song do you want? Like slow, romantic,” she shuddered at the thought but tried to hide it, “up-beat, give me some hints.”

“I think something slower or romantic would be a nice way to start the evening.” June groaned internally. Of course, he’d pick that.

“Fine. We can do ‘Dandelions’, by Ruth B.” she threw out one of her favorites and sighed.

“Great choice.” Hunter snapped his fingers and the song filled the room, coming from nowhere but also everywhere at once.

“How did you-”

“Now, let’s get started.” he walked over and grabbed her hands, gently bringing her toward him. Closer than she’d like, but she endured. Slowly, he introduced her to slow dancing and once she had the basics down, they started experimenting and having fun with the spins and dips. June was almost having a nice time, but she kept pushing the feeling down, reminding herself that she hated Hunter. She was only doing this until she could escape.

Against June’s will, they spent hours practicing until her feet and head hurt.

“Can we just call it a day?” she whined as her head started to throb.

“I suppose so.” Hunter pretended to be annoyed. “You know, you’re a fast learner.”

“Great. So no more practicing?” June took her small heels off and sat on the bed.

“Well, I’d like to practice a few more times before the party, just to make sure you’re comfortable. But you are getting the hang of it, I think you have nothing to worry about.”

“Well, it’s been fun, but I’m going to get ready for bed.” She got up from the bed after a few moments of resting and headed toward the door.

“Feel free to come back if you need anything. You’re never a burden.” Hunter called out behind him, causing June to pause for a second before continuing back to her room.

Once she was alone, she started getting ready for a bath. Just as she was undressing, she heard a knock on the door. Suspecting it was a servant bringing in a nightgown or some tea, she threw on a loose-fitting, almost sheer lilac robe that hung just above the knees. The silk fabric felt nice and cool against her bare skin, and she went to open the door.

She gasped and took a step back once she saw who it was.

“You…left these in my room.” Hunter was almost too stunned to speak as he stared at her chest, handing her the heels. He wasn’t sure how to respond to seeing her in such a state.

“Thank you, goodbye.” she blurted out, taking the heels with shaking hands and shutting the door. Of all people, Hunter was the last one she wanted to see dressed like this. Taking a deep breath, she went back to her bath.