Heart Hunter: Heartthrob Series, #4

By Sophia Knightly

A bad boy billionaire. A beautiful, jaded widow. Has the hunter met his match?

 

Infamous UK celebrity playboy, Cameron "Heartbreak" Hunter is everything bridal fashion designer, Evangeline Parks knows she should avoid. However, when fate intervenes and the gorgeous whisky tycoon is her mystery date for her best friend Kate's wedding in Scotland, Evie won't relent to his charm. Smart enough to know that a man like Cameron only brings heartache and tears, she's determined to avoid becoming another notch on his belt--no matter how incredibly attracted to him she is.  

Cameron Hunter has never encountered a woman who dismisses him upon sight--until he meets Evie. The more the opinionated beauty tries to steer clear of him, the more desirable he finds her. But when Cameron's hidden past is discovered, obstacles pile up as he sets out to win Evie and prove that he is far more than just tabloid fodder. Has the bad boy billionaire finally found the one to end the hunt for his heart?

THE HEARTTHROB SERIES:
Book 1: Heart Raider (Nick and Veronique)
Book 2: Heart Melter (Ian and Natasha)
Book 3: Heart Tamer (Alec and Kate)
Book 4: Heart Hunter (Cameron and Evie)
Book 5: Heart Tempter (Leo and Teddy)
Book 6: Heart Stealer (Stone and Ivy)

With over 8,000 ratings and great reviews across her alpha male romance titles on Amazon, Goodreads and other retailers, Sophia Knightly is sure to keep you turning the pages. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sophia Knightly
• Release date: Jan 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9780990969808

Book preview

Chapter 1

Evie was finally going to meet her mystery date. A tingle of anticipation zinged through her as she slipped one foot into a delicate silver stiletto pump and then the other. If she didn’t hurry she’d be late for Kate and Alec’s wedding, but some things just shouldn’t be rushed. Dressed in pearl gray thong panties, she carefully lifted the maid of honor dress over her head and sighed with pleasure. The luxurious satin slid over her recently showered and creamed body and landed in a swirl at her ankles. Standing before the mirror, she smoothed the glistening mercury mermaid gown over her waist and hips, and then turned for a glimpse of her back. She drew in a sharp breath at the deep V that plunged to the waist leaving her back bare.

Kate Hayes, her best friend and co-owner of Kate and Evie Bridal Boutique, had designed it as the star of their spring collection. The dress and shoes had been waiting for her at the hotel front desk when Evie checked in. She hadn’t had a fitting, but she wasn’t concerned because Kate was a master designer and a consummate perfectionist in detail and style.

What would Evie’s mystery man think of the backless dress? Was it too much? She sucked in air to calm the jitters and let it out forcefully. When she’d asked for details, Kate’s eyes had twinkled. I won’t tell you his name, Evie. He’s handsome, rich and famous, and wants marriage and kids. You’re going to be surprised and pleased…very pleased.

A knock on the door meant room service had brought the extra pillow she’d requested. Evie’s breath caught in her throat when she opened the door. Tall, handsome and tempting as sin, a man stood with his hands clasped behind his blue and green tartan kilt, strong shoulders squared in the dark blue, gold-buttoned jacket, and long muscular legs braced apart. Smoky green eyes met hers from beneath thick dark brows. His unhurried gaze roved her face from her forehead to her chin and mouth and finally settled on her eyes. And then he winked.

Hello, Evangeline. He said it as if he knew her personally, but he didn’t.

Evie’s hand flew to her mouth. Cameron Hunter, the UK’s favorite whisky tycoon bad boy was the last person in the world she would have expected at her hotel door. She chewed the inside of her mouth and stared at him. Was he the mystery date Kate had chosen? No way. Kate was her best friend. No best friend would set her up with such a notorious heartbreaker.

Awkward silence ensued until she snapped out of the haze of disbelief. Evie Parker, she said, extending her hand.

Cameron’s tanned hand wrapped around hers. Nice to meet you. His low-timbered voice with a hint of Scottish burr was as smooth as the single malt whisky his family superbly produced. Kate has told me so much about you. I’m—

Evie retrieved her hand from his firm grip. I know who you are.

He quirked a brow at her dissatisfied tone. Something wrong?

No. She shut her gaping mouth. He had the longest, thickest lashes she’d seen on a man and it was distracting her to no end. I’m just surprised by Kate’s choice. She shook her head and smiled apologetically. Wait…sorry. That didn’t come out right. I don’t mean to be rude, but… She met his baffled eyes head-on. You can’t be my date today. She smiled again to lessen the sting.

Why not? The incredulous gleam in his eyes told her the smile had been wasted.

Kate was going to introduce me to…oh never mind, she said, giving up. No sense in letting him know her expectations had been derailed.

Aren’t you going to invite me in?

Of course, where are my manners? Please come in. Did Cameron realize how stunned she was to see him in the flesh? His image had been plastered all over the news the past three months. As a bona fide entertainment news junkie, she had read all about his antics.

He took a few steps forward, but remained at the entrance. You haven’t answered my question. He arched a sardonic brow. Why can’t I be your date?

We’re not well suited. Evie kept her gaze fixed on his fine nose to avoid looking at his penetrating eyes. Don’t look at his mouth either! Those beautifully sculpted lips had no business being paired with sharp-hewn, rugged features.

Oh? How do you know that? His dry tone mocked her.

I am not your usual choice of arm candy. She raised her chin and straightened to her full 5 foot 3 inches. It sucked having to crane her neck to hold her own with Cameron. His tall, athletic body was solid muscle. She could tell by the assertive way he carried himself.

His smoky gaze leisurely traveled the length of her body. When he returned to peer at her face, his eyes glinted with amusement as he stroked the sexy stubble on his lean jaw. "What is my usual arm candy?"

She pursed her mouth. A harem of hot-tempered supermodels and high-strung starlets.

And to think I was about to compliment you, he said, lips twitching.

She lifted a nonchalant shoulder. He was a natural charmer and it didn’t help that when he smiled, a dimple appeared in his left cheek, relaxing the sharp angles of his face.mHmhh

What have I done to earn such scorn? He sounded surprised and a bit put out.

I have nothing against you, but you’re not who I was expecting. I’m not your type either.

He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorway, green eyes alight with interest. You already said that. You’re making a lot of assumptions, Angel.

Evie blinked rapidly as her temper spiked. One minute into their meeting and he was already calling her Angel. Evidently no woman had turned down a date with the hotshot. He was just like the overly confident players she’d had the misfortune to meet after she had widowed and felt ready to date again—the ones she’d been set up with as blind dates or that she’d met through online dating sites. She had disliked meeting men that way, but she didn’t want to be a widow forever. She longed to love again—and be loved again. After grieving Michael’s death for seven years, she was ready to remarry, but she didn’t want to settle. She had exclusively dated a nice guy over a year ago, but ended it when she realized she wasn’t in love with him and he was already talking about marriage.

The wry grin tugging at Cameron’s lips annoyed the heck out of her. What do you know about me?

Evie gave him an assessing once-over. You are ‘Heartbreak Hunter’, badass billionaire, heir to Hunter Whisky and one of the UK’s twenty-five most eligible bachelors who was recently in a speedboat racing scandal. The words tumbled out of her mouth before she could put a cork in it. Too late now. Cameron’s back stiffened and his mouth twisted.

He might not like her bluntness, but he couldn’t refute what she’d just said. For the past three months, the entertainment news had been all about the speedboat accident in Italy with Heartbreak Hunter at the helm. The accident had resulted in the near death of Cameron’s date, the hot-blooded superstar Divina. Their volatile fights and her excessive jealousy had been regular fodder in the UK’s Daily Beat.

Cameron’s gaze swept over her with censure. You look too smart to believe everything you read.

Wow, and you haven’t seen me in my glasses yet, she said, picking up steam.

Now that’s hot. You in horn rim glasses, a prim white blouse and a pencil skirt. The corners of his mouth lifted as his brazen gaze flicked over her. I wouldn’t mind seeing you dressed up as a naughty librarian.

Repress the fantasy, it won’t happen anytime soon. She placed a hand on her cocked hip. "You just confirmed the Daily Beat’s reports about you."

Cameron’s eyes darkened. I can’t be arsed by tabloid rubbish. Why do you read such garbage?

She wasn’t exactly sure what he meant by not being arsed, but it didn’t sound good. So shoot me. I enjoy tabloid magazines. We all have a guilty indulgence. What’s yours?

At the moment? You. His mouth eased into a slow grin.

Evie shook her head. What a cad! She wanted to put him in his place, but he was Alec’s friend, and Kate for some peculiar reason considered him a good match for her.

Cameron glanced at his watch. It’s already three o’clock. Let’s go. We can get better acquainted on the ride over.

The slightly rough pad of his fingertips touched her elbow, sensitizing her body as a powerful ripple of awareness shot through her. She hadn’t been touched by a man in a long while, she realized woefully. His mere touch made her heart flutter. Evie stiffened and Cameron’s hand dropped to his side.

Wait here. I have to get my things. She walked toward the polished walnut desk in the center of the taupe and cream-colored room. She lifted a mauve velvet jewelry pouch and retrieved a long strand of tasseled pearls. Keeping her back turned, she draped the necklace backward, with the vintage rhinestone clasp resting at the hollow of her neck and the two strands of pearls cascading down her bare back.

Nice, Cameron murmured, his tone deeply male and admiring. "Verra nice indeed.

Evie ignored him. "I’d better bring my coat. Arriving with you, no doubt there will be paparazzi. I’d rather not be exposed in The Naked Truth this week."

She turned and caught him checking out her backside.

A wide grin appeared, revealing straight white teeth. You’ve a lot of cheek for a wee lass.

Evie’s cheeks burned. That’s rude and…and not true. She stared daggers at him. I do Pilates three times a week.

What does Pilates have to do with being cheeky? When realization dawned, he gave a shout of laughter. The relish in his twinkling eyes grated on her nerves. Ah, I see. You thought I meant your bum. No need for improvement there, wee Angel. Looks good enough to…

Don’t say it— she cut in. He really was fresh. And quit calling me Angel.

His maddening smile remained intact. Her lack of interest in his flirting seemed to entertain and challenge him. There’s an angel in Evangeline, isn’t there?

Not in this one, she replied tartly. She might be acting like a prig, but