His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 28

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A few days later, shortly after Virginia arrived at her office, her assistant knocked on the door and peeked in.

"Dr. Caldwell, there's a Mr. Hunter out front asking for you. He doesn't have an appointment and said it's a personal visit."

Virginia looked up from the scheduling roster she was reviewing. "Mr. Hunter?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure he's the guy who saved you on the rooftop that day. He mentioned he's Mr. Hunter Sr.'s grandson."

Valentin Hunter? What was he doing here?

"Send him in."

The door swung open, and in walked a tall man dressed in stylish gray casual wear. His hair was styled in perfectly tousled waves, and a lazy, devastating smirk played on his lips. It was definitely Valentin.

"Dr. Caldwell." He flashed a grin the moment he walked in, his slightly upturned eyes making him look like a fox constantly plotting his next move. "My grandfather sent me down here to thank you personally. He said that since he started his sessions with you, he's been sleeping like a log and doesn't stress over the little things during the day anymore."

Virginia offered a polite nod. "Mr. Hunter Sr. is incredibly cooperative during treatment. His recovery is mostly due to his own hard work."

"Oh, don't be so modest. The old man talks about you non-stop at the house. He keeps raving about how brilliant and kind you are. He absolutely insisted I come down here and show his appreciation."

Valentin pulled out his phone and gave it a casual wave. "I just booked a lane at the archery range a block away from your clinic. Care to give me the honor, Dr. Caldwell?"

Virginia hesitated for a couple of seconds.

Valentin immediately jumped back in. "Look at it as blowing off some steam. I hear you psychologists carry a ton of stress. A little recreation is exactly what the doctor ordered, right?"

Seeing that she was still on the fence, he paused before playing his ultimate trump card. "Grandpa's exact words were, 'If you can't even get her to come out, don't bother coming home.'"

Virginia couldn't help but laugh. "Did he really say that?"

"Would I lie to you?" Valentin held up three fingers in a mock oath, his face the picture of absolute innocence, though a sly, roguish glint flashed in his fox-like eyes.

Virginia smoothly lowered the bow, rolling her shoulders and stretching her neck. "I really haven't."

She raised her arms, anchoring the string against her jawline again. Fourth arrow. Nine points.

Valentin whipped his head around to stare at the instructor, who was standing there completely dumbfounded. Realizing how ridiculous the situation was, the instructor locked eyes with Valentin, let out a helpless laugh, and shrugged.

Valentin shoved one hand into his pocket and leaned casually against the divider, his gaze fixing on Virginia with a sudden, burning intrigue.

Virginia was entirely locked into the rhythm of knocking and drawing, completely oblivious to the heavy stare Valentin was giving her.

She fired off another round. Five arrows. Four hits, with the absolute worst shot landing a solid seven.

"Dr. Caldwell, your learning curve is absolutely insane." Valentin shook his head in pure disbelief, his voice dripping with genuine admiration. "It took me three grueling months just to consistently hit the eight ring."

Virginia lowered the bow and offered a modest smile. "It's probably just an occupational advantage. Running psychological assessments requires intense focus and total control over your breathing rhythm."