Page 11 of All for You

Oh, who am I kidding? I like him.

This is supposed to be pretend, a way to get Mom off my back. But seeing Travis approach, his presence reassuring and thrilling, I’m in danger of crossing a line I swore I wouldn’t. After Matt, I vowed no man would have that kind of power over me again. I hope I’m not making another massive mistake.

“Well,” Mom murmurs, her gaze following mine to where Travis stands. “He is quite the specimen. But isn’t he a little old for you, dear?”

“Mom,” I chide.

“That’s a whole lot of man,” she says unabashedly, her eyes gleaming with something akin to approval.

“I must say, I’m not fond of the motel I’m staying at, or this tiny town, but seeing you—and him—might just make this visit worthwhile.”

The compliment, if that’s what it’s meant to be, is rare and should please me. Instead, it only tightens the knot of unease growing beneath my heart.

Travis moves through the people gathered and with each step, people instinctively shift aside, conversations pausing as heads turn in his direction. The man exudes confidence in every step. I had heard his father and grandfather contributed significantly to the building of one of the schools and the new hospital. And his mother, though I haven’t met her yet, apparently is on the board of the golf and country club. I’m sure a man like Travis Kincaid gives back to his community in many ways. Which only makes me like him more.

Every so often, he pauses to speak to various townspeople so his trip through the crowd is slow at best. I have time to fetch Mom a cold drink. Finally, he’s standing in front of us, and my knees weaken as his eyes widen appreciatively at me before he turns to Mom.

“Good evening, Mrs. Anderson. It’s nice to meet you.” His voice is deep, conveying a particular strength and stability.

“Please, call me Karen. Rachel hasn’t told me much about you, Mr. Kincaid. She certainly did not tell me that you’re much older than her.”

Does she see my eyes rolling? I really hope so. I can’t kick her without Travis noticing.

He ignores the jab and gives her a half-smile. Then, his sexy blue gaze flicks back to me. “Rachel, sweetheart, I’ve missed you.” He kisses my cheek.

“We saw each other yesterday.”

“I know.” He tips his hat and winks.

I’m not sure how to react. Do I kiss him back? Take his hand? Put my arm around his waist?

Travis solves my dilemma by slipping his arm around my shoulders and gently tugging me into his side.

Mom’s gaze jumps from Travis to me and back.

“Travis plans to show me around his place. I’m anxious to learn all I can about country life.”

“Is that so?” Her smile thins instantly. “You have farm, do you?”

“Actually, it’s a cattle ranch Ma’am.”

“Cows?” She looks like she just stepped in manure.

“Cattle, Mom. Lots of cows. And horses too. On a very large ranch. In fact, Travis’s family helped to shape Cupid’s Creek.”

Travis casts me a surprised glance.

With the internet’s help, I researched my pretend boyfriend after I cornered Sheila for as many details as she’d offer. I knew from the gossip mill that he had money, but it appears I managed to snag one of the wealthiest men in Cupid’s Creek. His family goes back generations. He also has two younger brothers and a sister, none currently living in town, though.

“Well, I’m sure there’s much to learn… about cows.”

“Oh, there is, Karen.” Travis nods, ignoring her caustic tone. “But tonight, we’re just here to enjoy the festival. Aren’t we, honey?” He dips his head to kiss my temple.

“Absolutely.”

My heart starts hammering against my ribcage. The word ‘honey’ from his mouth feels like a brand on my skin, and I immediately imagine us in bed together, me all languid after some spectacularly hot sex while he places the sweetest kisses all over my body. Sigh.

Wait!What the hell am I doing? I can’t get emotionally involved. That isn’t part of the deal. We don’t know each other. At best we’re new friends… who are pretending to be lovers.

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