Page 13 of All for You

Travis’s grip on my hand tightens protectively. “With all due respect,Mrs. Anderson,” his voice is low and smooth as honey.“I happen to think Rachel looks absolutely stunning not only tonight, but every night.”

Warmth blooms in my chest, and for a moment, I let myself believe him.

Mom’s perfectly plucked eyebrows shoot up. “Oh? And what exactly makes her so stunning,Mr. Kincaid?”

We didn’t have time to rehearse compliments or declarations of attraction for our fake relationship. What if he can’t come up with anything? What if his silence exposes our charade? I brace myself for disappointment, ready to laugh it off as a joke if necessary.

Travis’s thumb continues to trace lazy circles on my hip as he speaks as if he has all the time in the world. “Well, for starters, there’s that sparkle in her gaze when she talks about… well, just about anything. I adore how her whole face lights up when she laughs, which I happen to love the sound of. And let’s not forget how she can put a smile on just about anyone’s face with her quick wit and easy banter at the diner.Everyonelikes Rachel.”

My heart does a little flip. It’s just an act, I remind myself. But damn, if Travis isn’t a good actor.

For a pretend moment, I see myself through his eyes—not as the flawed, insecure woman I often feel like, but as someone worthy of admiration. I want to believe him so badly, but fear holds me back. How can I trust this feeling when it’s all built on pretense?

Mom’s expression softens slightly as she glances over at me. “I suppose she does have her moments.”

“Mom.” I groan, mortified.

“Now, now, darling. No need to be modest. It’s about time you were snagged by a real good catch.”

I bristle at her words. I’ve fought hard for my independence, clawing my way out of Matt’s suffocating grip. The last thing I need is to be reduced to a conquest.

Travis simply smiles at her. “I’d say it’s more like we caught each other, wouldn’t you, sweetheart?”

I nod, not trusting my voice. The sincerity in his makes me wonder if there is more to his words. But I push the thought away, afraid to examine it too closely.

Mom’s sharp gaze zeroes in on Travis. “And what exactly are your intentions with my daughter?”

Now, my cheeks burn with embarrassment. Leave it to Mom to bulldoze through any semblance of social grace.

Travis, however, doesn’t miss a beat. “My intentions? Well, Ma’am, right now my intention is to show Rachel the best night of her life at this charming little festival. Maybe win her a stuffed animal at one of those rigged carnival games. And if I’m lucky, steal another kiss under the stars.”

His smooth response sends me off kilter. The idea of a perfect night, stolen kisses, and even a tacky stuffed animal sounds like a dream. I can’t help laughing at his quick response. “Aren’t you just full of surprises, cowboy?”

Mom’s lips twitch, fighting a smile. “Well, I must say, I like you, Travis. And, Rachel, honey, you could do worse than a man who knows how to sweet-talk your mother.”

Relieved that she finally seems appeased, my irritation at her backhanded compliment fizzles, and a confusing warmth at the idea of Travis and me as a pair settles over me. It’s all getting complicated, a tangle of truth and lies that I’m struggling to process.

I roll my eyes, but there’s no real annoyance behind the gesture. “Gee, thanks for the stamp of approval, Mom.”

Travis just laughs it off. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

I watch her preen under his attention, and a part of me aches. Why doesn’t she ever look at me with that same approval? Why am I never enough on my own?

As I watch Travis charm my mother, a realization hits me. This is precisely what I’d wanted—Mom off my back. So why does it leave me feeling so hollow? Maybe because deep down, I know this isn’t real, and a growing part of me wishes it were.

“See, Rachel? This is the kind of gentleman I hoped you’d find. Ma?—”

“Mom,” I cut her off sharply, panic rising in my chest. “Let’s not dwell on the past, okay?”

Travis’s arm tightens around me. “Come on, let’s try some of the food.” He steers us toward the vendors’ stalls lit up along Main Street, effectively ending the discussion about our relationship, or my past one.

We stroll through the center of town, checking out all the various booths of delicious food, baked and canned goods, and artisans’ treasures. Darkness begins to settle in, and the white lights overhead casts a soft glow over the people of Cupid’s Creek. Country music plays through speakers and the aroma of grilled meat and sweet pies coats the air.

“Here, you have to try this.” Travis hands me a bite of cheese from one of the local farmers’ stands, his fingers brushing mine causing a sizzling zing to race up my arm.

I pop it into my mouth and close my eyes, the scrumptious flavor melting on my tongue. “God, that’s good.”

He grins. “Knew you’d like it. Want me to get you a wheel?”

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