Page 17 of The Fake Fiance's Billionaire Adversary
“Our mother is desperate for grandchildren.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widened. Just what had she gotten herself into?
A smile slowly spread on his lips, and he touched them to her forehead. “I’ll protect you.”
Just minutes ago, she’d caught herself before pulling away, and now, she found herself leaning into him. There was something incredibly intimate about being kissed on the forehead.
Josiah groaned. “Really? In front of me?”
Hunter punched him on the arm. “Shut up. I need to get her settled into her room.”
She shivered a little. At first, the brisk air was nice, but it was slowly stealing every ounce of her heat. “Good thing you reminded me to bring that coat.”
“Let’s get you inside.” Hunter pulled away and retrieved their luggage from the back seat.
Just as they shut the front door of the ranch house, an older woman greeted them. “Oh, it’s so good to see you,” the woman said as she hugged Hunter.
He dropped the luggage and returned the hug. “Glad to be home.”
Reagan took a minute to look around at the interior of the home. Warm colors with little splashes of bright hues here and there and stairs to the right leading to the second story. It was about as picturesque as a place could be.
Stepping back, Hunter rested his hand on the small of Reagan’s back. “Reagan, this is my mom, Caroline. This is Reagan Loveless, my fiancée.”
His mom enveloped Reagan in a hug and squeezed. “It’s good to finally meet you.”
“Thank you,” she said, hugging her back. “I’m glad to meet you too.”
His mom grasped Reagan’s hands between hers. “You’re freezing, sweetheart. Hunter, did you let her come here without a coat?”
Reagan giggled. It was funny seeing him chastised. “No, ma’am, he told me. I just didn’t have it on out there.”
“Call me Caroline,” she said and pointed a finger at Hunter. “She just saved your hide.”
He leaned over and pressed a kiss to Reagan’s cheek. “Thank you.”
Her skin tingled where his lips touched her. Again, a sweet kiss that was every bit as intimate as a regular kiss. Taking a deep breath, she pushed away the notion that either of the kisses meant anything. There was a contract requiring them to act like they were engaged. Kissing just came with the performance.
Straightening, he picked up the luggage again. “I thought I’d show Reagan to her room and then we’d visit more.”
“Oh, sure. I’ll get us some…” His mom paused. “Reagan, do you like coffee or hot chocolate? Bandit is a whiz with either. Hunter said something about you being a fabulous cook, but you have to be exhausted after traveling.”
Reagan jerked her attention to Hunter. “You told her?”
Caroline patted her hand. “Oh, sweetheart, you should have heard him talking about your talent. I swear he was building a pedestal as he spoke.”
Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, Reagan felt her cheeks warm. He’d called her a great cook, but she’d figured it was just him being nice. Not that she didn’t know she could cook, but having it recognized made her feel good.
“He’s a pretty great guy.” The words were out of her mouth so quickly she nearly choked, but it was true. It was sweet of him to talk about her like that.
“Okay, well, you two go find your rooms. I’m guessing you’re a hot chocolate fan, right?”
“Yes, ma’—Caroline.”
“Count me in for hot chocolate,” Hunter said.
“All right, Hunter, get her settled, and we’ll see you in a second.” His mom smiled.
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied and started up the stairs.
