Page 26 of The Fake Fiance's Billionaire Adversary
Hunter relaxed back in his seat and slid down, setting his ankle over his knee. Whew, for a second, he wondered if his mom knew his relationship was fake. That would have been a hard thing to explain.
His mom was right, though. Reagan was sweet, she could cook, and her coffee was out of this world. For a simple guy like himself, those were three of the top qualities he’d want in a partner. Lucky for him, it would take a page to list all the wonderful things about her.
Maybe if Reagan had really agreed to stay through New Year’s, they could explore that partnership. He’d sure like to. Hopefully, she’d be open to it.
* * *
After finishing his coffee,Hunter had helped Bear with the animals again. When they returned to the house, Hunter paused as he heard Reagan’s laughter coming from the kitchen. Not just hers, but Bandits. It reminded Hunter of the prior year when Gabby had pretended to date Bandit.
At the time, Hunter hadn’t understood what the big deal was, but he now had a new appreciation for Wyatt’s feelings. As he listened to Bandit and Reagan talking and laughing, he could feel his chest tightening. Jealousy was rearing its ugly head at how well they seemed to be getting along.
Shrugging off his coat, he shook off the feeling. Bandit was a good guy, and Reagan was a guest. Aside from that, Bandit was more like a brother than a friend, and he wouldn’t go after a woman he knew was taken.
Once his coat was hung up, he slowly walked into the kitchen. Bandit and Reagan had their backs to him, and it was as he expected: two chefs speaking each other’s language. They’d cooked a feast, and it warmed him to see her as part of his family. Hunter had no trouble seeing a future with her.
Once the family was together, they took the prepared dishes to the dining room so they could eat breakfast together. The jealousy he’d felt earlier came back stronger as he watched Bandit and his…title-to-be-determined girl laugh and kid while they all sat around the dining room table eating. Hunter knew it was innocent, but his heart and insides were in a turmoil.
What if Carrie Anne had put Bandit up to pretending to be interested in Reagan to make Hunter jealous? He pushed the thought away as he realized how ridiculous it sounded. It wasn’t like Wyatt and Gabby. Hunter and Reagan were engaged. There’d be no reason to pull a stunt like that.
Somehow, he kept that from showing while everyone ate. Once the meal was over, Bandit and Reagan were told to go away so the rest of the family could get the dishes cleaned.
Now, he was standing at her door, debating whether he should talk to her or not. He lifted his hand to knock, and the door swung open. Reagan bounced off him, and he grabbed her before she could fall. “Whoa.”
A tiny squeak popped out, and she looked up at him. “I’m so sorry.”
“Where are you going in such a hurry?”
“Bandit was going to share some recipes with me, and in turn, I was going to show him how I make coffee.” She smiled.
“Oh, okay. I guess I’ll talk to you later, then,” he said softly, dropping his hands from her arms and turning to walk away. Maybe he had read her intentions with Bandit wrong after all.
She buried her hand in his shirt, bringing him back to face her. “It’s just recipes. They won’t take long. Now, why were you at my door?”
“Well, I was going to make sure you were okay staying through New Year’s. I know my mom can work the guilt like a pro.” He laughed.
She lowered her gaze. “It’s okay. I didn’t have any reservations anyway, unfortunately, even though holidays are supposed to be a peak time for tourism. I don’t mind staying.”
He hadn’t meant to remind her of the sad state of her business. “I was…I was also going to see if you wanted to go into town with me, but if you’re busy, it’s okay.” That was what his lips were saying, but his heart was screaming,It’s not okay at all!He tried to keep the disappointment out of his voice.
“Actually, I’d like that. I’d love to see your childhood home and take a walk.” She lifted on her toes and kissed him. “I like Bandit, and I love cinnamon rolls. But, I like you more than either one of them.”
“Would you mind making it a date?” He smiled as relief filled him. He’d known there was nothing going on, but hearing it certainly helped.
Her eyes twinkled, and she nodded. “I’d really like that. What should I wear?”
Slipping his arm around her waist, he pulled her close. “You can wear anything you want. I think you’re beautiful in anything.” He cupped her cheek and lowered his lips to hers. Just as sweet and soft as last time. He pulled back and locked eyes with her. “Do you have a dress to wear?”
“Yeah,” she whispered. “I have a dress.”
“Okay. I can’t imagine you prettier than you already are, but so far, you’ve managed to change my mind every time I see you.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I’ll see you in a bit, okay?”
“Uh-huh.”
He touched his lips to hers once more and strode to his room, determined to show her a great time. That is, after a cold shower or ten. Twice now, she’d kissed him, and both times the earth had moved under his feet.
When he thought of the future, he could see an outline with two people holding hands, walking the beach at sunset. The longer he was in her presence, the more in focus those two people became. By the time the holidays were over, he wasn’t sure he’d want the bed and breakfast anymore. At least, not if it didn’t come with her. It wouldn’t be worth having.
Bracing his hand against the wall in his bedroom, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He needed to slow down. Savor the moment and keep things at a steady pace. For both their sakes.
