Page 32 of The Fake Fiance's Billionaire Adversary
“I’m sorry, Reagan,” Naomi said. “I would have called sooner, but earlier today they said it was turning. Now it’s not, and they’re saying with the way it’s moving, it’s going to be a direct hit.”
Before replying, Reagan steadied her voice. “You know what, I’m sure it’ll be okay. We’ve gotten through worse. You and Kaylee stay safe, okay?”
“I know you, Reagan. You can try that tough-girl thing on someone else.”
Reagan swallowed hard. “I’m in Texas, and there’s nothing I can do. It’s not a tough-girl thing; it’s facing reality.”
For a moment, the line stayed silent. “We love you. You’re not alone in this.”
But she was. It was her bed and breakfast, and she had no idea how she was going to rebuild again. As tired as she was already, she wasn’t sure she even had it in her to start again. “Let me go. I’m going to watch the weather for a while. Maybe it’ll turn again. There’s always that chance.” In her gut, she knew things were going to be bad. It seemed the world had been out to get her since she’d taken ownership of The Sandy Pelican. Why would it have a change of heart now?
“Okay, just remember we love you, okay?”
“Love you too.”
The second Reagan ended the call, she put her hand to her mouth, trying to hold in the gut-deep sob. Another hurricane. Another one. She remembered Irma. It was awful, but her parents had rebuilt. How was she supposed to do that? She’d just gotten current on the mortgage. There was the year’s worth of payments and the little extra, but not enough to completely rebuild.
She braced her forehead against the doorframe and pressed her other hand to her mouth. It was late, and even if she did wake someone up, there was nothing they could do. By now, she wouldn’t even be able to get to the house if she left that minute. She was ruined.
All the height marks, the little wall drawings carefully hidden by furniture, and the creaky step that ratted on her and her sister when they tried to sneak out. All of it was going to be gone. With every memory, more silent sobs tore through her.
“Reagan?” Hunter said.
The last thing she wanted was him seeing her like this. His comfort wouldn’t even be real right now. It would only be because he felt sorry for her, and she didn’t want anyone’s pity. She tried to stand and failed.
“Reagan, I’m sorry. Just give me some time to think.”
Lifting her gaze to his, she said, “It’s not about you.”
His eyebrows knitted together. “Then what?”
Her lips trembled and more tears fell. Her dam was broken. “Hurricane. King tide. It’ll be gone. All gone. All that work for nothing. I know it’s part of living on the island, but I tried so hard. I worked hard.” She lifted her gaze to his. “I didn’t ask for anything from anyone. Why me?”
“Oh, Reagan, I’m sorry.” In seconds, Hunter kneeled next to her, pulling her to him and holding her. “It’s okay. It’s going to be okay.”
A couple of doors opened, and his mom, his dad, and Josiah came into the hall. Next thing she knew, she was surrounded by the entire clan, all of them witnessing her complete meltdown, but at the moment, she couldn’t think. What was she going to do?
“Hunter, what happened?” his mom asked.
“A hurricane’s going to hit the island. It’s bad.”
His mom rushed over and placed her hand on Reagan’s shoulder. “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.”
Now that more people were offering comfort, she was crying even harder. What kind of broken toy was she? They were being nice, and she was ugly crying like it was her job.
“Is there anything we can do,” Josiah asked. “Anything?”
Reagan shook her head and worked to calm herself. “No,” she said with a hiccup. “It’s a hurricane. The only thing you can do is try to get far enough inland that you’re safe. Tomorrow is a full moon, so in addition to the surge from the storm, there will be the tide too. It’s called a king tide, and it’s just life on an island.”
She squeezed Hunter’s bicep. “You need to call Stone and see if he’s okay.”
“I will, but I’m pretty sure he’s already handled it,” Hunter replied. He rocked back on his heels, stood, and then helped her up. “I’ll see if I can find anything out from him about the storm. Maybe he’ll know something. I’ll have him check the bed and breakfast.”
Exactly what she didn’t want. Hunter wouldn’t even be speaking to her if it weren’t for that stupid hurricane.
His mom pulled her into a hug. “It’s gonna be okay, sweetheart. You’re one of us now, and we make a great team.”
Inside, she wilted. Why did his mom have to say that? Reagan didn’t have a team because all of it was pretend. A ridiculous hoax, all to save her home and business, and now, it was all for nothing. Why was she even staying with the Wests at this point? It wasn’t like the rest of the money would even come close to helping her keep it. But she wouldn’t back out of the deal just because it was now pointless.
