Page 12 of The Fake Fiance's Billionaire Adversary
Kaylee simply blinked.
“I know it’s wild, but—”
“Wild? That’s not wild. It’s…is there even a word for it?”
Putting all her weight on the lid of the suitcase, Reagan forced the zipper around the lid of the bag and sat next to it. “Look, if I thought I had another option, I would have done it.”
Kaylee crossed the room and perched on the other side of the suitcase. Of her two friends, Kaylee was the more soft-spoken one. She ran a cat rescue, and both Reagan and Naomi thought she’d needed a break from the stress of the job. This weekend would be perfect for her.
“Isn’t he the enemy? Didn’t you tell us he’s the one trying to swoop in and steal the bed and breakfast from you?” Kaylee asked.
Reagan sighed as she finished. “Yes, but—” She lifted her head and met Naomi’s gaze. “I’ve run out of every penny I have. This wouldn’t have been my chosen way to fix things, but what else could I do?”
Just the day before, she’d signed the contract, he’d handed her half of the agreed amount, and she’d promptly taken it to the bank. There had been a heaping dose of satisfaction in taking Hunter’s money and getting her equity loan current.
“There had to be a better way.”
Reagan’s shoulders sagged. “I didn’t see one.”
“What if this guy is a serial killer?”
Sighing, Reagan rolled her eyes. “With the way he talked about his family, there’s no way. I know I’ve told you guys he’s a pest, but he’s…” After having dinner with him a few nights ago, she’d found herself enjoying his company. Aside from being trip-over-yourself gorgeous, he had an incredible laugh.
“Oh my gosh. You like him!” Naomi blurted.
“I do not. He’s a rat who’s trying to steal my bed and breakfast. Now I’ve got the upper hand. Not only is henotgoing to get The Sandy Pelican, but I’m going to use his money to rub his nose in it.”
Kaylee smiled. “I think she does.”
“Both of you need to—”
A knock came from the back door. Before Reagan could say a word, Naomi shot out of the room with Kaylee following behind.
Reagan pinched the bridge of her nose and groaned. “I should have planned this better.” She dropped her hand, hefted her bag off the bed, and pulled it behind her. As she stopped in the kitchen, she found Hunter cornered by Kaylee and Naomi.
“Are you an ax murderer?” Naomi asked Hunter.
Kaylee nudged Naomi with her elbow. “He’s too pretty.”
Naomi nodded. “True, but he could have had plastic surgery.”
Hunter caught Reagan’s gaze. “Uh…”
“Hunter, these are my two best friends. The one your left is Kaylee Benson, and the one on your right is Naomi Knowles.”
“It’s nice to meet you?” Hunter took a step back and smiled. “No, I’m not a…murderer.” He touched his face. “Plastic surgery?”
The poor man. Reagan actually felt sorry for him. “Guys, leave him alone.”
“We’re doing our friend duties and making sure you come back with all your limbs.” Naomi shot a look over her shoulder at Reagan with a half-smile and a cocked eyebrow. They’d be talking more once she returned from Texas.
While Naomi was distracted, Hunter slipped past them and crossed the room. As he reached for the handle of her suitcase, his hand brushed against hers. Little tingles raced through her nerves, sending a shiver down her spine.
He jerked his hand back. “Uh, sorry.”
“It’s okay. I can handle it.”
“If my mom catches you carrying your own luggage, she’ll kill me twice.” He chuckled, but it had a nervous edge to it. “I’m not saying you aren’t capable…”
