Page 9 of The Fake Girlfriend's Billionaire Match
Chapter 8
“How big is the ranch?” asked Winnie. They’d turned off the road at least a mile ago, and they were still going.
He shot her a smile. “Over nine hundred acres.”
She sucked in a breath. Wow. “It’s huge. The one I visited was only five hundred or so.”
“That’s why I hired a few ranch hands. I’m needing more help now that the herd is larger.” He pointed in the direction of the passenger window. “We’re thinking of taking some of the land and building some lodging so we can start a dude ranch.” Chuckling, he added, “Since we already have the ranch part.”
Winnie nodded as she turned her gaze to the field stretching into the horizon. “Really?”
“Thinking about it. We’re out of the way, so as far as peace and quiet, we’d have that down.”
Carrie Anne tapped Winnie on the shoulder from the back seat. “My brother Wyatt and his wife, Gabby, have a farmer’s market once a month. It’s become pretty popular over the last couple of years.”
“That’s because Gabby makes the most delicious pecan pies you’ve ever eaten,” Bear said, turning off the road.
In the distance, Winnie could see a two-story ranch home. She touched his shoulder. “The house is beautiful, Bear.”
“I did say I had it restored, and I sent you a picture.”
Another instance of a picture not doing something justice. “It’s so impressive seeing it in person. I love the wrap-around porch, the rocking chairs, and…well, the whole thing.”
Bear covered her hand with his. “I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it. It looks like my nanny's house in Houston. She sold it a few years ago when she moved to Oregon. I always wanted a house like that because of all the good memories I have.”
A smile stretched on his lips. “I remember you telling me that. I had a rocking chair made for you so you can sit outside in the evening with your tea.”
Winnie’s eyes turned misty. “You did that for me?” Even knowing this was a fake relationship, her heart still skipped a beat. He remembered she liked sitting outside drinking tea of an evening. “You’re so sweet.”
“I wanted you to feel comfortable while you’re here.” He continued along a bricked path to the back of the house and stopped the truck under a carport that matched the house. “This little deck back here has the best views, I think. The sun sets on this side, so I put your chair back here with mine.”
“Thank you.” She touched the spot over her heart and caught his gaze. “That’s one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.”
In the next second, she heard the rear passenger door open and close as Carrie Anne slipped out, but she didn’t acknowledge it even a little. They weren’t even dating, and he was treating her better than she’d ever been treated.
“This is home until the new year, and I wanted you to know that what’s mine is yours while you’re here.” His voice was soft. “I hope you like it here.”
“I already do.” She paused, bracing her hand on the armrest and leaning over. “You’ve told me a little about Angela, and I want you to know that if I ever see her, I’m going to punch her lights out.”
His rich laughter filled the cab of the pickup. “I hope you meet her, then, but you don’t need to sock her. Someone recently told me I was too good for her.”
Winnie snickered, remembering the conversation they’d shared. Hewastoo good for Angela. Way too good. “I think you must have been talking to a pretty wise person.”
“I think so too.” He cupped her cheek as their gazes locked.
Once again, the world turned hazy. With each moment that passed, the hope that he’d kiss her grew.
Dropping his hand, he cleared his throat and leaned away. “We probably should go inside. I suspect by now Carrie Anne has given the signal that we’re here.”
“Okay.” For a fleeting moment, she was hurt that he didn’t kiss her. Then reality slapped her upside the head. The last thing she needed was him kissing her. That could lead to more kissing, and she had a feeling that the more he kissed her, the less determined she’d be to leave after the new year.
Opening the driver door, he jumped out and rounded the front of the pickup, pulling her door open before taking her luggage out of the back seat. “I’m sure my mom is beyond ready to meet you.”
“Do you think she’ll like me?” Why had she asked that? Did it matter if they liked her? Besides, it seemed that Carrie Anne did. Wouldn’t that mean the rest of the family would?
“I think she’ll hug you so tight you’ll be wondering if you have organ damage.”
