Page 28 of Fake Dating My Valentine

Vicki laughed. "I was married to Sam who used to be on Ryan’s team. He didn’t make it back about eighteen months ago,and whenever one of the guys is in the time zone, they stop by to check on me."

"Oh. I’m sorry for your loss. Both of you," she said and stroked the cheek of the sleeping toddler.

"Thanks." She stared at me with a soft smile. "I turned this place into a B&B and business is good. I’m working on being good so you don’t have to worry."

"I’m not worried," I told her. "Just checking in to see how things are."

"Good." She stared at me with a stubborn glint in her eyes.

I returned the stubbornness ten-fold. "Great. Glad to hear it." Our staredown was interrupted by a familiar excited voice.

"Unca Ry!" Sammy was wide awake as he flung himself in my direction, confident I would catch him, which I did.

"Hey Sammy, you’re a big boy now, aren’t ya?"

He nodded and hugged me tight. "I’mma big boy."

My eyes slid shut as I hugged him back. He wouldn’t grow up with his father, but he would have an entire team to raise him and guide him, love and protect him. I’m so sorry, Sam. "A really big boy. Must be eating a lot of Mommy’s mac and cheese."

Vicki laughed. "I cook more than that when we have guests, which is often. What are you doing here?"

I knew what she was asking, and dammit, I should have realized sooner. "Medical leave. Two bullets, one in the abdomen and the other in the leg. I’m good. PT is helping."

Vicki tilted her head to one side and studied me. "You’re worried you won’t heal enough."

I nodded. "It’s crossed my mind, but I’m not worried. Not anymore." My gaze landed on Torey.

Torey’s smile was small but it was there. "That’s good, Ry."

The doorbell rang, interrupting whatever Vicki had been about to say, and she rose, eyeing Sammy in my arms with agentle smile. "I’ll get that." She returned with a group of six, which meant my impromptu visit was over.

A hug and a quick peck on the cheek, and Torey and I were back on the road headed to Holiday Grove.

And karaoke.

Chapter 15

Torey

“You didn’t mention you can’t carry a tune in a breadbasket.” Ryan’s lips twitched as he looped an arm around my waist and tugged me into his side with his free hand. The other held our fourth place trophy, which was the size of a guppie.

“It wasn’t that bad,” I insisted, pouting.

“You’re right. It was worse. A lot worse.” He chuckled and kissed my cheek. “But you put on a hell of a show. That’s probably why we didn’t come in last place.”

God, it felt so good being with him like this. It was so natural, as if we’d been freely affectionate like this forever. “Yeah, well…thanks, I guess.”

“You’re welcome. Now that we’ve finished our couple’s karaoke duties, how about we grab something to eat?” There was a hint of hope in his voice that in turn gave me hope.

“You want to take me out to dinner? Like a date?”

He shook his head and leaned in close before he whispered in my ear. “No, Tor, notlikea date, but an actual date.”

Yes, please. “In that case, I’d love it. I’m starving.” When we stepped into Holiday Beef, I let out a low whistle. “Fancy,are you trying to impress me?” I held my breath and waited for his answer because everything that happened between us since leaving Vicki’s place felt significant.

“I am. I know that I can impress you in the bedroom and the karaoke bar, now it’s time to prove it in the rest of the world.” He swallowed dramatically, as if the admission cost him.

“These are from Chef Mario.” Our server placed two cocktail glasses on the table, each decorated with a chocolate and strawberry swirl. “These are Afterglow, his new signature cocktail based on your winning cocktail.”

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