Page 90 of Educating Arrogant Mr. Hunter

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We drove into the parking lot of the tree farm and parked next to each other. Anyone here would think we just arrived at the same time. But I knew better, and my heart cracked at the subterfuge.

Zoey waved frantically at us as she stood next to Grayson and Ruby.

Beckett got out of his car and rushed to her as I casually made my way over to the group. He lifted Zo into his arms and hugged her tight before putting her down. “I missed you, princess. Did you have fun with Uncle Grayson and Auntie Ruby?”

“The best time ever. They said I was so good I could come back another time.”

“It’s true. She was excellent,” Ruby informed us with a smile.

“We baked cookies, made banana bread, and muffins.” Zoey hugged her dad again.

Beckett’s stomach rumbled in protest. We’d been too busy for lunch. “Please tell me you brought some home with you.”

She pointed at the car. “A whole bunch. Uncle Grayson said he’d eat it all, so he asked me to take most of it.”

I wanted to laugh. In any other circumstance, Grayson would not give away anything Ruby baked. But with a secret trip coming up, his loss was our gain. “Well, more for us. I can’t wait to try all three. I bet each one is delicious.”

“They really are.” I loved her self-confidence. “We can have it when we’re decorating the tree. Can you come back to our house and help, Ms. Winter?”

“You know I’d love too, Zo, but it’s a school night and…” I stopped. I didn’t have any good reason to give her.

She stared at me. “Are you afraid the other kids in class will get jealous because I’m spending extra time with you?” There were a few disappointed children when they realized Zoey had been with me at the Princesses on Ice show. Beckett and I had decided to let her say what she wanted and deal with any potential consequences later. We might be willing to lie about the nature of our relationship, but we didn’t want her to have to do that.

I blinked, my mouth dropping open at her keen perception.

“It’s fine, Ms. Winter. I already told them that you and Daddy were friends, and they needed to get over it.” Now if only that worked with adults.

“Did you now?” Beckett crossed his arms over his chest.

I couldn’t help but trace his bulging muscles with my eyes. I was a sucker for a good pair of solid, well-built arms. Especially now I knew the tattoos beneath his henley intimately.

Ruby burst out in laughter when she noticed the direction of my gaze. She knew how much I loved arm porn.

“I did,” Zoey confirmed, already walking toward the Christmas trees in the field.

“Then I guess my answer is yes to coming over.” I smiled.

Zoey grinned and beelined toward the rows of trees closest to us.

The cold wind brushed past me and I shivered. I hated that I couldn’t pull Beckett’s arms around me to warm me up. Instead, I had to settle for sticking my hands into my pockets and yanking my hat down lower over my ears. At least we’d see each other after bringing the tree home to decorate it. These little moments needed to be enough I reminded myself.

“I take it you didn’t know about this conversation?” Beckett asked as the four of us walked together toward the trees growing in rows that seemed to stretch out for forever before us.

“Nope. Although, now that I think of it, none of the kids said anything else after that first day. So whatever she said worked.” My nose twitched in delight as I drew in a deep breath, the scent of pine in the air smelled like heaven. I loved Christmas tree shopping.

Ruby glanced at the two of us. “Grayson and I wanted to let you know that Zo’s already talking about the two of you.”

My breath caught. “She is? Does she know anything?”

“No. I don’t think so. I think she just reallywantsyou both to be together.” While I’d suspected this already, it still tore at my heart.

“I wish we could tell her,” I whispered and let out a frustrated sigh.

“We’ll be able to soon,” Beckett reassured me. His hand reached for mine before recoiling.

“Have you come up with a solution?” Ruby asked, excitement lacing each word.

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