Page 19 of The Fake Fiance's Billionaire Adversary
Caroline leaned forward with her arms on the table. “I am interested in how you two met.” She tapped Hunter on the arm. “I can hardly get this one on the phone, and when I do, it’s like I’m pulling teeth.”
Hunter sat back. “I wanted to buy her bed and breakfast.”
Reagan’s heart sped up. They weren’t going to tell his mom this part. Was he breaking the contract? Before she could interject, a door opened from what sounded like the back of the house, and three men strode into the kitchen.
After they’d cleaned up a little and gave an update about the mare—both the mom and baby were in the barn and doing fine—they introduced themselves as Bear, Wyatt, and King, Hunter’s father, and then stood around snacking. It amazed her how close they all seemed. This was a normal gathering for them. If Reagan was honest, she liked it. How much fun would it be to have such a large family and have this every holiday?
“Okay, now that I know the mare is all good, I want to hear the rest of how Hunter met Reagan. He was just telling me as you guys walked in.” Caroline looked at Hunter. “Now, finish.”
“Well, like I said, I’d stopped in on my way home one evening because I kept passing her bed and breakfast on the way to work. I’d wanted to buy it, but when she found out, she wasn’t very happy with me.” He turned his gaze on Reagan and smiled. “She had to be the cutest woman I’d ever seen. The place wasn’t doing so well financially, but she has more determination and drive than anyone I’ve ever met. Not only was she beautiful, but she was someone I respected.”
Reagan was nearly gasping for air as he finished. He’d said all that in front of his family, so either he really believed it or he was piling it on high and wide. “I doubt I was that cute or anything else.”
“Oh, you were.”
The way he was looking at her nearly had her believing he meant every word. But there was no way that was true, right? Even if he did, that didn’t mean anything. Maybe he just needed to find a way to sell this whole thing to his family and this is what helped him do that.
Still, she couldn’t deny that a part of her liked the idea that he thought of her like that. That he really, truly meant what he said. Oh, her thoughts were spinning so hard she was getting dizzy. One second, she was thinking he was playing a part, and the next, she was wondering if he was being truthful. She needed Sunday to get here and quick.
Chapter 9
Hunter slowly shuffled into the kitchen the next morning a little before dawn. It was typical of him. By now, he’d be hurrying out the door and headed to a job site. The smell of coffee beans brewing hit him, and he took a big whiff. Bandit’s coffee. The good stuff. Reagan’s was probably just as good.
With a little hunting, he found a cup and poured himself some, doctoring it with sugar and cream. He took a sip and looked down at it. This wasn’t Bandit’s coffee at all. This was a mean trick. How could something smell so good and then taste so awful?
His mom walked into the kitchen and smiled. “Hey, sweetheart. How’s the coffee? I went ahead and started a batch.”
Horrible, but he had better wits than that. “Uh, it’s good.” He took another small sip and smiled. “Thanks.”
“I told Bandit I’d get up early this year and set the turkey out, but I know him. He’ll probably be in here any second, checking up on me.”
Hunter leaned his hip against the counter and set his cup down. Despite the coffee, he was glad to be home with his family. He’d missed them more than he realized. “Knowing Bandit, that’s probably true.”
She poured herself a cup and took a giant sip. Her lips curled up as she wrinkled her nose and then dumped it in the sink. “You said it was good.”
“I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” He chuckled.
“Oh, you!” She snatched his cup and set it in the sink. “We’ll wait for Bandit.”
“I’m on board with that.” He hugged his mom. “I’ve missed you, Momma.”
His mom patted his back. “I’ve missed you too, sweetheart.” She leaned back, took his face in her hands, and kissed his cheek. “You’ve been too busy to let us visit. Have you been taking care of yourself over there in Georgia?”
“I guess.”
She sighed and dropped her hands. “Well, at least I know you have someone to make sure you do. I really like Reagan. She is just a cup of joy. And so pretty. Honey, I think you found a keeper.”
If only. The instant thought threw him. It was just…a contract. Pretend. But he’d enjoyed spending time with her the day before. Twice, he’d nearly kissed her. Mercy, he’d been more tempted than ever.
Bear joined them in the kitchen, bundled up for work on the ranch. “Nice morning.”
Hunter nodded. “Yep, you want some help feeding the animals?”
“I sure ain’t stupid enough to turn it down.”
“Let me get dressed.” Hunter paused at the kitchen entry. “Don’t drink the coffee. Momma poisoned it.”
Their mom grumbled and threw a dishtowel at him. He dodged and hurried up the stairs. He rushed getting dressed, and moments later, he was downstairs and headed out the door with Bear.
