Page 21 of The Fake Fiance's Billionaire Adversary
“One spoon of sugar.” She smiled like she’d won a race.
“Only one?” Boy, it sure didn’t taste like it.
“Bandit challenged me. I had to bring my ‘A’ game.” She giggled.
Hunter set the cup down and hugged her to him, kissing her forehead. “That’s my girl. You show him how it’s done.” It wasn’t a shock that she fit against him.
Honestly, he’d spent the night thinking about her. He’d liked her the moment he met her. With a little soul-searching, it didn’t take long to figure out that purchasing the bed and breakfast wasn’t the sole reason he’d been drawn back to the place again and again. It was her.
“Did you sleep okay?” he asked as he leaned back.
She took a deep breath. “Like a log. I guess I needed the break.”
He studied her a moment, noting the dark circles had lightened. “Good.”
Hunter caught his mom glancing at him and smiling. Well, he was engaged. This is exactly how he’d treat a woman he was in love with.
His sister bounced into the kitchen. “Is this Reagan?” she asked Hunter.
“This is Reagan.”
Carrie Anne gathered his fake fiancée in a hug. “I’m Carrie Anne. It’s so nice to meet you.” She released Reagan and stepped back. “Two brothers down, two to go.”
Reagan looked at Hunter, her eyebrows drawn. “What?”
“Wyatt is married, and I’m engaged. Josiah and Bear are on the radar now.”
His sister wrinkled her nose. “They just act like they don’t want help.” She walked to the fridge and pulled out the juice. With a full glass, Carrie Anne again bellied up to the island. “So, have you started picking out dates or dresses?”
Reagan froze.
“We’re taking that slow, so no. We haven’t yet,” Hunter replied.
“I noticed you don’t have a ring, Reagan,” his mother said, throwing a glance over her shoulder.
Hunter stiffened. A ring. How could he have forgotten the most important part of the act? That should have been the first thing he thought about, but it had completely slipped his mind.
Carrie Anne’s mouth dropped. “You asked her to marry you and haven’t gotten her a ring yet?”
“Yes, she has a ring,” he said. “She was working, and it slipped off. It got caught in the garbage disposal and is at the jeweler being repaired.” Talk about thinking fast on his feet. Hunter was proud of that quick response.
His mom stopped chopping sweet potatoes and joined them at the island. “You could let her wear one of Grandma Jo’s rings in the meantime. Just until she gets hers back.”
Reagan shook her head. “Oh, I couldn’t possibly do that.”
“Don’t be silly. Of course you can,” his mother insisted.
Carrie Anne nodded. “I agree.”
“Finish your coffee, and then you can take Reagan into Caprock Canyon. Show her the town and go to the house and let her pick a ring.” His mom patted Reagan’s hand. “And, sweetheart, whichever ring you like, you wear it, okay?”
“How about tomorrow. We just got in yesterday, and honestly, I’m still a little worn from the travel,” Hunter said.
His mom sighed heavily. “All right. You have a point.” She moved back to the sweet potatoes.
Hunter leaned close to Reagan and whispered, “You don’t have to pick out a ring, but I’d be happy to show you the town.” His cheek brushed hers, and the touch rattled him. He liked being this close to her.
Her hand came to rest on the side of his face as he pulled back. “I’d love to do that.”
