Page 15 of The Fake Fiance's Billionaire Adversary
Shrugging, Hunter trained his gaze on the road ahead. “A little, but only because I don’t want to disappoint them.”
“I know that feeling. Things have always been easier for my little sister. Anything she touches is successful, and then you have me. My parents give me the bed and breakfast, and what happens? A hurricane.”
Hunter grunted a laugh. “I don’t think you had anything to do with the hurricane.”
“No, but it sure felt like it.”
He didn’t miss the sadness in her voice. With the extended close proximity, he’d also become keenly aware of the dark circles around her eyes and how drained she seemed. Before he gave it a second thought, he blurted, “I’m pretty good at fixing floors. Why don’t you save the money set aside for that, and when we get back, I’ll fix those for you.”
She gave him a side-eye. “How much?”
“Nothing.”
He took his eyes off the road a second and looked at her. Those mesmerizing, perfect lips of hers were parted, and she blinked. “What?”
“I know you think I’m trying to kick you out of the place, but I’m not. I truly and sincerely don’t want it landing in the hands of people who won’t appreciate it. It needs a little work, and it’ll be perfect.”
Reagan looked away, but he thought he caught tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry I’ve thought the worst of you. I guess I just…”
He covered her hand with his, ignoring the zip of electricity coursing through him. It was the same current as the last time, which he’d attributed to nerves. Well, that explanation didn’t fly this time. “You arenota failure. You’ve fought hard to keep it going. I think you’re pretty amazing, in fact.”
“I don’t feel very amazing.” Her response was so soft he nearly didn’t hear her.
“Well, you are.”
A small smile curved her lips. Man, he liked being the source of that smile. Most guys liked the flashy smiles, but to Hunter, these were worth more. They were intimate, only meant for one person. For some odd reason, the idea that it was meant for him made him happy.
“So, you said on the plane that we’re staying with your brother?” she asked.
He’d half expected her to pull her hand away, and when she didn’t, neither did he. Holding hands with her felt right. Then frustration bubbled in him. This was a show, so of course they’d be holding hands. That’s what engaged people did, and he needed to get used to it. That was the only reason she was continuing to hold his hand. Practice made perfect.
Nodding, Hunter said, “Yeah, about two years ago, he purchased the ranch that used to be the main draw for Caprock Canyon. He had the home remodeled so we could all stay together during the holidays.”
“That was pretty nice of him.” She tangled her fingers with Hunter’s. “I guess we need to get comfortable holding hands, huh?”
“That’s what I was thinking.” Which was true, but hearing her say it like that bugged him. They weren’t even to the ranch, and he was having problems with this farce. Sunday seemed way too far away already. “Tell me more about your family. You’ve been on Tybee Island your entire life, right?”
She nodded. “Never saw any point in leaving. I’ve loved cooking since I was a kid. For a while, I thought about going to culinary school but decided against it. I’ve never had any complaints about my cooking.”
“I don’t doubt that. That chicken whatever was blow-your-mind incredible. It took effort not to reach across the table and steal yours.”
Reagan’s laugh filled the cab, and he loved it. He glanced at her and could see the little sparkle in her eyes. Another thing about her he liked. The way compliments lit up her face. She grinned wide. “I’m glad you liked it.”
“You’re going to get along great with Bandit. He’s Bear’s best friend, but really, the whole family claims him. He’s a brilliant cook too. He learned from his mom who owned a restaurant in town. After she passed away, he tried to keep it open, but once the ranch went under eleven years ago, the town slowly died too.”
“That’s really sad. Why did the ranch shut down?”
“Well, kinda like what happened to you. There were a few years of hard weather. It’s expensive running a cattle ranch, and there’s a domino effect. Once one thing goes wrong, they begin piling up.” He sighed, thinking back to all the times they talked about winning the lottery and what they’d do with the money. “Bear’s wanted to buy that ranch forever.”
She pulled her hand free. “So, he kinda does what you do.”
The regret of mentioning it hit Hunter hard. “No, it wasn’t like that.”
“You mean rich people deciding they want something and taking it whether the person who owns it agrees or not?”
“No…”
She held her hands up to silence him. “Let’s just not talk for a minute, okay?”
