Page 20 of The Fake Girlfriend's Billionaire Match
“Sounds like a ton of work,” Stephanie added.
Pauline nodded. “It sounds like you’ve been working on this a while.”
Winnie took a sip of her water. “I have. I had a little setback, but things seem to have worked out now.”
“A setback?” asked Carrie Anne. “What happened?”
“My best friend emptied our bank account and ran off with her boyfriend. All the startup money was gone.” Winnie paused to give herself a second to think of a way she would have replaced the money without telling them the truth. “I got it back, though, so it was only a small delay.”
“That’s awful,” Gabby said. “Has she apologized or anything?”
Not hardly. Winnie had tried contacting her right after it happened, and Tammy wouldn’t answer. “No, she left a note and took off.”
Caroline patted Winnie’s hand. “I’m so sorry. That had to be devastating. Not just because you had to postpone things but that your friend would take the money and leave you. What a horrible thing to do.”
“I was angry at first, believe me, but she didn’t have the best homelife. She was a little manipulative and somewhat overbearing, and I put up with a lot because I was too forgiving.”
Pauline shook her head. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
Molly nibbled on a piece of bacon and then set it down. “Do you have a specialty dessert?”
Carrie Anne snorted and covered her mouth with one hand. “This girl loves her sweets.”
“Pie. I love pie. That’s not sweets as in plural. And I can’t help it.” She rubbed her belly. “The baby asks for it nightly.” The last sentence was said with a slight Scottish accent, and she laughed while everyone just looked at her. “Seriously? You guys have still not watchedSo I Married an Axe Murder?”
Stephanie touched Winnie's hand. “She does this stuff all the time.”
Molly barked a laugh. “I’d deny it, but it’d be a lie.”
“I’m so glad you came with us today. Did you have fun?” Caroline asked.
“Yes, ma’am, I really did.” Bear…oh, that amazingly wonderful man, had given her a credit card with her name on it. Something he would have done long before she arrived at the ranch. Black Friday was a tradition with the women in his family, and he’d figured she’d be invited. He didn’t want her to feel left out.
She’d tried to make him take it back, but he wouldn’t. He’d kissed her forehead, hugged her, and told her she deserved to have a good time shopping after fixing such a fantastic meal.
It wasn’t near worth what he’d whispered in her ear just as they sat down to eat. Bear had brought her to tears. Called her heart beautiful. He was proud of her. Believed in her. He’d leaned back, and she knew he was being truthful. He really had faith in her that she’d be successful.
“Are you okay?” asked Pauline.
Wiping her eyes, Winnie nodded. “I’m fine. Just glad I could come spend the holidays with Bear.”
“Oh, sweetie, I’m sure he feels the same way. He’s been alone too long.” Caroline tapped the rim of her coffee mug as a waiter passed by. A second later, her cup was filled, and steam was billowing from it. “He was really hurt the last time he dated. I was thrilled when he started telling me he was seeing someone and had invited you to spend the holidays with us.”
Winnie wanted so badly to ask about Angela, but she wanted that information to come from Bear. Getting the information from anyone else would be a breach of trust in her mind. Plus, she and Bear weren’t really together, and growing closer to him would only make it harder to leave.
Those secrets needed to be shared with someone who planned to build a life with him. That wasn’t her. She liked him. Truly enjoyed the kiss they’d shared, but he’d only kissed her because of Stephanie. He didn’t want more than what they’d agreed to, and Winnie knew that was for the better anyway.
Chapter 15
The day of shopping had worn the women out. With that in mind, Bear had asked Winnie to sleep in instead of helping with the horses the next morning. She’d tried to tell him she was okay, but with the dark circles under her eyes, her argument was short-lived. The women had fixed some sandwiches and spent the remainder of the evening resting. Then they’d gone to bed earlier than usual.
After finishing with the horses, Bear saddled Spur, his gelding, and went looking for his three ranch hands: Caleb, Jayce, and Mark. There were a few pregnant heifers close to calving, and they’d be checking them daily until the calves arrived.
He found the lead ranch hand, Caleb Watson, returning to his bunkhouse. “Hey, Bear,” he said, slowing his horse as he reached his boss.
So far, Bear was impressed with the man. He’d taken charge of the other hands like he’d been there since the beginning. The man had a work ethic akin to Bear’s. Whatever needed to be done, they did it. That was a rare find these days.
