Page 18 of All's Fair in Love and Blood - A Romantic Comedy Novel

“I don’t want people talking about me.”

She waved her hand around. “Honey, you live in the South. Gossiping is our favorite pastime. And I hate to say it, but your daddy will always make sure there is plenty of gossip surrounding your family. Might as well give everyone something fun to talk about. A relationship between you and your new stepbrother would certainly do the trick.” She laughed to herself.

I cringed. “Please don’t call him that.”

She pointed at me with a peach slice in hand. “Don’t worry, honey—Eva won’t last long.”

Believe me, I knew. I grabbed one of the cookies, feeling a little better after getting it out of my system, and took a small bite. “Mmm. These are delicious.”

“I’m going to pop these flatbreads in the oven and then head on home. You call me if you need anything.”

“I will. Thank you, Miss Rae.”

“You keep that chin up, beautiful girl.”

I wished I was beautiful.

“Knock, knock,” a familiar voice startled me.

I whipped my head toward the main kitchen entrance. There stood Kane, still in his suit and tie, looking a bit unsure, yet focused on me. “I’m sorry to barge in; the door was open.”

I had no idea what to say; thankfully, Miss Rae stepped in. “No need to apologize. It’s good to see you. You’re welcome here anytime. Right, Scarlett?” she prompted.

“Right.”

Kane flashed us a relieved smile while stepping closer to me. “I was worried about you.”

“I’m going to leave you two alone.” Miss Rae was quick to say. “There’s enough pizza, by the way, for two.” She winked at me.

I rolled my eyes. “Thank you, Miss Rae.”

“Have a nice evening,” Kane addressed Miss Rae.

“You do the same.” Miss Rae popped the pizza into the oven and skittered away.

As soon as she was gone, Kane took the stool next to me. He tugged on a strand of my hair. “Hi.”

“Hi,” I whispered.

“Are you okay?” He sounded really worried.

“Yes. I’m sorry for earlier, it’s just—”

“Shh.” Kane placed a finger on my lips. “Just tell me what to do to make it better.”

I couldn’t think when he touched me and was so close that I could smell him and feel him on what seemed like a molecular level. Maybe he knew that, as he dropped his finger. It allowed me to take a breath. “I don’t think you can. I think it’s something only I can do.” I knew so many of my insecurities stemmed from self-esteem issues.

His brow creased as if that frustrated him, yet his eyes said he understood. “Can I at least help you with your essay?”

My essay? I hadn’t even thought about it, which was terrible. I needed to get my application in by the end of the month. I almost told him he didn’t need to help me, but then I thought, why shouldn’t I accept his help? I wanted it and needed it. Well, more like I wanted to be near him, as dangerous as it was for my heart. He had come to check on me after all. Very few people had ever cared to do so. And he made me feel alive and like I mattered.

“I’d like that,” I found myself saying. “Do you want to stay for dinner?” Who was this woman controlling my mouth? I had never been so bold.

“I’d love to,” he didn’t hesitate to respond. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “I thought you might need some help coming up with your best qualities.”

I plucked the paper from his grip, anxious to see what he had written. “You hardly know me.”

“I’m good at reading people. It makes me adept at my job.”

I carefully unfolded the paper with shaky hands. I opened it to find a numbered list:

1.Brilliant

2.Kind

3.Humble

4.Resilient

5.Loyal

6.Honest

7.Ambitious

8.Independent

9.Teachable

10.Beautiful

My head popped up at that unexpected last one. I was met with an intense gaze. It made me swallow hard.

“I threw that last one in there for my benefit.” He read my mind and knee-jerk reaction.

“You think I’m beautiful?” I could hardly say it.

“Yes, ma’am, I do.”

I felt feverishly flushed. “Thank you.” I didn’t know what else to say.

He laughed softly. “I think you’re the first woman who has ever thanked me for that.”

“I’m ridiculous.” I felt like I wanted to cry. I didn’t know the right things to say and do. I hadn’t ever studied this. Whatever this was.

“No.” He rested his warm hand on my burning cheek. “You’re real. I like that. Very much.” His hand fell away. He leaned back as if to put some distance between us. “Scarlett, I meant what I said—I want to get to know you better.”

I ran a hand through my unruly hair. “In what way?” That was probably a dumb question, but I had always been a spectator—I’d never been up to bat.

“The way a man gets to know a woman better. Spending time together, talking, eating, of course.” He grinned.

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