Apparently, he sobered as well because he leaned back. “Yeah, that’s good.”
A few minutes of silence passed, and Reagan nearly squirmed in her seat. They needed to move to a different topic. “It would probably be a good idea to tell me about your family and Caprock Canyon.”
He took a deep breath and looked out the window. While he started filling her in, she worked to keep herself focused. What she needed to remember was that this was all a charade. He could have just said he had things in common with her to get her guard down. Not only that, but what if that’s all this was? A clever way to break down her walls and weasel her out of her home.
Well, that wasn’t happening, and if he could play this game, so could she. Even if, deep down, she didn’t entirely believe it. This was a show and her way of keeping The Sandy Pelican going. Nothing more.
Chapter 7
After landing at the Amarillo airport, Hunter and Reagan set out on the two-hour drive to Caprock Canyon in the pickup he’d purchased earlier in the week. Normally, he’d have rented one, but since he knew he’d be returning in a few weeks for Christmas, he figured it would be easier just to pay storage fees and then have one of his brothers drop him off when he left for Georgia again.
The jet, on the other hand, was borrowed. First, he didn’t want to own a jet, nor did he want to explain why or how he’d have the ability to own it. As it stood, he’d explained to Reagan that a client had loaned him the use of a private plane.
“Okay, I told you about my family on the way. It’s your turn.” Hunter shot her a quick glance.
Hopefully, she’d stay away from puppies and proposals. There was a moment on the plane when the air was so sparse, he thought he’d suffocate. She’d started describing the proposal, and with each detail, his heart had thrummed harder. It hadn’t been some outlandish, overdone thing. It was simple. Something like what Hunter really would have planned, even down to the breed of dog.
Then the trance was broken, and he’d rattled on about his family, even going so far as to tell her about their good family friends, the Fredericks—Amos, Pauline, Gabby, and Stephanie—and then Bandit, who’d taken one of the ranch hands cabins on Bear’s ranch and fixed it up. She’d been quiet the whole time, seemingly soaking in everything he was saying. More than once, he’d caught himself wanting to ask her what she was thinking, but he’d chickened out.
“Well, my parents are full-time RVers, and my sister owns a clothing boutique in Atlanta.”
“I wouldn’t have guessed that, but it makes sense. I bet they didn’t get to travel much when they were running the bed and breakfast.”
She smiled. “Yeah, and I understand.”
“I hadn’t even thought about if you had plans with your family for Thanksgiving.” Man, he felt ashamed. He should have at least been a gentleman enough to question her about that before now. He’d been so busy finishing the houses that it hadn’t even crossed his mind. “I’m so sorry.”
Reagan held up her hand. “It’s okay. They’re taking a month-long European cruise for their anniversary, and my sister is dating someone. He’d asked her to go with him to meet his family. I’d probably have spent the weekend with Naomi and Kaylee.”
“Still, it bugs me that I didn’t even consider it. I’m usually…more together than that.”
“I don’t doubt that. It seems like coming home is a little stressful for you.”
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 are not a 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 l
ike 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?”
His shoulders sagged, but he could see the wall she’d put up. Trying to crack it when she was upset seemed pointless. Maybe by the time they got to the house, she’d be more open to letting him explain that Bear hadn’t swooped in and taken the ranch while they were having a hard time. It had sat vacant for ten years. “Okay.”
The rest of the drive was spent in silence so tense it felt like fingers pressing against his throat. When he finally turned off the highway onto the stretch of road leading to the ranch house, it seemed like another mile would smother him.
As he parked the truck, he twisted in his seat. “Reagan, this ranch closed down more than a decade ago. The people who used to own it had no money to start it up again. We were kids when it went under, and we weren’t rich. My dad lost his job when this place shut down. A lot of people did. We’re not bad people.” He raked his hand through his hair and sighed. “I’m not a bad guy.”
“I know.” She turned in her seat to face him and closed a bit of the distance between them by scooting closer. “I’m sorry. I overreacted. I guess I’m just…sensitive.”
Yeah, she would be. Not long after he met her, he’d hit her with purchasing her home. Her home. Where he saw a business and a nice place to retire, she was seeing memories of her childhood. It had been thoughtless not to even consider that before offering to buy it.
“It’s okay. I understand. You have every reason to think poorly of me. I haven’t exactly been gentle about wanting your home. And if it were mine, I’d feel the same way.” He lifted his gaze to hers. “You may not believe me, but I really do think you’re great.”
In the next second, her arms circled his neck as she hugged him. “Thank you.” She leaned back. “I don’t remember there being a time when someone said that about me.”
His heart jackhammered in his chest as his gaze dipped to her lips. It was the first time he’d been hit with the temptation to kiss a woman in a long time. “You’ve been hanging out with the wrong people.”
“You think so?”
Before he could answer, someone tapped on the window. They both startled and pulled away from each other.
“Guess it’s time to meet the family, huh?” Her cheeks bloomed dark as a red rose.
“Guess so.”
Whew. He’d almost kissed her. That would have been a marvelous mess. It was odd putting those two last words together, but it fit. Hunter had no doubt he’d enjoy kissing her, but it would make a mess of things once it was over. As long as they maintained that business line in the sand, they’d both come away unscathed in the romance department.
Chapter 8
Reagan quickly opened the door of the pickup and jumped out. Thank goodness the man standing in front of her had knocked when he did. She’d been dangerously close to sharing a kiss with Hunter. A complication she didn’t need.
Now that she was outside, the chill in the air cleared her head even further. “Wow, it’s beautiful here.” Wide-open plains, a few horses lining up along the fence, and the bottom of the sun barely touching the horizon. Rusty reds, burnt orange, and purple colored the sky. “Just, wow.”
Hunter joined her on the passenger side of the pickup. “Reagan, this is my brother Josiah.”
She shook hands with the man. The similarities were easy to see. Same blue eyes and build. The only difference was height. Josiah was a few inches shorter.
“Hi, Reagan.” Josiah smiled and looked at Hunter. “Mom said you were bringing the fiancée. It was about time.”
The brothers hugged and clapped each other on the back. “Is everyone here?” Hunter asked.
Josiah nodded. “Yeah, almost. The Fredericks are picking Stephanie up at the airport in Amarillo. They’re getting in late. Bear, Dad, and Wyatt found that missing pregnant mare. Bear called and said they’d be awhile. She’s having trouble delivering, and they’re assisting.”
“Assisting?” Reagan asked.
“Life on a ranch. Sometimes we have to step in to help new moms,” Hunter replied.
“Oh.” She blinked, never having really thought about how a ranch worked or what it was like to take care of large animals. Great Danes were big, but not that big.
Hunter slipped his arm around her waist, and she caught herself before she pulled away. This was the only reason she was in Caprock Canyon. Pretending to be his fiancée. “Is Gabby at the orchard?” he asked.
Josiah nodded. “Yeah, and Carrie Anne and Israel are with her.”
“There’s an orchard too?” Reagan asked.
“Yeah, Bear found it right before Thanksgiving last year. Our brother Wyatt and his wife, Gabby, purchased it from Bear,” Josiah replied. “Maybe mom can take her focus off me and Bear now that you’re here.”
Laughing, Hunter tightened his hold on Reagan. “That bad?”
She looked up at him. “I think I’m missing something.”
“Our mother is desperate for grandchildren.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widened. Just what had she gotten herself into?
A smile slowly spread on his lips, and he touched them to her forehead. “I’ll protect you.”
Just minutes ago, she’d caught herself before pulling away, and now, she found herself leaning into him. There was something incredibly intimate about being kissed on the forehead.
Josiah groaned. “Really? In front of me?”
Hunter punched him on the arm. “Shut up. I need to get her settled into her room.”
She shivered a little. At first, the brisk air was nice, but it was slowly stealing every ounce of her heat. “Good thing you reminded me to bring that coat.”
“Let’s get you inside.” Hunter pulled away and retrieved their luggage from the back seat.
Just as they shut the front door of the ranch house, an older woman greeted them. “Oh, it’s so good to see you,” the woman said as she hugged Hunter.
He dropped the luggage and returned the hug. “Glad to be home.”
Reagan took a minute to look around at the interior of the home. Warm colors with little splashes of bright hues here and there and stairs to the right leading to the second story. It was about as picturesque as a place could be.
Stepping back, Hunter rested his hand on the small of Reagan’s back. “Reagan, this is my mom, Caroline. This is Reagan Loveless, my fiancée.”
His mom enveloped Reagan in a hug and squeezed. “It’s good to finally meet you.”
“Thank you,” she said, hugging her back. “I’m glad to meet you too.”
His mom grasped Reagan’s hands between hers. “You’re freezing, sweetheart. Hunter, did you let her come here without a coat?”
Reagan giggled. It was funny seeing him chastised. “No, ma’am, he told me. I just didn’t have it on out there.”
“Call me Caroline,” she said and pointed a finger at Hunter. “She just saved your hide.”
He leaned over and pressed a kiss to Reagan’s cheek. “Thank you.”
Her skin tingled where his lips touched her. Again, a sweet kiss that was every bit as intimate as a regular kiss. Taking a deep breath, she pushed away the notion that either of the kisses meant anything. There was a contract requiring them to act like they were engaged. Kissing just came with the performance.
Straightening, he picked up the luggage again. “I thought I’d show Reagan to her room and then we’d visit more.”
“Oh, sure. I’ll get us some…” His mom paused. “Reagan, do you like coffee or hot chocolate? Bandit is a whiz with either. Hunter said something about you being a fabulous cook, but you have to be exhausted after traveling.”
Reagan jerked her attention to Hunter. “You told her?”
Caroline patted her hand. “Oh, sweetheart, you should have heard him talking about your
talent. I swear he was building a pedestal as he spoke.”
Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, Reagan felt her cheeks warm. He’d called her a great cook, but she’d figured it was just him being nice. Not that she didn’t know she could cook, but having it recognized made her feel good.
“He’s a pretty great guy.” The words were out of her mouth so quickly she nearly choked, but it was true. It was sweet of him to talk about her like that.
“Okay, well, you two go find your rooms. I’m guessing you’re a hot chocolate fan, right?”
“Yes, ma’—Caroline.”
“Count me in for hot chocolate,” Hunter said.
“All right, Hunter, get her settled, and we’ll see you in a second.” His mom smiled.
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied and started up the stairs.
They silently ascended the stairs and then stopped when they reached one of the middle bedrooms on the left. He set his luggage down in the hall, and she followed him inside. The bedroom was just as warm and inviting as the living room.
“Uh, is there anywhere special you want me to put this?” Hunter asked, gesturing toward the suitcase.
“No, just leave it by the bed.”
He complied, and as he passed her to leave, she placed her hand on his arm. “Your mother seems wonderful. So does Josiah.”
A flash of sadness crossed his features. “Yeah, they’re pretty great.”
“But you don’t get to see them often?”
“It’s not that. Just…you know how you said you sometimes feel like you can’t stack up against your sister?”
She nodded.
“Well, multiply that by four. Bear bought this ranch, Josiah is a top real estate agent in Dallas, Wyatt was a pro bull rider, and my little sister, Carrie Anne, is a teacher. A great teacher. I guess…I guess I just don’t feel as successful as them.”
The Fake Fiance's Billionaire Adversary (Caprock Canyon Romance Book 2) Page 5
