Redding shakes his head. “There are a lot of bachelors in this town and when they see fresh meat, everyone wants in.”
“Literally,” I grumble and it makes him chuckle.
“Well, I’m glad we struck a deal but, like I said, it will take effort from both sides. You sitting at the bar for at least an hour when I’m working for instance. Kissing in public to show others to leave us alone.”
The reminder of our kiss sets my cheeks aflame. If we keep kissing like we did our first time it would be hard not to physically want him. But he’s right, the fake thing does need an aspect of reality to pull it off for everyone.
Nodding, I let him know, “I can commit to all that. I guess we will have to make adjustments to everything as we go. I’ll text you when my parents are coming to visit and such.”
He pulls his phone from his pocket. “Give me your number.”
I rattle it off and he quickly jabs the screen, letting my phone lying on the table in front of me light up.
He smirks at the image I have on my lock screen. “You know you have to replace it with one of mine now.”
I snort and quickly flip my phone screen down on the table. “In your dreams. No one can replace Bruce Willis.”
The image of Bruce is one from the movie Die Hard and it reminds me to keep going no matter what. It’s a movie I’ve seen a hundred times and still love to watch whenever I’m feeling out of sorts.
“As long as you don’t picture him when you’re kissing me.” He shrugs and I give him an aghast look while he simply shrugs, mouth twitching as he adds, “Fake or not, I have standards.”
A laugh bubbles free and I stand to get myself another cup of coffee. I’m surprised to be this comfortable with a man I just met. On the other hand, he knew my grandmother and we are after all neighbors.
“I admire Bruce for a lot of things, but don’t worry…if the kiss was anything like the one from yesterday, there won’t be time to think of anything at all,” I blurt and could smack my own head for being honest.
“Then we’re on the same page,” he murmurs from right beside me.
I slightly jump and he shakes his head as he places his hand on my hip. He towers over me with his massive height but I don’t feel threatened; my body has completely different ideas about his closeness.
“I’ll be back later today.” He keeps our gaze locked, ever so slowly descending his lips.
This might be a test to see if I pull back but the man did mention we had certain rules to live by. And I’m not ashamed to admit I crave his kiss. Shit. This whole fake thing is a disaster waiting to happen.
My eyes close and his mouth brushes against mine. His tongue nudges in between to gain access and I simply part my lips, welcoming his taste as it explodes in heat, leaking into my veins.
Dammit. This kiss feels too real for a fake boyfriend but I can’t find it in me to care when a guttural rumble of approvement erupts from his body. He slows down the kiss but I bury my fist in his leather cut, taking control and swirl my tongue against his a few more times before tearing my mouth away.
Yeah, fake boyfriend my ass; we’re doomed if we keep kissing and will end up between the sheets naked sooner rather than later. And somehow the thought doesn’t bother me at all.
CHAPTER THREE
– REDDING –
I hit the throttle and chase after a Longhorn calf straying from the herd we’re guiding into a new pasture. Decker comes up from my right, his horse easily outruns my bike and guides the calf back.
The fucker tips his Stetson with a grin and I shake my head. Asshole. It’s not a competition but more like a friendly challenge to make things easier when we’re herding cattle.
Some prefer to ride their horse; others grab their steel one. Our livestock is used to both so it doesn’t really matter. Spiro closes the fence and locks in the Longhorn herd. Roper is leaning his forearms on the horn of his saddle and is glancing at us while we come to a stop near him.
“Your work is done for the day, Redding. What are your plans for tonight, eh? Back to your fake old lady or is she gonna come by here for a change?” The smirk he gives me is a taunting one. “I mean, it’s been a week since you two wrapped an imaginary ball and chain around each other.”
I do regret spilling this shit to my brothers but on the other hand I won’t lie to them either. It’s a harmless lie and yet for me it’s something I’d never do. Besides, I had no choice if I want to find out who hurt her in the bathroom back at the bar the first night we met.
“I’ll probably think of a way to end up at her house again.” I shoot him a grin because the fuckers also know I’m playing along with this fake shit because I want for things between Fenna and I to become real.
“Well,” Decker quips. “I think you just found your reason trotting along on our property.”
I follow his line of sight and notice Fenna’s stallion has escaped. Again. The little shit is an escape artist and it’s no wonder they named him Houdini and sold him fucking cheap.
“Take the reins,” Decker tells Roper as he dismounts. “Roper will take my horse along with him while I ride your bike.”
“Thanks,” I mutter.
“You’re gonna need this.” He takes my bike while I in return grab hold of the rope he’s offering.
“Still nothing about the ex?” I ask Decker, he’s former FBI and still has the right connections to run background checks and such.
He gives a firm shake. “Dude is still following his work to home routine and hasn’t met up with the guy he cheated on her with. And based on the amount of texts he’s sending her, I’m guessing he wants your girl back. Probably because he went through all the money he took from her, covering all his debts, and knows she inherited a shitload.”
“Fuck,” I grumble. “Thanks, brother. Appreciate you keeping tabs on the asshole.”
I stroll toward the miniature horse while Roper chuckles and says, “See you tomorrow. Oh, hey, I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
I turn to face him but the fucker keeps his horse walking toward the stables when he simply asks over his shoulder, “Do you guys have fake sex? You know, being in a fake relationship and all. I wonder how that works…kinda like dry-humping I guess.”
“Motherfucking asshole,” I grumble, his booming laughter filling the air as I jump over the fence.
I let the rope slide through my fingers without looking down, keeping an eye on the little shit darting away without a care in the world. It’s a pretty stallion, impressive bloodline, but the stress of hunting him down every time he escapes is something Fenna doesn’t need.
It’s only been one week since she got him but he’s managed to escape each and every day since. And she texted me earlier how she caught him in the act of escaping but managed to catch him and made sure the pasture he’s in was still secure. So, I know for a fact it’s the second damn time today.
I easily catch him and it’s good the little shit doesn’t put up a struggle. It’s easy enough to bring him back home. I’m thinking the whole great escape he’s been keeping up is because he’s lonely or something; going out to seek company or something to do.