Chapter 25 #2
It’s still light enough outside to see all the new structures on the ranch, mainly Valentine Veterinary Clinic and the stables and the horse training facility that’s set far behind the house.
When the SUV parks in front of the house, I become more nervous than I was when we landed.
I didn’t tell anyone I was visiting Valentine, not even my family. I’m working on my surprise skills, but considering I’m here to prove my temporary marriage is legitimate, this could be a mistake.
Easton opens my door and holds out his hand for me. We walk up the wide steps together, and my eyes wander over the flowers. I’m impressed.
Summer, the owner of the B stark white button-up shirt, rolled to his elbows; over his tattoos; and up to his blue eyes and messy hair.
“Damn, you’re intimidating ,” she says. “Wow.”
I snicker because it’s true, especially when he shows all the beautiful tattoos on his forearms.
“I’ve been told that on more than one occasion. I’m Easton Calloway. And you are?”
“Remington Valentine.” She holds out her hand to give him a shake, and he takes it. She continues, “But call me Remi. Anyone who uses my full name gets punched in the dick.” She gives him a sweet smile but holds up her fist.
“Noted. Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Remi.” He chuckles. “We’d like to check in, please.”
She shakes her head; her ponytail swooshes. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have a reservation in either of your names and we’re currently booked until Sunday.”
“It should be under Andrew Callo. It’s an alias I use when I travel,” he explains.
I turn to him. I didn’t know he used aliases.
“Wow, you’re the guy who rented the entire B & B through the weekend?” she continues.
Easton nods. “I like my privacy.”
Remi lifts a brow, impressed. She moves behind the desk and types on the laptop. “I’ve got a note about that right here. No one will bother you, guaranteed. I’ll pretend like you don’t exist.”
“That’s appreciated,” he states.
I’m brought back to being at the W and how everyone on the property knew not to disturb Mr. Calloway while he was there. Some things don’t change.
Easton’s cell rings, and he pulls it out of his pocket. He looks down at it before meeting my eyes. “I need to take this.”
“Sure,” I say, and he strolls to the sitting area and answers. His voice is low, so I can’t hear what he’s saying.
Remi leans across the desk, wearing a grin. “He’s the one you texted me about, isn’t he?”
“Yep. That’s him, in the flesh.”
I glance over my shoulder at all six foot two of him. He checks his watch and meets my eyes, as if I summoned his attention. A smile meets his lips, and he nods but continues his conversation. Electricity streams between us.
I’m doomed.
“You didn’t say he looked like that . My God . I’m moving to New York.”
“I know,” I whisper, shaking my head. “I’m so screwed.”
“I can tell.” She waggles her brows at me as Brody enters through the front door. “Oh, who’s he?”
“Brody, the bodyguard,” I tell her, and she snickers.
She turns and grabs every key from a locked cabinet. “He rented all the rooms. Do you need all of these?”
“How did he pull it off?” I ask, looking down at ten physical keys on the counter.
She tilts her head. “He made an offer Summer couldn’t refuse.”
I shake my head. “I bet he did.”
“But now that she and Beckett are expecting?—”
“What? I didn’t know. I bet she’s so happy.” Summer has always wanted a family. “Oh goodness, that means you’re going to be an aunt. Congrats!”
She smiles. “Thanks. I’m excited about it, but Kinsley has already claimed the favorite aunt title.”
It doesn’t surprise me. Kinsley—Remi’s older sister—is best friends with Summer.
She stops typing and her smile falters. “There are other things that have been going on though. Recently, I’ve noticed a lot of outsiders visiting.”
“It’s my fault,” I whisper.
“I know. They offered me a hundred bucks to talk about you. I told them to get fucked though. So did Kinsley. Pretty much everyone has.”
“Beau didn’t,” I admit.
Her eyes narrow. “What the fuck?”
Before I can say anything else, Easton and Brody join us.
I turn to him. “Here are our keys.”
“Which goes to the suite?” Easton asks.
Remi sorts through them and holds the key up. “This one.”
“And which room is farthest away from that one?” He meets her eyes and takes it.
She offers it to him, and Easton hands it to Brody, who places it in his pocket.
“Thank you. We don’t need any others.”
Remi chuckles. “I already like you.”
This makes me beam. If Easton is Remi-approved, this will be easy.
In a way, she’s a lot like Easton—introverted, very private, intelligent, and zero bullshit.
“And do we contact you if we need anything else?”
“I’ll be here during the night shift today, tomorrow, and Friday. Summer will arrive in the morning around seven, and breakfast will be served at eight. She loves to make pancakes. Just eat them, okay? She’s pregnant, and she’ll cry at the drop of a hat if you refuse.”
“I don’t like pancakes,” Easton states, and I elbow him in the stomach. “I’ll learn to love them. Thank you, Remi.” Then, he turns to me. “Ready to go to our room, darling?”
“Yes,” I say and grab his hand.
“Thank you,” I whisper to her over my shoulder.
She gives me a thumbs-up as we make our way to the narrow staircase, and he goes first.
The house is over a hundred years old, and some stairs squeak as we take them. Easton glances at me over his shoulder and grins. It’s then I wish I could draw this moment.
As soon as we’re on the top floor, he leads us to the room at the end of the hallway and unlocks the door. Easton steps inside and pulls me with him. Within one step, my back presses against the cool wood as he stands close.
One of his palms rests flat against the door, and his other lifts my chin, and I meet his eyes.
“So, was all the eye-fucking you did today real or fake?”
I smirk and lift my brows. “What do you think?”
He bends his head down closer to my ear. “I don’t think I could handle it if I was wrong.”
My breath hitches, and I grab his shirt, tugging him closer to me.
Mere inches from his mouth, I whisper, “ Real. ”