Before the Sunset (Cottonwood Cove, #4)(12)

“You all right?” He quirked a brow with a cocky grin on his face.

“I’m fine. Now, let’s finish packing and come up with a plan.” My eyes moved down to the elephant in the room.

Finn’s enormous penis.

My God, that thing had a mind of its own.

He followed my gaze and looked down.

“Looks like you’re going to have your hands full. Literally and figuratively.” He waggled his brows.

I pointed to the bathroom. “Cold shower. Now.”

“You want to join me, Lover?” he teased as he walked slowly to the bathroom, and I stood up and glanced in his direction.

He turned the water on with his back to me and tugged off his shirt and waved it around in the air before whipping it in my direction. Then he turned around and dropped his briefs. My eyes widened as I stared at his chiseled, toned ass. He looked over his shoulder and smiled before he stepped into the shower.

I walked the short distance and pulled the door closed before fanning my face.

My new fake boyfriend was not going to make this easy on me.





five





Finn





We’d just arrived in Cottonwood Cove, and we were on our way to my parents’ house for Sunday dinner, where we were going to explain the ridiculous plan that I’d been talked into. Reese’s parents would be there as well as her sister, Olivia, and my entire family. We hadn’t even stopped by my house yet, and we were well past exhausted. But with both of our families texting us nonstop with questions about the media frenzy currently going on about me dating my childhood best friend, we knew we needed to explain in person what was up.

“Are you fine with me bringing Millie over to your place? You said the barn is all set up, and I know you’re looking for a horse. I just figured if I’m staying there, I’d love to be able to ride her every day,” Reese said with a yawn.

“Yeah, it’s all ready, and Millie would love it there. I can’t wait to show it to you. I know you’ve seen it on FaceTime, but in person, with the mountains right behind the barn and the water not too far away, it’s really something.”

I came to a stop at the light. Reese had her cheek resting on the seat beside me, and she smiled. “It feels good to be home.”

“Good. I’m glad you agreed to come back with me.” I pulled into the driveway of the ranch house where I’d grown up. Reese was already stepping out of the car when I came around to get her door. Her white cowboy boots clacked against the cobblestone walkway leading to my parents’ house.

“Looks like everyone is here.” She smiled as she pushed open the door.

Loud chatter came from the kitchen, just like it always did. My family home was a gathering spot for anyone and everyone in Cottonwood Cove who wanted a good meal on Sunday. Olivia, Reese’s little sister, came charging around the corner and wrapped her arms around her.

“Well, if it isn’t the British prince himself,” Cage said with one brow raised as he walked toward me.

“Hey, what can I say? I ooze royal charm.”

Cage wrapped one arm around Reese’s shoulders, giving her a bit of a man-bro hug before turning his attention back to me. “Well, you made quite the impression with your quick weekend jaunt abroad.”

The dude oozed sarcasm.

It was his love language.

“All for the greater good.”

“I’m sure it is.” He smirked.

The cocky bastard.

Before I knew it, little Gracie was hauling ass as she ran toward me, all wobbly and adorable. Her arms flailed as I scooped her right up and spun her around. My niece owned my heart in every way.

“You smell like pumpkins,” I said, kissing her cheek.

“Grammie and Pops and me carved pumpkins today.” She placed a hand on my cheek and smiled before reaching for Reese.

My best friend scooped my niece into her arms and hugged her. Reese had babysat Gracie dozens of times over the years, as she was one of the few people outside of our family that Cage trusted with his daughter.

“I’m happy you’re home, Ree Ree.” My niece settled her head of curls on Reese’s shoulder.

“Me, too, Gracie girl. I’ve missed you big.”

“Are you Uncle Finny’s girlfriend now?” she whispered, and I raised a brow at Cage.

“Don’t shoot the messenger. The whole town is talking about it.” He shrugged.

Reese’s sage-green eyes found mine, and for the first time, I saw the doubt. This was all fun and games, but she’d never do anything to hurt Gracie.

I gave her the look that I knew she needed from me.

It’s fine. There won’t be any broken hearts when it’s done.

We’d always been able to communicate without words, and she nodded.

This was temporary.

No one was going to get hurt.

There would never be anything that could come between me and Reese. Not even her dickhead ex-fiancé.

When we entered the kitchen, all hell broke loose. We made our rounds hugging everyone, and in typical Reynolds-Murphy fashion, we all talked at the same time, but somehow it worked for us.

When they were all done fawning all over Reese, we made our way to the table. My mom had made chicken marinara, and after the long flight, I was ready for a home-cooked meal. The dinner conversation was light as Gracie, who was sitting between her dad and Hugh, filled in Reese on how her first few weeks of kindergarten were going.