Bear's Fake Bride (Shifter Marriage Service 2)

“Tabitha? What are you doing here?” he asked.

“Leaving,” she replied coolly.

Bradley watched as she practically bolted out the front door but made no effort to go after her. He scratched his head and shut the front door before walking toward Kay, a smile spreading across his face.

“Well, that was awkward,” he said, offering nothing further.

“Seemed so,” Kay replied.

“Anyway. Let me go get cleaned up and we’ll go to town.”

Kay nodded as he turned and headed toward the stairs, disappearing up them without offering to explain what had just happened.

Her thoughts ran wild. Who was Tabitha and why was she in such a hurry to leave once she found out Bradley was now married. A hint of what felt like jealousy wound its way through her, but she pushed it away, reminding herself that whatever had just happened was really not her business.

Still, her curiosity was piqued.CHAPTER NINE“I thought we’d grab a nice lunch somewhere and then go for a walk along the lake trail,” Bradley told her as they drove.

“That sounds good,” Kay replied, still wondering about the earlier encounter with the woman at their house.

“I don’t think you’ll have to be here much longer,” he told her.

“No?”

“No. I wasn’t expecting Walter to go so soon and there doesn’t seem to be any question about our relationship.”

“I see,” she replied.

Had that been what the woman’s visit was about? Had he invited her there, not expecting her to come at a time when she would meet Kay? Was he already getting back to his single life? None of that should bother her, she knew, but she couldn’t help but think of herself as disposal. It was ridiculous to even entertain such an idea, given the situation, and she tried to push it aside.

“We’ll give it a couple more weeks and then start having some public spats, nothing too harsh, just enough for people to sense a bit of discord. You should be out of here by the end of the month, if you want to begin making arrangements.”

“Sounds good,” she replied, looking out the window.

Was this why he had brought her out today? Just to have a private discussion where he knew they wouldn’t be overheard by anyone? Surely, he could have done that while they were alone in their quarters? She should feel happy, but she didn’t. It was perhaps just the fear of the unknown. Yes, their relationship was a complete sham, but she had gotten comfortable with the charade, even in the short time they had been together.

He’d not been overly affectionate, except for show and he hadn’t given her any reason at all to hope this might turn into anything more than a business arrangement, but she’d gotten attached to him, nonetheless. He was attractive, but also very reserved. She knew very little about him, other than the limited amount of information he had given her to feign how well she knew him to others and what Maggie had afforded her during her visit. Perhaps she was just infatuated with the mysterious. Of course, she couldn’t even be sure why she was even thinking about any of that. Men were not to be trusted and she knew she’d do well to remember that.

Their conversation on the way to town was sparse, much less exciting than it had been to see him naked earlier in the morning. She flushed just thinking back to that moment and looked out the window to hide the redness that had spread up her cheeks.

When they pulled up to the restaurant, Bradley made a show of taking her elbow. Even away from the ranch he was keen to maintain appearances. Though Kay could’ve happily jumped his bones this morning, she knew it was just a physical response. Now, she was uncomfortable with his touch, but she played her part. It wouldn’t be much longer.

They were seated quickly, and Kay ordered a sparkling water infused with fruit juices. Bradley did the same. The waiter disappeared and a few minutes later, the owner of the restaurant came over to their table.

"Hello, Bradley. How are you doing?”

"Randall! I haven't seen you for ages. How are Holly and the kids?"

"They are all great. I was really sorry to hear about Walter. He was a good guy."

“The best. Thanks for coming over,” he said, then seemed to realize his rudeness. “Oh, this is my wife, Kay. Kay, this is Randall. He and Walter were in the military together.”

“A pleasure to meet you,” Kay replied.

“Likewise. I had no idea that Bradley had gotten married. Congratulations to the both of you,” he responded to her. “Anyway, I’ll let the two of you get on with your meal.”

“It was good to see you,” Bradley replied, as the man began walking away from the table to allow the waiter back in to sit down drinks and finish their order. Kay took a sip of hers and took a quick look at the menu again, ordering a portion of grilled salmon and spring vegetables with rice pilaf. Bradley ordered a rare steak and baked potato before the waiter wandered back off to get their food started.