One Fake Fiance - Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,13

met Lexi. She’d been irritated at Asher then for taking Lexi away from Charles Harrington, Lexi’s date that Magnolia had arranged. “Good to see you again.” Magnolia grinned, shaking her head. “It was a huge shock to learn that you were the bachelor on the reality TV show.”

Lexi laughed, the sound floating free and unencumbered. “It was indeed a shock. Here I was, telling Asher all about how I was going on the show solely for my career, and that I had no intention of falling in love.” Her eyes went as soft as fresh caramel as she looked at him. “I guess fate had other plans.”

Asher gave her a smile so resplendent that Magnolia felt like she was watching the climax of a chick flick. “Fate was on our side. And, it didn’t hurt that we gave it a little push.” He slid his arm around Lexi’s shoulders, pulling her close.

Magnolia looked across the room at Layla who was standing by the stove. The radiance of her face spoke volumes. She was thrilled that Lexi had found someone.

“Something smells amazing,” Asher said.

“You know Lexi, she’s been cooking up a storm.”

Asher’s eyes sparkled with an eager anticipation. “Good, because I’m starving. I’ve been thinking about Lexi’s chicken fingers all day.”

Lexi’s face fell. “I didn’t make chicken fingers. We’re having sugared ham, pinto beans, cornbread, collard greens, and cheesy potatoes.”

“Sounds good to me,” Asher said. “Anything you make is delicious.”

“Thank you,” Lexi smiled, her eyes warming with pleasure.

Magnolia felt Lucas watching her. She gave him a questioning look. He just smirked and looked away. Magnolia wasn’t sure if it was a mean-spirited smirk or just Lucas’s way of hiding behind his tough-guy mask. Just when she thought she was building up some sort of rapport with Lucas, he started putting up barriers. Frustration rose inside her. Not much has changed over the years.

“Hello,” a commanding voice boomed as a tall, strapping, broad-shouldered man stepped into the kitchen. Magnolia remembered him from her childhood. He’d seemed larger-than-life back then—a Maverick type with a quick, easy smile and gargantuan personality. Mr. Romeo was still pretty impressive, even viewed through her grown-up eyes. His dark eyes sparkled with adventure. He had a mole on his right cheek. His hair was cut so short that it was nearly shaved. Magnolia assumed that it was because it was thinning on top. He reminded Magnolia a little of the actor Jason Statham. The kind of guy who was still movie-star handsome, even without hair on his head.

“Hey, Dad,” Lexi said, a clear note of affection in her tone.

“Hey, sweetheart.” He grinned broadly at Asher. “Good to see you.” They clasped hands and hugged. A few seconds later, the man turned to Magnolia. “And who might this pretty little lady be?” He looked to Lucas for an answer.

“This is Magnolia Bentley,” Lucas said.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Dylan.” He flashed Magnolia a disarming smile as he shook her hand. Magnolia could definitely see the resemblance between Lucas and his dad, although she couldn’t figure out where Lucas had gotten his gray-blue eyes. She found the color of them so fascinating. It was neat to note how they changed color, depending on what he wore.

“Hon, you know Magnolia,” Layla piped in.

Dylan searched her face, trying to place her. “I do?”

“Yep, she’s Lexi’s friend. She used to come over when they were kids.”

A grin spread over his lips. “Ah, you were the bouncy blonde who never could sit still.”

“That’s me,” Magnolia laughed. “I was a thorn in my teachers’ sides back then.”

“Well, you seemed to have turned out just fine,” Dylan assessed.

“Thank you,” Magnolia said appreciatively.

Dylan rubbed his hands together. “I hope dinner’s ready. I’m starved.”

“We were just fixing to warm everything up.” Layla looked at Magnolia.

Magnolia went to the stove. “What can I do?”

Layla wiped her hands on her apron. “Turn on the burners and stir the food. I’ll finish setting the table.”

“I can help,” Lexi offered.

A short while later, they all gathered around the long farm-style table in the dining room. The house was an open floor plan, giving Magnolia a splendid view of the living room, which housed a live Christmas tree trimmed in red ribbons and wooden ornaments. Beside the tree was a massive stacked-stone fireplace. The hearty wood mantel was decked out in a plush garland of greenery, pinecones, berries, and ribbon. Stockings hung from the bottom of the mantel.

Dylan sat at the head of the table. He cleared his throat ceremoniously as he looked