Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 103159 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 413(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103159 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 413(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
“What?” I whispered as my head snapped to look at Kipton. “What the fuck is that about?”
“She’s reading from the prompter. Last-minute. Travis wanted it.”
Turning, I looked at Paul. He wasn’t filming Kipton’s part, it was some other guy named Frank.
“Why?” I asked quietly.
Paul shrugged. “Who knows why Travis does what he does?”
I narrowed my eyes as I searched the crowd and found Travis sitting in the back, a smile on his face.
Kiption continued, “Are you ready to get our first date going? In just a minute, I’ll invite Hunter out and he’ll watch with bated breath as I draw out a name first, then a date. Even I don’t know what kind of adventure awaits Hunter and the women, so we’ll all get to watch this unfold together!”
I wanted to groan.
“So without making you wait a second longer, let’s bring out our bachelor.” Kipton turned and looked directly at me. “Hunter, won’t you join me?”
Inhaling deeply, I slowly let out the breath and made my way to the small X that was placed to Kipton’s left.
I gave her a brief hug and a kiss on the cheek—which hadn’t been scripted, so why the hell I did it was beyond me. Kipton tensed for a split second before going on as if nothing happened.
“How does it feel to be standing in your family’s barn, on the Shaw cattle ranch, shooting a live show, and about to go on a date that you have no idea with who and where you’ll be going? And let’s not forget, the cameras are going along with you.”
I smiled and let out a soft laugh. “I’m not going to lie, it’s a little strange. Mom, if you’re watching, please turn off the TV.”
Kipton laughed. “How adorable is he?”
My head turned so fast, I nearly lost my balance. How adorable is he? What in the actual fuck?
“Right here,” Kipton continued, as she stepped to the side to show two small tables, each with a bowl on top, “is where we find out which lucky woman is Hunter’s first date, and what they’ll be doing. Are you ready, Hunter?”
With a jerky nod of my head, I watched as Kipton smiled at the camera. “Are you ready at home, audience? I’ll draw a name first…”
Kipton stepped closer to the pink bowl, turning her head and looking directly at me as she drew the name. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve sworn she was holding her breath right along with me.
I wanted to close my eyes and silently pray that it wouldn’t be Sarriah.
Kipton smiled at me encouragingly, then glanced back at the camera. “Forgive me if I look at Hunter to see his reaction along with everyone else, while we announce his first date.” She drew in a breath, then exhaled with a small laugh. “I’m so excited, I can hardly stand it!”
I hadn’t known Kipton long, but I did know that the words that just came out of her mouth were an absolute lie.
Her eyes met mine again. “Hunter, your first date will be with…”
I held my breath while she looked down at a round white token. A tiny line appeared between her brows, but it was gone so fast, I had to question if I’d really seen it. When she looked back at me, she smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Kimber!”
My entire body relaxed as I smiled and glanced over to the ladies, quickly finding Kimber. She jumped up and shimmied excitedly with a hand over her mouth, most likely attempting not to let out a yell or something.
Thank fuck it hadn’t been Sarriah.
“Based on your interview, you seemed pretty excited to get to know Kimber better. How does it feel, knowing she’s your first date?” Kipton asked.
Kimber started to make her way over to me when Kipton softly cleared her throat. It caused me to startle slightly and laugh.
“Sorry. Um…I’ve got to be honest, I’m glad Kimber’s my first date.”
I watched Kipton closely to see if she had any kind of reaction, positive or negative. Her eyes remained the same and her smile never once faltered. For a moment when she was drawing the name, I had the distinct feeling she was dreading it. Clearly I’d been mistaken, because she wore a wide smile and watched as Kimber made her way toward us. When she reached me, I leaned in and gave her a quick hug.
“Good seeing you again,” I said.
She nodded and blushed. “You too.”
“Well, now that we know who Hunter’s taking on the first date of many more to come, let’s find out a little more about Kimber.”
As the camera zoomed in on Kimber smiling at me, a PA swiftly handed Kipton a piece of paper, then the camera went wide once more.
“Each of the women were asked to fill out a questionnaire about themselves.”