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)
Kimber bit on her lower lip. “I sure thought so.”
Hunter took a step back and rubbed the back of his neck as he gazed around the room, a concerned expression on his face.
“Is it me, or does he look like he already regrets that little exchange?” Rose whispered to Morgan.
“Who’s he looking for?” Morgan asked.
A voice came through in my ear. “Kipton, time to wrap it up.”
I let out the breath I hadn’t been aware I was holding and stood in my marked spot as the camera on Hunter and Kimber faded away, leaving everyone to wonder what would happen next.
When the light on the camera facing me turned red, I smiled as I raised my brows. “I’d have to say our first date was a winner! Let us know what you thought by logging onto the website shown on the bottom of your screen and casting your vote on how the date went. You can also vote to swipe right on Kimber! After this, Hunter and Kimber will head into their Truth Booths and recap their night, which will be live-streamed on the website. I hope you’ve enjoyed Hunter’s first date! Stay tuned for our next live show on Friday, when we’ll draw the next name and the next adventure. Until then, stay safe and we’ll see you soon!”
I smiled until I heard all clear. Without looking at Hunter and Kimber—who, from as far as I could tell, were still talking—I turned and let Jessie help me get the mic and earpiece out.
“You did great tonight, Kipton. You’re beginning to grow a pretty big fan club of your own,” Jack said with a wink. “If you don’t want to host again, are you sure you don’t want to be the next star of the show?”
I let out a bark of laughter. “I’m positive.”
When my gaze landed on Rose and Morgan, I nearly bolted over to them. I just wanted out of Hunter’s house and away from all of this.
When I pushed my way through the crowd of people that I still couldn’t believe had fit into the guesthouse, I smiled at the two cousins. “You mentioned something about game night?”
Rose gave me a knowing smile, while Morgan clapped her hands in excitement and asked, “You’re not too tired, are you?”
I waved her off. “It’s not hard to stand there and smile while talking. I need a break from all of this, and a chance to just mentally turn off.”
“You don’t want to watch Hunter in the Truth Booth?” Rose asked.
I shook my head. “Not really…and why aren’t you still at school?”
“It’s my senior year and I have a light load. I only had one final and I took it early. I couldn’t miss all of this.”
Rolling my eyes, I whispered, “Lucky me.”
“We can watch it later,” Morgan said, wrapping her arm in mine and nearly pulling me out of the house. She launched into a description of game night with the Shaws, and for some reason, I turned and glanced over my shoulder.
I wasn’t sure what I’d expected to see, but Hunter giving Kimber a hug wasn’t it.
Whipping my head back around, I forced myself to smile as I listened to Morgan while I pushed away my jealous thoughts. If I felt this miserable on date one, it was going to be a long freaking two months.
I had changed into a pair of sweatpants and a long-sleeve Montana State University shirt. It felt so good just to be comfortable. I had also taken a few moments to wash all the heavy makeup off and pull my hair into a loose bun on top of my head.
When I stepped into the family room at Brock and Lincoln’s house, I smiled to see the throng of people. A strange longing came over me as I suddenly wished I had a large family. I’d always loved my little family, and was happy with my life and how I’d grown up…but watching all the cousins and aunts and uncles enjoying each other’s company, it made me realize there was something missing in my life that I wasn’t even aware of.
One quick look around, and I saw Rose and her parents, Kaylee and Ty Jr. Brock and Lincoln were sitting with Morgan and Ryan. The latter had his hand over Morgan’s stomach. She had a small bump, and the way her husband looked at her made my eyes suddenly tear up.
On the floor sat Bradly, Joshua, and Nathan. Lily was sitting next to her parents, Tanner and Timberlynn. Blayze and Georgiana were missing, as was Avery. She wasn’t due to come back home from France until Christmas Eve, though.
Lincoln turned and saw me. “Kipton!”
Smiling, I walked farther into the room. “I hope you weren’t waiting on me for too long.”
“Nonsense. The kids wanted to watch Hunter and Kimber in the booth things. You’re just in time as it’s about to start.”