Chapter 14
Kylie strolled through the Walters residence, her destination clear: the vineyard. There, she joined in with the staff, picking clusters of grapes that were heavy with the season’s promise.
She then made her way to the strawberry fields, delighting in the sweetness of the fruits that far surpassed anything she’d ever picked up at the supermarket. The staff had told her it was the perfect summer weather that had made them so sweet.
As she was tending to the strawberries, lost in her thoughts, Trevor showed up. He looked like a model, all suited up, exuding an air of sophistication that seemed to intensify in the soft evening light.
Kylie looked up at him, a bit starstruck. She had to give it to him, Trevor was definitely easy on the eyes.
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He noticed her staring, and his expression darkened. She’d seen that look before–Trevor was clearly not a fan of being gawked at.
“Grandma’s awake. Let’s head in for dinner. Trevor said, his voice cutting through the tranquility of the vineyard.
“Perfect timing,” she said, straightening up with a smile. “I’ve got strawberries and grapes to contribute to the feast.
Trevor’s response was a nonchalant nod, his demeanor suggesting he wasn’t quite buying her innocent act.
–
He seemed to be thinking she was trying to play some game, maybe even conspiring with his grandmother to get closer to him. He’d been down this road before, and he wasn’t interested in the drama.
But Kylie didn’t care about his thoughts at all.
Kylie sauntered up to Noreen, a platter of grapes and strawberries in hand.
“Got them from the vineyard? Noreen smiled.
She grinned, her eyes twinkling. Grant told me Trevor finally caught some Z’s thanks to Kylie’s help. It’s just a matter of time before Trevor realizes what a catch she is
Kylie had a way of being real and caring. Felicia had shared stories about Kylie’s green thumb since she was a little tyke. Kylie had always been the kind to lend a hand, even when she was just a kid.
“Yeah, I used to mess with these back in the sticks,” Kylie said, her tone casual. “But they never hit the spot–always a bit sour. Now I’m wiser; it’s all about the seeds and sun. My old spot was shady as heck. Oh, let me handle these first
Chatting with Noreen was easy for Kylie; their talks flowed like a smooth brook. It was probably because Noreen had the same genuine warmth that Felicia did.
Noreen let out a hearty laugh. “Felicia told me you were a farm pro even as a kid.” She seemed to be picturing it. “You were so tiny, but you worked those fields like a seasoned farmer.”
Felicia always mentioned how Kylie had a head on her shoulders, helping out with the farm chores to lighten the load for her adoptive family. The image of that determined little girl, tirelessly working the land, was both adorable and heartwarming.
Meanwhile, Trevor couldn’t help but notice the duo, totally engrossed in their conversation. There was something about Kylie that nagged at him.
She seemed all sunshine and smiles now, but he could’ve sworn she’d been checking him out earlier at the vineyard.
Noreen nudged Kylie and Trevor towards their room with a playful twinkle in her eye after a hearty dinner. “You two are my little cheerleaders. But it’s getting late; so scoot. Go have your private time and get some beauty sleep.”
Kylie and Trevor had to play along.
In their room, Kylie’s gaze fell on the romantic decorations adorning the room. It was a sweet touch, but it felt a bit mismatched for their situation.
After a grueling day of restoring an ancient painting without a break, Kylie was ready to unwind. She looked at Trevor. “Who wants to shower first?”
Trevor’s gaze was steady. “We’re not really a couple, Kylie. We’re just playing along. Remember?”
Chapter 14
“Trevor, come on, it’s not like that. You don’t shower before bed? I’m all for playing along, but I’m not hitting the hay without a shower,” Kylie retorted.
Trevor was momentarily at a loss for words.
Kylie found a nightgown in the wardrobe, which was stocked with a variety of clothes for both of them. Grant had been thoughtful and prepared everything they might need.
“I’m going to take the shower first. Don’t worry; I won’t take long,” she added, heading towards the bathroom.
The sound of the shower soon echoed through the room. Trevor wasn’t used to the idea of a woman showering in his space.
It was a new experience, and the sound was oddly captivating. With a determined look, he was about to make a quiet exit when he almost collided with Grant.
Grant was holding a steaming bowl. “Mrs. Walters made this for you,” he said. “She thinks it’ll fix you right up.”
Trevor rolled his eyes, a hint of a smile escaping. Is she trying to turn me into a soap opera hero?‘ he muttered.
He took the bowl from Grant. “I’ll take it from here,” he said, shutting the door with a bit more force than necessary.
Inside, the shower’s drone continued to needle him. Trevor’s gaze hardened as he looked at the bowl. He was starting to second-guess his decision to let this… situation into his life. His head was throbbing, a physical reminder of his growing stress.
He rubbed his forehead, memories of Kylie’s soothing hands on his head earlier. Her touch had been a brief respite, a gentle pressure that had chased away his tension for a few precious moments.
Trevor’s phone lit up with a text from Zach. [Mr. Walters, can I get Ms. Thopson’s WhatsApp account?]
Trevor peeked at the bathroom door and typed back. [Sure]
But then, he continued. [What’s up? You got a thing for her or something?
Zach’s eyes bugged out at the implication. Crushing on her? No freaking way! Even though I know the whole marriage thing is a sham, I don’t dare to get a crush on my boss’s wife.
He typed furiously. [Nope, not at all! I found this pearl pendant and I’m thinking of buying it. I just want her to check it out first]
Trevor’s reply was short and sweet, “Fine.”
With Trevor’s thumbs–up, Zach had sent a friend request to Kylie on WhatsApp in no
time.
But after a long ten minutes, there was still no sign of her accepting. Zach’s fingers twitched over his phone, then he texted Trevor. [Boss, Ms. Thompson hasn’t hit ‘accept yet.]
The response came back almost immediately: [She’s in the shower.]
Zach’s mind started to run wild. “Are they….? But this is supposed to be a fake marriage, right? And they’re already… doing it?”
Trevor was a gym regular, all ripped and cut. If Zach’s guess was true, then Kylie was probably otherwise engaged for the night.
Zach had planned to send her some photos of pearl pendants before bed, hoping she could help him pick a couple tomorrow.
Then, out of the blue, his phone buzzed with a notification. Zach blinked, thinking he might be seeing things.
SEND GIFT
