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“Interesting.” He raised an eyebrow. “How so?”
Good. The attention was off me for the time being.
“You’re the one surrounded by tons of beautiful women who are following you around like animals stalking their prey.”
He laughed, the sound coming from deep within his belly. Butterflies skittered along my spine, and I rubbed my arms quickly to prevent the gooseflesh I felt coming.
“Cold?”
“No.”
“Ah, maybe you’re right. I do kind of feel like prey tonight.”
“That must be so difficult for you,” I teased.
“You have no idea.” His eyes locked on to mine, a more serious look taking the place of the playful one from before. He’d never looked at me that way before, and I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.
Was it the show? The wine? The high from being surrounded by so many women who found him attractive?
“I’m sure I don’t.”
“That woman over there?” He pointed to a brunette with an updo and a burgundy gown. “She wrote me a poem.”
“That’s nice,” I replied slowly.
He gave me an odd look before continuing. “That one over there? The one in the—I dunno, dark pink? She made dolls of us, Harper. Dolls.”
“Does yours look like you?” I asked, trying desperately to stifle the laughter bubbling up in my chest.
“You’re missing the point.”
“The women here are obsessed with you and want to marry you.”
A hint of a frown passed over his face, then disappeared.
“I guess that is the point of the show.”
“Flynn, you always were looking for your next big adventure.” I spread my arms. “This feels like a pretty big adventure.”
“Maybe I’m looking for a smaller scale adventure,” he murmured.
“It’s like a little reunion!”
Dread squashed the excitement building inside at the sound of that voice. No one had warned me that the owner was the other Pine Cove Springs contestant.
“Lexi.” I swiveled toward her, forcing my mouth to relax so my smile wouldn’t look forced. It was the smile I reserved for argumentative customers.
“Harper, I’m so happy to see you’re finally going after love. You deserve it. You do.”
Flynn swallowed hard and glanced between the two of us.
“Thanks, Lexi. That means a lot.”
“I mean, you probably won’t find it here.” She laughed. “But may the best woman win? Flynn, can I steal you for just a minute? I’ve been dying to talk to you.”
“Sure, give me just a second.” He turned his attention back to me, almost looking regretful that he couldn’t stay. “I look forward to catching up with you later, Harper.”
“You too.” Before I could process what was happening, he’d leaned forward to hug me, his arms pulling me close to him.
