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My entire body froze. “I’m sorry? What do you mean, not with Kipton?”
At the sound of her name, she turned to face me.
He sighed. “Listen, Hunter. I’m not saying you can’t hang out with her. I know the two of you have become friends. But the audience doesn’t need to see you spending time with her, nearly naked, in the very kitchen where you kissed another girl last night.”
Guilt slammed against my chest, and I glanced at Kipton. “What about the girl I’m going out with tomorrow night?”
“That’s different. Viewers expect you to be that way with them. Not with the host of the show.”
“You’re saying we can’t spend time together outside of filming?”
Kipton frowned and crossed her arms in front of her.
“No, that’s not what I’m saying. But when she’s standing in your kitchen, making you coffee as you’re fresh out of bed, it will send the wrong message. You’re supposed to be dating the contestants, not Kipton.”
“It was coffee, Jack, and you guys sent her over here…besides, you don’t even have to show that footage. It’s not like it’s a live feed.”
“I know. I’m only asking that you be aware of your friendship with her when the cameras are around. Even if nothing’s going on. Listen, I’m just looking out for you both.”
“Right,” I said in a tight voice. It almost felt like there was something else Jack was trying to say, but wouldn’t come right out and say it.
“Enjoy your day. See you tomorrow.”
When the line went dead, I cursed under my breath.
“What was that about?” Kipton asked.
I rubbed at the ache in the back of my neck. “Jack didn’t like that you were in my kitchen making me coffee.”
Kipton laughed. “Why?”
“Apparently, it isn’t a good look for you to be in the kitchen while I’m wearing briefs, especially when I was there last night with Kimber.”
She blinked a few times and shook her head. “But…they don’t even have to show that.”
“That’s what I said. This is bullshit.”
She sighed. “Whatever. I’m leaving, so it doesn’t matter.”
“It does matter. We’re friends, and if we want to spend time together, we should be able to. Who else can I talk to about this stupid shit? You’re the only one who gets it.”
For a moment, I thought I saw a pained expression on her face, but she looked away.
“Let’s go for a ride.”
Her head snapped back to me. “What?”
“A ride. I’ll show you around the ranch. We can leave the cameras behind and simply be us.”
Kipton’s eyes lit up, and I saw her mouth twitch with a smile, then it faded. “Maybe another time.”
Frowning, I stared at her. “Are you doing anything else?”
“Um, no, not right now.”
“Then come on. It’s a beautiful day, there was a light dusting of snow so it will add to the beauty, and I can show you more of the ranch. I know you love to ride, so what do you say.”
The smile was back. “That does sounds nice.”
