Page 60 of Timber's Line

“Very mature,” she says proudly.

“I try.” I had to grow up by myself for a long time. My mom put on a show when my dad was around, but when he was gone, helping Shane, I was the one who took care of my siblings. She would talk to them and treat them nice, but I was the one looking out for them.

I wish I had grown up with Ever. But then again, Anne was a terror at the time. But she is a changed woman. Maybe if my dad left my mother, she would change.

Doubt it.

“I think the guys are done.”

“Timber, time for your date,” Sal calls. At least it’s with Hunter and not with Luis or Oscar. I’m grateful for that.

“Before you leave, two men will be eliminated right now.”

“Action.”

“The winners of the event are Nash and Dayton,” Carlton says to the camera, and I keep my face passive even though I’m pleasantly surprised.

“The losers were Luis, Oscar, and Noah.”

“Luis and Oscar, you’ve been eliminated from the competition.” I smile sweetly.

“We won’t go far,” they promise me with a shiver.

Ethan is still in the game, and I need to figure out what Sal has in mind to see if I can get him gone.

“Shall we?” Hunter holds out his arm like a gentleman, and I take it.

We head out to the van and climb in with the crew.

“How was it?” I ask him.

“Terrifying,” he admits.

“Yet you fight for a living.” I giggle.

“I do. But it’s different when it’s an animal. They can turn on you.”

“Most animals are scared of you. Most likely, he would have just run,” I tell him.

“I have three dogs,” he says.

“Really?”

“All rescues,” he replies.

“That’s awesome.” We walk into the bar and take a seat as a waitress takes our orders.

“What made you come on a dating show?” I ask him.

“I’m not sure why I said yes and applied. Dating in my world is hard. Girls are after fame or money. It’s hard to find someone who will support my dreams and not care about the press.”

“I can understand that.”

“What are you looking for?”

“I want a guy who doesn’t care about my size. That won’t care about things I’ve done in the past. Who will support my dreams, and I can support his? I’m simple. I’d rather sit at home and watch movies in sweats and tank tops than go out.”

“I like simple.” He smiles at me, and I can feel that all too familiar heat creep up my cheeks.