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Sarah leans back, crossing her arms. "It's not? From where I stand, it's as easy as pie. I mean, come on, you're going on fancy dates, dressing up, and making out with a hot guy. What's not to love?"
"It's not that simple, Sarah," I sigh, wondering if it was a good idea to come here. Sarah's amazing, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to hear the whole truth and nothing by the truth after all.
"This charade is supposed to be just for show, but it feels real. And that scares me."
"Aw, Ty! Are you falling for that big, burly fighter? I knew it! There was no way you would agree to something like that if there weren't something there."
"That's not it!" I protest, but I wonder if I'm trying to bullshit myself. "I agreed to do it because it made sense at the moment, in some twisted sort of way. Now, I'm not so sure anymore."
She scoffs, shaking her head. "You've always been a scaredy-cat, but sometimes, you just need to take a leap of faith. Who knows? Maybe he'll end up being the man of your dreams."
"Oh, please don't say that. I was hoping you'd tell me to just have fun with it or something."
"Have fun; that's beside the point. But ever since you broke up with that jackass, you've been locking yourself away from every guy that crosses your way. And it sounds like you're into this, Grayson. Why not see if it can work for real? It sounds like a kickass relationship starter if you ask me."
It's tempting to give in and go with the flow, following Sarah's advice, but it's easier said than done. "I'm not so sure it's a good idea."
"Ugh, you're getting in your own way. Come on, spill the details, and we'll figure out together whether or not giving this a chance is a good idea."
I can't help but blush as I tell her about the dates we've been on, the undeniable chemistry, and steamy kisses. She already knows about the makeout session in the bathroom on the first night we met.
"Oh, it sounds steamy as hell. I can't see the downside here," Sarah says at last, a mischievous glint in her eye, and I can't help but laugh at her reaction.
"Well, maybe the fact that he's an incurable womanizer?"
"Has he flirted with other women while you were out?"
"No, but—"
"And I haven't read anything about him going out with other chicks, either."
"That's the point of being in a fake relationship; he's supposed to make himself look good."
Sarah sighs, placing her hand on top of my own and giving me an earnest look. "Ty, listen to me. If you want this to be nothing more than harmless fun, that's alright. But you didn't come here to hear me say that. You came here because you wanted someone to push you to make that decision that's going round and round in your head. You're scared of getting hurt again, I get that. But sometimes, you have to take a risk if you want to find something real."
I chew on my bottom lip, contemplating her words. The truth is, Sarah knows me better than anyone, and she's usually right about these things.
"What if I fall for him, and he leaves me once our deal is over? What if it's all just an act?"
She shrugs, a knowing smile on her face. "What if it's not? You won't know unless you try. And if it turns out to be fake, at least you'll have some fun along the way."
"I'll think about it, I promise. You're usually right about these things."
"Yeah, I am. Wasn't I the one that told you that ex of yours is a good-for-nothing idiot?"
I chuckle, and I'm not certain whether I feel better or more confused than when I first walked in the door. What I'm sure about is that being around Sarah is always a blast. "Let's go out and grab a bite; I want to get Grayson out of my mind for a little while."
"Not too long, I hope. I can already hear the wedding bells," she teases, and I grab one of the pillows on the sofa, striking her with it like when we were kids.
Another date, another goodnight kiss. I’m having way too much fun with Grayson, and it’s starting to get to me. I should stop lying to myself— he’s gotten to me.
My heart thumps madly as Grayson’s strong, powerful arms wrap around my waist and pull me closer, crushing me against that chiseled chest. It’s an immovable force, sensual and intoxicating. His lips descend upon mine, igniting a fire within me that I can't ignore, and I melt into that kiss, letting my hands tangle up in his short hair.
We're standing in front of my apartment building, and I'm not sure who we're putting up a show for. I don't see anyone taking pictures. This isn’t for the cameras any longer, and I know it.
I want him, and why can’t I just get what I want for once? Because I might get my heart broken? That’s a good reason, yes, but so is the undeniable attraction that keeps pushing me into his arms.
Grayson breaks the kiss, his breath hot against my ear. "I can't get enough of you, Tyley."
