AllFreeNovel
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“Hey,” I start, unsure how to begin. “Got a minute?”
“Depends,” she answers, tilting her head slightly. “Are we talking minutes on the clock or actual time?”
“Both?” I venture, closing the distance between us. She smells like lavender and something sharper as if focus and determination had a scent.
“Okay, shoot.” Her arms cross over her chest, and I notice how her thin sweater strains against her movements. Modest, yet … distracting. Like the other night in that dress. It was hard to keep my eyes off her. The way the dress snugged against her curves.
“I need a favor,” I say as I sit across from her and try to look casual when my heart’s hammering like we’re in overtime and down by one goal.
Her lips twitch. “Last time, that involved dinner and a show.”
“This will be less gruesome, I promise.” I flash what I hope is a winning smile. “But a little more … strategic.”
“Go on.” She leans back against the opposite wall, mirroring me. The fluorescent lights catch the dark strands of her hair.Striking.
“Be my fake girlfriend.”
“What?” Disbelief pours from that single word. “No way. That was a one-time gig.”
Fuck. That came out all wrong.I hadn’t meant to ask like that. Her hair and body distracted me.
Panicking, I shake my head. “It’s not what you’re thinking.”
“So, you don’t need a fake girlfriend?”
“No, yes.” What the hell is wrong with me? I’m Blake fucking Morton. I don’t get flustered. “What I’m trying to ask is, what if we made this arrangement permanent?”
“Are you insane? We can’t fake date.” She looks at the pile of books stacked in front of her, and I fear losing her.
“Look, I need to clean up my image,” I admit because honesty might be the best play here.
“That’s all good, but I’m not your answer.”
“Hear me out before you turn me down. You’re the only one who knows my situation.” I lower my voice. “Therealsituation. And frankly, the only one I’d trust.” This causes her body to soften. “I need to concentrate this year. And now, with this donor flashing money to our program, the coach wants me to be a golden boy. I don’t know if you heard about last month, but?—”
“You mean when the girl unleashed tarantulas in your locker?”
Jesus, did everyone hear about that?I close my eyes. It’s no wonder the administration is coming down on me hard.
“Yes. That’s why I need to maintain a good image. Besides, I need to concentrate. I don’t need certain distractions between studies and practice, all while trying to appease my dad.”
She raises an eyebrow.
“Look, I know I’m coming across as a douche, but it’s true. I can’t walk anywhere without girls throwing themselves at me. A mob of them attacked me on the way here.”
“Not helping your case.”
“Sorry, but that’s not what I want.” I wave my hand between us. “This could be a good thing.”
“Uh-huh. And what’s in it for me?”
“Peace and quiet?” I offer, knowing full well it’s a weak shot.
“Try again, Morton.”
“Help with Med School apps?” Now I’m grasping at straws. I know fuck all about medical school applications.
“Getting warmer.”
