“Hm.”
“Plus, I’ve always wanted to crash a fancy party. See how the other half lives, you know?”
He almost smiles, just a tiny quirk of his lips, but it feels like victory. “You have no idea what you’d be getting into.”
“So you’ve said. So, tell me.”
He stares at me for a long moment, and I can practically see him weighing options, calculating risks. Finally, he sets down his coffee.
“It would have to be convincing,” he says slowly. “They’re very good at spotting lies.”
“Good thing I’m a great actress then. We’ll have a story.” I’m warming to this idea now. “We can practice. Get all our details straight. When did we start dating? What was our first date? When did you realize you weremadlyin love with me?”
This time he really does smile, just for a second. “I’ll have a think. Are you sure about this?”
No. Yes. Maybe. “Absolutely!”
10
ALFIE
The house is quiet when I get back. No sign of Ethan. Thank fuck. I’m not in the mood for his energy right now. I love the guy to bits but he can be…a lot.
It also means I won’t have to explain why I look like I’m about to put my fist through a wall. Three days. Three fucking days until my family arrives expecting to meet my girlfriend - this perfect woman who’ll convince the trustees I’m settling into the proper Spencer mold.
And if I can’t produce her? Mother made it crystal clear this afternoon; she’ll pull funding for the entire Astrogeology department. Fifteen projects. Dozens of students. Professor Hammond’s entire summer research program. All of it gone because I couldn’t play my part in the Spencer family theatre.
Then there’s Tara’s offer to pretend to be my girlfriend. Tara, who makes me forget how to think straight when she’s around. Who somehow gets me talking about things I’ve never told anyone. Who I’ve been tryingdesperately to keep at arm’s length because every time I’m near her, I find myself wanting to close that distance. I find myself teasing her, flirting with her, wanting to knowmore.
Taking her up on this would be playing with fire. But what choice do I have?
Freddie’s in the kitchen, meal prepping. He and Troy take the gymveryseriously. He takes one look at my face and raises an eyebrow. “You look like shit.”
Well, there goes my hope of not explaining things.
“Thanks.”
“Rough day of community service? I can’t believe you’re doing this shit twice a week.”
I grab a drink from the fridge, buying time. “Tara offered to be my fake girlfriend.”
I might as well talk it out. Maybe everyone else is right and this shit does help you.
The container of chicken breast Freddie’s measuring hits the counter with a thud. “I’m sorry, what?”
“You heard me.”
A slow grin spreads across his face. “Holy shit.”
“Don’t.”
“This is the best thing I’ve ever heard.”
“I hate you.”
“No, really.” He’s full-on beaming now. “This is like, peak romantic comedy material. Fake dating? With Tara? The girl you’ve been?—”
“Finish that sentence and I’ll walk out the room.”
