Page 41 of A Match Made In Fall

The two of them shake hands while I consider making a run for it. Of course I won’t get far on this boot.

"Dex is my ex-boyfriend," I explain, gesturing between them. "He's⁠—"

"And you're the new boyfriend," Dexter cuts in. "So I guess that makes this interaction kind of awkward."

Before I can think of something to say, Austin wraps his arm around my waist. "I am.”

The warmth of his hand against my side catches me off guard.

My mom jumps in trying to save herself.

"Dexter, would you like to come in for coffee? These two are just heading out for the evening."

"Actually, that would be great." He looks relieved. "I just got into town."

Of course he did.

"Where are you staying?" my mom asks.

"Downtown. Right next to the hockey arena."

And this just keeps getting better.

Austin gives Dexter a polite nod. "Nice meeting you, Dexter."

Then he glances down at me. "Ready, babe?"

Babe?

Wait. He’s playing along with this whole fake boyfriend thing.

"Mm-hmm," I mumble. "Goodbye, Dex."

He forces a smile.

"Bye, Isabella."

Austin takes my hand in his and leads me toward the car.

The second Austin gets into the car, I release the breath I've been holding. "I'm so sorry. I can explain.”

Austin laughs as he backs out of the driveway. “For what?”

“Are you kidding me?” I ask. “I just put you in a terribly embarrassing position.”

He shrugs. “Your ex-boyfriend showed up. I’m assuming he wants another chance with you.”

Wow. I knew Austin was great, but he’s being so cool about this.

“Possibly,” I say before coming clean about everything.

“He texted me wanting to talk. My mom suggested I tell him I was in a relationship, and she gave him your name.”

“So this is your mom’s doing?” he asks.

“Yes,” I say. “I’ll explain everything to Dex.”

He holds up his hand. “Why? As far as he needs to know, I’m your boyfriend.”