Page 52 of A Perfect Fit

Normally, Aaron probably wouldn’t let me forget about the bet, but he looks distracted as he stares at Jen, who’s chatting with someone. “Jen looks stunning.”

“You should go to her,” I say. I’ve noticed he’s been avoiding her tonight.

“I think she’s really cool,” Aaron blurts out. “I just … I don’t know if I’m ready to date again or if she’d even be interested in me like that.”

Aaron’s had one relationship, but his ex—who never deserved him—ended up cheating on him. I know he’s scared of getting hurt again.

“For what it’s worth, I think you two would be good together,” I say.

Aaron tips his head to the side. “You don’t think she’s out of my league?”

“Hell no.” I shake my head firmly. “Don’t ever think like that. Any girl would be lucky to have you.”

A smile plays on Aaron’s lips. “Thanks, man. You know, I really should get you to give me pep talks more often.”

“Go to her,” I say again. “You don’t have to ask her out yet or anything if you’re not ready to.”

“You know what? You’re probably right.” He places another grape into his mouth. “Okay, I’m going. But don’t think I’m forgetting about the hundred bucks you owe me.”

I shake my head, suppressing a smile as Aaron walks over to Jen, and then I approach Isabelle, placing a hand on the small of her back. She shoots me a tiny smile, her body relaxing under my touch.

“Hey, man,” Josh says with a grin. “I was just saying to Isabelle that I always knew there was a spark between you two.”

Out of the corner of my eye, Oliver chugs down his beer, his face red. He’s kept his distance from us so far, and I hope things stay that way.

“Not just a spark, Josh,” I say, deciding to go all in with my fake-boyfriend role. “We’re making entire fireworks.” I wrap my hands around Isabelle’s waist from behind, inhaling her floral and fruity perfume.

The faintest gasp escapes her mouth, but I hear it.

Josh rolls his eyes. “Jackson, the lovesick teenager.”

Another thirty minutes passes. Aaron and Jen left together a few minutes ago, him grinning like he’d just won the lottery and her blushing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Aaron this ecstatic—not even when he got a bunch of Burger Shack vouchers for free. I’m happy for him.

Playing Isabelle’s boyfriend tonight has come naturally to me, and despite the comments a few people made earlier tonight—not believing Isabelle and I were dating—no one’s said any more crap.

“Jen and Aaron are cute together,” Isabelle says. “I wonder what they’re going to get up to.” She frowns. “Actually, maybe I don’t want to know.”

I chuckle. “Aaron’s probably taking her for dessert or something.”

“True.” Isabelle’s gaze flicks elsewhere, and I follow it, noticing she’s staring at Oliver, who’s approaching us, his tie now undone and his movements sloppy.

Beside me, Isabelle tenses, and I have no intention of entertaining whatever bullshit Oliver is about to say or do.

“Hi,” he slurs.

I step forward, blocking Isabelle from Oliver. “Can I help you?”

Oliver aimlessly waves a hand in the air. “Just wanted to say that you two deserve each other.”

I glare at him, my molars grinding. “What is that supposed to mean?”

Oliver’s gaze darts behind me to Isabelle. “All those times you told me how annoying he was, I bet you were secretly fantasizing about getting inside his pants.”

“What the fuck?” I demand, my hands balling into tight fists. “Apologize to Isabelle right now, and then shut the fuck up.”

There’s no way he’s going to say that and get away with it. I don’t care that he’s drunk; it’s no excuse for his behavior.

“How could you even say something like that?” Isabelle adds, her voice coming out as a small cry.