Page 60 of Fake it for Keeps

He stared at me like I’d spoken a foreign language. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m going to the Hamptons,” I said. “To my family’s beach house. And I’m not answering my phone until I come back the day after tomorrow.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“No, what’s ridiculous is planning a fake wedding to a man who won’t even look at me. Who acts like I don’t exist except when we’re performing for other people.”

“That’s what this is,” Colt shot back. “A performance. You signed up for this.”

“I signed up to play your fiancée. Not to be ignored and steamrolled and treated like a piece of furniture you move around to suit your needs.”

“I’m not.”

“Yes, you are.” I wrapped my arms around myself. “Ever since Shelter Island, you’ve been ice cold with me, and I need space.”

He couldn’t look me in the eyes. If I didn’t know his usual assholeness, I would say he looked embarrassed. But it was gone too quickly for me to be sure.

“Fine,” he said. “Go. Run away.”

The words hit like a slap. “Excuse me?”

“Nothing.” He turned away. “Go to the Hamptons. I’ll reschedule the remaining appointments.”

“Colt.”

“I said go, Hallie.”

I stood there for a moment, wanting to say something, but there was nothing to say.

So, I left.