Page 10 of Weddings, Revenge & Fake Dating

For fun, and because I can’t help myself, I slide beside her and drop an arm across her bare shoulder. To make sure we nail this couple-in-love act, I allow one fingertip to draw lazy circles on her skin.

Jeanie releases an uncomfortable laugh, which makes me laugh. Suddenly, Sophia starts laughing with us, even though she doesn’t know why. There are only two people in on this building joke.

Jeanie inches away like she’s ready to take another ass-flashing run through the lobby, but I tug her under the curve of my arm where she fits perfectly.

She smacks me a little too hard on the chest as if this is a flirtatious game we play.

I suck in my bottom lip, trying not to grin at my good fortune. I imagine her sparkly, assless milkshake panties and admit the thought does make my lips very moist and motivated. Very.

“Sounds great!” I say to Sophia. “We’ll see you then.”

“No later than six, you two. Oh my gosh, I’m so excited.”

Sophia gathers us in a three-way hug. She flutters her fingertips to say goodbye as I roll a stunned Jeanie into my chest and kiss her temple. Her friend is so high with happiness, she’s dancing through the lobby.

Jeanie turns and gut-punches me. It’s not hard enough to do damage, but there’s enough pain spidering through my midsection to be annoying.

“That’s a weird way to thank me.” I grab my stomach.

“Do you even know what kind of invite you’ve accepted?” She props a hand onto her hip.

“Shouldn’t you be apologizing to me? What just happened?”

“I don’t know what happened. I mean, I do. I know exactly what happened.”

She slaps her thighs, appearing distressed.

“I lied to my husband’s,” she squints, her eye ticking again like she’s forcing the upsetting words out, “my ex-husband’s fiancée, who is also my . . . my . . . my . . .”

Jeanie fumbles, becoming frustrated.

“She’s just a person I was forced to spend time with as a child,” she spits out and then rolls her hand in the air as if to conjure more words. “When my dad . . . and her mom . . .”

Her face turns a disturbing shade of red.

After she’s recovered, she continues. “I told Sophia you were my boyfriend to get her off my back.”

“So, she’s . . . your stepsister?” I do the family-tree math in my head and then wince at the shit show now playing out. And I don’t even have all the details yet.

“She’s not my stepsister! Our parents were never married.”

“Okay, forget I said it.” I hold up my palms.

Jeanie mumbles to herself like this is the worst thing that’s ever happened. Meanwhile, I’m pretty sure it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

She’s single.

“You’re strangely truthful for a liar. It’s kind of—fascinating,” I say.

“Thank you?” A groove forms between her brows. “I mean, we’re obviously not going to the dinner.” She gestures between us.

“That’s a damn shame. I was looking forward to being your eye candy for the night.” I slip on my sunglasses and then grin like the Cheshire cat.

Jeanie Benton appears speechless, like she never considered I’d want to go out with her. I’ve gotten the same look from the older women I’ve chased. Hell, she probably started my fetish. She’s the original forbidden apple I never got to taste.

If she only knew.

Stepping backward, I sway with a confident teeter and say, “If you change your mind, I’ll meet you here tomorrow at 6:00 p.m.—girlfriend.”