Page 32 of Weddings, Revenge & Fake Dating

I let my curiosity slide. This alliance, no matter how fake, is something I’m desperate for.

“Your mom’s fierce,” Nathan says between bites of his omelet.

“One day I’ll be as brave and confident.” I place my elbows on the table and lean my chin on my knuckles. Two colorful birds chase each other in the branches above.

“You’re all of her and more.”

“You’re just working on your positive reviews.” I say, amused.

He quirks a brow at me. “Like there’d be anything but positive reviews.”

I shove his shoulder.

When his attention returns to his plate, I let my gaze roam his body. His flamingo-patterned shirt flutters open in the ocean breeze, giving me glimpses of his chiseled abs and chest. The edge of his tattoo peeks out, though I’m still unsure of the design.

At the club last night, it was the last thing I was focused on. But now? I’d pray for a hurricane to blow off his clothes, so I could see it clearly.

But only out of curiosity—right? Sure, let’s go with that.

I readjust in my seat, ignoring the unscratched itch between my legs.

“You neglected to tell me you graduated from the Magic Mike School of Dance,” I say as I play with the little umbrella in my milkshake.

“I’m the headmaster. Be good or I’ll put you in detention.” He flashes me with a wicked glint that suggests he might do it if I asked.

Suddenly, I feel too warm. I take a big sip of my milkshake and only stop when I’ve achieved a massive brain freeze.

“You didn’t seem surprised to see me,” I say, and he faces me.

“I was, actually. Best surprise ever.”

“You’re talented.” My voice pitches higher as I remember him hovering above me while I was wishing he was in me.

“Glad you enjoyed yourself.” Nathan winks.

When my face heats, I glance around, searching for a change in subject.

I find Dex and Freddie have switched gears. They’re floating on inner tubes while chatting up two girls.

“Wow. I’ve never seen Dex talk to a girl before.” I lift my chin in their direction.

“Hope you don’t mind, but the boys asked me for some pointers on how to talk to girls.”

I raise an eyebrow back. “Are you life-coaching my kid too?”

He shrugs. “What can I say? I do what I do.”

“Speaking of, I appreciate you encouraging Dex last night, even though his homemade tie was a little strange.”

“The imperfections made the tie cool and beautiful.” Nathan relaxes into his chair and people-watches.

I’m not sure why, but I look down at myself, taking in my C-section scar peeking out from beneath my beach wrap and a constellation of sunspots on my skin. A forbidden part of me wishes Nathan would find me beautiful and cool too. As if.

I clear my throat when I remember my newest problem.

“You going to be around for a few days? Looks like I’ve been promoted to mayhem of honor, and I need a fake date for the week.”

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