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Even though it’s after six, the air outside is still warm. I was sweating during my walk with Shiloh. After my shower, I put on a nice push-up bra, a cute pair of panties, shorts, and a tank top. It doesn’t hurt to prepare. Not that anything is going to happen, but I want to look good for my fake boyfriend. Someone is going to take a picture of us, and I’ve been lucky so far that the ones landing in magazines and online have been flattering.
I toss my phone in my little clutch purse just as Spencer knocks on the door. Shiloh gets excited, jumping around when he hears we have a visitor. I hold Shiloh’s collar as I answer the door. Maybe this is why I usually go to Spencer’s.
“Sorry! We went for a five-mile walk and spent two hours running in the dog park, but Shiloh is still energetic.”
Spencer scratches Shiloh’s head. “You know I don’t mind. You ready to go?”
“Sure, where are we going?”
He gives me a devious grin. “You’ll see!”
“I don’t like surprises, Spencer.”
“It’ll be a good one, I promise.”
I’m not sure I trust him after the first few ‘dates’ he has taken me on. The time we had pizza at his house was nice but going to the club really isn’t my thing. Did Spencer finally learn that after last time, or will tonight be another disaster?
With a smile plastered on my face, I take Spencer’s hand and head to his car, trying not to worry about what tonight’s date will hold.
To my surprise, Spencer parks in a regular lot near a strip mall.
“Are we going shopping?”
He laughs. “No. I figured I’d make up for being such a jerk the other night. I shouldn’t have taken you to that club when I know how you feel about the people and loud noises. So, instead, we’re going to do something I know you like.”
Spencer and I get out of the car, and he walks to a coffee shop I’ve never been to before.
“We’re getting coffee?”
“Yep! I did good this time, didn’t I?”
I hug Spencer. “You did great. This is exactly what I needed.”
He holds the door open for me, and we each order a coffee from the mostly empty café before taking a table by the window.
“So, Leila, I realized I don’t know a ton about you. I know you’re from the East Coast, but what was your life like there? How are your parents?”
I laugh. “It was kind of nice. The weather is beautiful there. And the trees. I like seeing the different foliage here, but there’s nothing like the way the trees change colors over there.”
“I’ve been in that area in the fall. I do like it.”
“It’s beautiful. As for my parents … they’re thrilled that I’m dating you.”
Spencer gives me a confused look. “Are you being sarcastic?”
“No! They’re genuinely happy. My parents mean well, but … well, they think I’d be better off with a rich husband like my ex would’ve been. He’s going to be a doctor. A surgeon, actually. He’s in his residency right now, but he’s going to make it big, just like his family did before him. My parents were devastated that I broke up with him.”
“Yikes. They do know I’m not much of a celebrity, right?”
I giggle. “I don’t think it matters. You’re enough that you’ve been in magazines. They don’t know much about how this world works. Neither do I. If someone has been in a movie, that must mean they’re rich.”
“I’m not going to brag, but I have some money. Probably more than a surgeon, if I’m being honest, but that could fade pretty quickly unless I get another big role.”
I put my hand over Spencer’s on the table. “You will. That’s why we’re doing this, isn’t it?”
“Yeah,” Spencer says, his voice sounding a little sadder than I expected. “And you shouldn’t listen to your parents. You don’t need a rich guy to support you.”
“I know. But it doesn’t hurt that they’re pretty much leaving me alone since they think we’re together.”
“Well, I’m glad I could help.”
“You’ve helped me a lot. Between work and my parents leaving me alone, it has been brilliant.”
“You’re good at your job. I’m glad I’m having you do my house over. The living room is fantastic.”
I grin at him. “I’m glad you like the furniture. I still wish I could see your face when you take it all in. I’ll be there for the final reveal for sure. I don’t care if I have to stay until four in the morning.”
“I’ll make sure you don’t have to do that.”
“I wouldn’t mind. I love seeing how people react to what I do in their homes. A lot of the projects I’ve done lately are vacation rentals, so the owners don’t even care that much. I like that you do care. I love my job, so it matters to me.”
