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His last text makes me laugh.
You owe me ten grand!
I place my phone on the edge of the outdoor hot tub and close my eyes, enjoying the bubbling hot water and steam. I need to relax a bit before encountering my entire family. I love them, but I know it will be exhausting.
My thoughts turn to what would happen if Elsa were here now.
Damn it, I should have taken a cold shower instead.
I step out on to the wooden deck and towel off, then head inside to take that shower.
Afterwards, I throw on a navy sweater, dark jeans, and brown loafers.
After I change, I think of texting Elsa and asking what she’s wearing but decide against it.
The last thing I want to do is offend her right before we have to reveal our fake relationship to my family.
I step outside for the tenth time today to admire my new toy. It’s a Ford F-150 Raptor with metallic silver paint and sleek black trimmings. It definitely has a commanding presence.
I fold the rear seats up and place my duffle bag there. I just plan on staying for the weekend so don’t need much.
I lock up, turn on the alarm, and make sure the gates are locked.
Almost giddy, I get behind the wheel and press the start button. As it growls to life under me, I know I made the right choice.
As I head over to pick up Elsa, I notice three things.
I’m excited to see her.
I know how to get there without the GPS this time.
I haven’t thought about hockey once.
Chapter Nine
ELSA
Igositbymy luggage, near the door.
It’s just a single suitcase, as I don’t want to call much attention to myself, and Harvey’s expensive sports car probably doesn’t have a lot of space in the trunk anyway.
Supporting my elbows over my knees, I can tell I’m getting nervous. I bury my face in my hands and secretly pray for him not to come, but still leave me the money.
‘Oh, hi, Elsa! I’ve found a real fiancé, but here’s the money for your hassle!’ he would say in a perfect world.
I feel a little bit more prepared after last night and seeing his family photos and learning their names. The way he talked about them made me smile and helped me get over some of my anger towards him. He really cares about them, but I think it’s odd he could lie to them like this so easily. He seems like a lot of fun, but not very trustworthy.
It's not like it matters anyway. Just get there, pull this off, and get your one hundred grand.
I feel my heartbeat quicken when I remember him pulling out that ring last night. I knew it was fake, but I still got chills. It doesn’t hurt that he’s so tall, muscular, and sexy. I definitely won’t have to pretend that I’m attracted to him.
I’m halfway to the kitchen for a cup of water when a potent car horn makes me jump.
“Elsa! It’s Harvey!” mom says, frantic.
I ignore her jumpy appeals to me and instead go in search of my water.
I hear mom opening the front door and calling out to Harvey, welcoming him inside our house so enthusiastically I hear it all clearly from inside the kitchen.
