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“Exactly. I barely know you too.” I duck my head a little, trying to meet her downward gaze. She reluctantly glances in my direction. “But we can get to know each other.”
“What do you mean?” she asks warily.
“What if I said I had a proposition for you.” I lean back on my heels, trying to play it cool, even though my heart starts to beat in double time.
“What kind of proposition?”
“A... business deal, if you will.” I glance around before I grab her hand and tug her toward an alcove right next to a store, where we can talk and be out of the way. “Hear me out.”
“What kind of business deal are you talking about?” She yanks her hand from mine, and strangely enough, I miss her touch.
“Look.” I offer her a smile. Rest one hand on my hip while I run the other hand through my hair. “This is going to sound crazy.”
“Life has been pretty crazy ever since I met you.”
True. But not in a bad way. At least, not for me.
“This is going to be the craziest thing yet.”
“Just tell me.” Impatience laces her voice, and she even rolls her eyes.
“I’ve been offered a record deal. With my old label.” I smile at her, wishing I could tell her just how important this is. But I feel like it would be a waste of words. I just need to get to the heart of it and see what she says.
“That’s great.” There is zero enthusiasm in her tone.
“It really is, but here’s the crazy part.” I hesitate. “They think we’re together.”
She frowns.
“You and me,” I continue.
“Like we’re in a relationship?” Her eyebrows shoot up. “Like what everyone else is saying?”
“Exactly. And they love it. They think we are a great story. Two kids in love, me writing songs about you. It’s a total gimmick they want to use.” And exploit.
“Is it some sort of gimmick you came up with first?” Her question is pointed, her eyes narrowed.
“I wasn’t thinking about gimmicks the night of your party or when I wrote that song. I was just... feeling it.”
The doubtful look on her face tells me she’s not buying my explanation.
“The only way I can get this record deal is if you’re a part of it.” I pause. “As my girlfriend.”
Her mouth drops open, and she doesn’t say anything. She even looks around, as if she’s searching for an opportunity to escape, and I take a step closer to her, tempted to grab hold of her so she doesn’t bail on me.
“You’re serious,” she finally says.
“Dead serious.” I nod.
“But we’re not together.”
“We can pretend to be. It’s working out pretty well so far.” I smile.
She scowls.
My smile drops.
“This is ridiculous,” she mutters.
