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“Right. Well, it’s nice to see you again.” Her tone drips with sarcasm. Turning to Lily, she adds, “Have a good dinner.”
“Thank you,” Lily replies politely, her eyes filled with curiosity.
Kate gives me one last icy glare before walking away.
As soon as she’s out of earshot, I turn to Lily. “I’m sorry about that. I had completely forgotten?—”
“Hey, don’t worry about it.” She interrupts me with a shrug. “I’ve known you for years, and honestly, I can’t even guess how many women you’ve dated.”
Usually, I’d feel proud of my reputation as a playboy prince, but now, sitting across from someone I actually care about, it just feels… off. I shake my head, trying to dispel the strange feeling creeping up on me. It’s not the time to dwell on such thoughts.
“So,” I say, eager to change the subject. “Have you heard about that new sci-fi movie coming out? The one with the advanced AI taking over the world? I’ve heard the special effects are insane.”
“Oh, yeah!” Lily exclaims enthusiastically, her eyes lighting up. “I’ve been wanting to see that one.”
As we chat about upcoming movies, I find myself sipping on my drink, completely engrossed in the conversation. The candlelight flickers between us, casting a warm glow on her face, and I would have to be blind to not notice how she lights up the room.
I used to be a relentless socialite, attending lavish parties and events every chance I got. My nights were filled with flirting, dancing, and one-night stands. But now…
Things are different. I’ve stopped going out unless I’m accompanying Lily somewhere, and the thought of sleeping around no longer holds any appeal for me. It’s as if my priorities have shifted, and I can’t quite pin down why.
“We’ll go to the movies this weekend,” I decide. “How is that?”
“Sounds like a plan. It’ll be fun to have a movie buddy for once.”
“Absolutely,” I agree, dismissing my thoughts about changing.
Because I probably haven’t changed at all. I’ve just been focused on selling my and Lily’s relationship. Once we settle into some kind of normalcy, I’ll go back to dating.
“Anyway, what do you think about that indie drama that’s getting all the buzz?” Lily asks, sipping her wine and leaning in closer. “Last Whiskey, or something like that?”
“Indie films are hit or miss for me. But I’m always willing to give them a shot.”
I sip my champagne, feeling satisfied and secure. This “relationship” is progressing exactly as planned. And that odd, nagging feeling I have? It’ll go away shortly.
Soon enough, I’ll be back to the clubs, back on dates. I’ll be my old self again.
Because some things change, but I’m not one of them.
CHAPTER 13
LILY
Three weeks have passed since Felix and I embarked on this wild, secret charade. We’ve been careful to show up together in public just often enough to keep up appearances but not so much as to raise suspicion. I haven’t told a single person about our arrangement, which has made it all the more thrilling in a way.
Today, I’m at home on my back porch, lounging in a luxurious wicker chair with a glass of iced tea by my side. The sun beats down on the pool, casting shimmering reflections onto the surrounding foliage. It’s an idyllic day, perfect for sunbathing and catching up with Meg, who’s due to arrive any moment now. As I wait, I scroll through my phone, browsing the latest pictures of Felix and me that the ever-present paparazzi have snapped during our outings.
In one photo, Felix is holding the door open for me as we leave a swanky restaurant. His tall, muscular frame fills the doorway, his black hair and brown eyes a striking contrast against the brightly lit interior. In another picture, we’re laughing together as we stroll arm-in-arm through the park, looking every bit the happy couple. My dark blond hair cascades around my shoulders, my eyes shining with merriment. It’s almost convincing, even to me.
I sigh and set my phone on the table next to me. It’s strange how easily we’ve slipped into this role of a loving couple despite knowing it’s all a charade. I know why it’s easy for me, of course. My feelings for Felix are dangerously real.
But as far as he goes?
Felix doesn’t feel the same way about me, and I know that for sure. He never once gave me a second look until he had to start doing it for the cameras. So, in his case, he’s just a really good actor.
Putting my phone down, I sigh. Enough looking at pictures of the two of us together. Honestly, I don’t even know why I’m doing that.
The warm breeze caresses my bare legs as I stretch out, the sun warming my every cell. The scent of freshly cut grass fills the air, mingling with the faint aroma of my iced tea. The backyard pool glistens invitingly, tempting me to abandon all thoughts and just dive in. But for now, I’m content to simply sit here and bask in the serenity that surrounds me.
