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Lucas stiffens next to me. Neither of us had rehearsed how we’d respond to this sort of situation. Especially from Henrique.
“We’re too busy,” Lucas says.
Henrique’s face falls. “You can’t change your plans?” he says. “I’d love to hear more about this internship that Gianna will start in the fall. My wife did psychological research at a university early in our marriage. She’d love to talk to you about it.”
I’m surprised Henrique remembered this information from my résumé. “She would?” I stammer. “That would be interesting.”
As much as I doubted Henrique before, I feel like he’s trying to make up for his mistake. Maybe there’s more to this guy than I once thought.
“Will you join us at the beach overnight?” he asks. “I think Lucas could use a vacation.”
“I’m not sure I can. Too many recipes to test on my days off,” Lucas says. “I can’t take time away.”
“How about you test recipes at our beach house? My wife would love to give you her honest opinion.”
Lucas glances at me reluctantly. What started out as a simple game of pretend has now turned into an overnight vacation. Together. How in the world will we pull this off?
Lucas swallows hard. “We’ll talk about it and let you know.”
“Fantastic!” Henrique presses his hands together. “I’ll tell my wife to expect you. Don’t worry. You’ll get time alone too.” He gives us a smile as he hurries away.
“Wait, I didn’t say yes…” Lucas protests, but Henrique is already gone.
“It’s only one night,” I say, trying to convince myself it’s no big deal.
But this turn of events is a big deal. And we both know it.
Chapter Four
Tucked behind an imposing gate, a grand and impressive home stretches across the shores of a private island.
My mouth drops. “I thought you said it was a beach cottage? This is a freaking mansion.”
“I thought it was a cottage,” Lucas says.
“That is no cottage,” I point out. “Henrique’s got more money than he knows what to do with.”
On our drive here, Lucas and I went over our game plan. We’d pretend to be a couple anytime we were in public to keep up the charade. But once we were behind closed doors, we could let down our guard.
“So why is he being so nice?” I ask. “The man fired me last week and this week he’s inviting me to his private beach house like we’re best buddies.”
He shrugs as he pulls up to the immaculate house. “Henrique either loves or hates people. There is no in-between. Now that you’re my girlfriend, you’re on his good list.”
I shake my head. “I did not see that coming.”
“All we have to do is get through tonight’s dinner. Let him think we’re a couple.”
“Right!” I say, trying to sound chipper.
I’m terrified I’m going to fail and disappoint Lucas. But deep down, I’m also afraid what’s going to happen if I let my feelings for Lucas run wild. There’s only one end for a girl like me: heartbreak.
“Let’s get this over with,” I say. “I’m hoping to blend in like a fake houseplant.”
He looks at me funny. “Veronica won’t let you. According to Henrique, she oozes Southern hospitality.”
“Then we’re doomed.”
“It’s only until tomorrow. You can survive hanging out with me until then, right?”
