AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I froze as Nia started rifling through my clothes. I had no idea how I wanted to answer that.
“I don’t know how that’s relevant,” I chose to say, only earning an arched eyebrow from Nia.
“So, that’s a yes.”
Despite myself, I laughed.
“It’s not a big deal, though. It's fun. Being with him is fun. But I can separate the fake from the reality.”
“You sure about that?” Nia held up a pretty bright pink sundress.
No.
“Of course. I’ve done it before with casual hookups. I can certainly do it now.” I grabbed the dress from Nia and held it up to my body.
I wouldn’t tell Nia that I was afraid I was already way over my head on this one.
“You should definitely wear that dress,” Nia urged and turned to look at my jewelry options. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I know, Nia. And I appreciate it. But Bryce and I have talked about all of this. We’ve agreed on every step we’ve taken. The sex is great and the fact that I like being around him is a bonus.”
She nodded like she didn’t believe me, but dropped the subject.
“These earrings and this necklace will look amazing.”
I grabbed the jewelry from her.
“I agree. And after the interview, we’re going to his Blue Ridge cabin.”
“What? You didn’t tell me that.”
“I just did…”
“Bryce doesn’t seem like the type who would own a cabin.”
I shrugged. Nia wasn’t wrong. I was a little surprised, too. But I was also a little excited to spend a few days alone with him. We had discussed bringing a photographer along, but decided homemade selfies might seem more authentic to a real relationship.
“Are you packed?”
“Pretty much. It’s just for two days, so I don’t need much.”
I walked into the attached bathroom to put on the dress and jewelry. Nia was right. I did look fantastic, if I could say so myself. The door buzzed just as I walked back into the bedroom. Looks like Nia was meeting Bryce today.
“Be normal,” I told her as I buzzed him up. She just crossed her heart in response, making me laugh.
When I opened the door, my breath hitched as I saw Bryce. He dropped a quick kiss on my cheek.
“Hey stranger,” he said. “You look amazing.” God. He smelled amazing.
I stepped aside to let him in and, as he walked in, I admired the backside that presented itself to me. Girl, focus! Bryce was more casual than I was used to seeing him, but the jeans and white T-shirt hugged him in all the perfect ways possible. His simple T-shirt even seemed hand tailored.
Nia cleared her throat as she stood in the living room.
“Uh, Bryce, this is my best friend, Nia. Nia, Bryce.”
They shook hands, and I let go of the breath that I was holding when Nia was friendly and normal toward Bryce.
“Nice to meet you, Bryce. Reyna and I have been chatting and sounds like you have a real adventure ahead of you. I'm not sure if I congratulate you on your engagement or just say, "Well done…?" Her voice trailed off.
