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“Let’s go, pretty girl,” Jake says, guiding me by my arm to his sedan parked farther down the road.
“What are you doing?” I demand, quickly shaking off his grasp. “Why did you say that to Trev?”
“Why?” He pauses, his brows pinching together. “Do you like him, Em?”
“He’s a friend, okay?” I scrunch up my face in annoyance. “So, cool it with your green-monster act.”
“Then it’s not a problem,” he says, looking amused with himself, that smile not leaving his lips. “Though he did look upset, right?”
I glare at him. “Thanks for making things awkward. Trev’s a good friend, and now it looks like I’m hiding secrets.”
“It’ll be fine,” he reassures me. “The guy will be hurt a bit, but he’ll get over it. It’s obvious he’s got a crush on you.”
“What?” I blurt out as we climb into the car. “That’s not true.”
“Trust me,” Jake continues. “As a guy who’s aware of every move you make, your perfume smell, the way the dress fits you… everything, Trev was doing the same.”
I’m lost for words. Trev has always been kind to me because I’m the lead singer, nothing more. And I’m definitely not into him like that.
“Anyway, you don’t need to go around saying that stuff to him or anyone,” I say firmly.
“Are you embarrassed to date me?” Jake asks, a challenge behind his words.
“Have you forgotten this is fake?” I snap. “The fewer people who know, the easier it will be to just do what’s needed.”
“Right.” He studies me, his expression unreadable in the shadows of the car. “So, I help you get to your band practice as you lie to your dad.”
I hate that he said that.
“Just take me home, please. And I think we should stop this before it gets too far. With the creep taken care of, I won’t need your lift. Thank you for everything you did, but it’s better we leave it at that.”
He shrugs. “Sure.” He sounds disgruntled, but I refuse to think too much about it.
The whole situation is getting more complicated than I ever intended, and I have no idea how to deal with the tangled mess of emotions I feel toward Jake.
Yep, breaking up our fake dating and keeping away from him is the best thing for us… for me. Even if my gut is twisting so hard, it’s hurting.
CHAPTER SIX
EMILY
Walking across the college campus, I can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. A group of the football cheerleaders I pass are staring my way with what looks like a lot of disdain. One of them, with perfectly styled curled hair and a sharp glare, seems especially focused on me. These girls barely know I’m alive, so what’s their deal?
Confused, I glance behind me, half-expecting to see someone or something odd, but there’s nothing. It’s definitely me they’re looking at. Do I have something on my face? Are my clothes inside out? A quick check confirms that my low-hip black short skirt and tee, paired with black trainers, are as they should be. Nervously, I pat down my hair, hoping to escape their glares as I quicken my pace, yet the whispers and stares seem to follow me.
What the hell is going on?
Sarah is suddenly at my side, huffing from clearly having run to catch up with me on my way to class. She’s bouncing on her toes with a broad smile, her blonde hair tumbling over her shoulders, her hazel eyes brimming with excitement. She’s wearing a cute floral dress that complements her bright makeup, looking every bit bubbly and adorable.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” she says with a playful frown.
“What are you talking about?” I ask, my confusion growing by the second.
She giggles. “Oh, you’re trying to keep it quiet, huh?” She pulls me into a hug. “It’s a bit late for that. The whole campus is talking about it, but I’m so excited for you, babe.”
“Wait, what are they saying?” My gut twists with concern. What did I miss? “Sarah, please, what’s going on? I’m starting to freak out here.”
“Girl, don’t act all innocent.” She grins. “Everyone’s chatting about you and Jake! You two are the hottest topic right now. I mean, Jake is still new here, but he’s the most eligible guy on campus, and now he’s with you. It’s amazing!”
