Page 146 of Shy Girls Can't Fake Date

“I’ve been worried about you. You used to write endless texts about seeing Lewis through your bedroom window. Now, when we text, you’re so vague. Is this not working? Is Lewis not noticing you?”

“No, it’s just a balancing act,” I say, forcing myself into optimism. “I mean, he sees me. We’ve talked. I even congratulated him about his newest photography nomination. He even offered to snap some photos of my baking.”

“Wow. That could be so romantic.”

I sigh. “But when Yvie’s around...”

“Can your sanity really survive competing with her?”

“Parker distracts her.”

Josie chuckles. “So, he actually has some charm?”

“He’s a good guy.” I motion to the scratch by my eye. “He was so amazing when I got hurt. He felt so strong as he held me. It was really kind.”

Josie cups a hand over her mouth. “I just got goosebumps.”

“Good goosebumps?”

“Very good.”

“I just wanted you to know I’m safe with him,” I say. “I mean, it’s not all smooth sailing. But we’re both working on being with our crushes.”

“I’m worried about your heart. All I’ve heard, for a year and a half, is how Lewis is your soulmate.”

“I never said soulmate.”

She deadpans at me. “Kylie, who are you talking with right now?”

“My heart still belongs to Lewis.”

“But you’re dating Parker.”

“Fake dating Parker.”

“And your heart knows that?”

I pause, feeling the thump within my chest. “Of course.”

“As long as he’s still drooling over Yvette, I guess you’re a step closer to Lewis.”

“That’s how this whole plan started.” I reply. “Mid drool, Parker saw I was upset about Lewis and Yvette, and we started talking about it.”

“That’s weird,” she says under her breath. She looks from side to side and then nods at me. “Yep. It’s just weird.”

I muffle a laugh. “I know.”

“I just don’t get how you could start kissing him right away.”

I rub my forehead, fighting off my frown. “I don’t know. To be honest, he took the reins on that.”

“You weren’t ready?”

I shake my head. “I wasn’t expecting it. I agreed to date him, but I wasn’t ready to kiss him. How could I be when I’d spent so long fantasizing about kissing Lewis?”

Josie gives me a sympathetic look. “Do you regret it?”

“It’s been a really confusing few days. Sometimes, I wish things hadn’t moved so fast. But, other times...” I pause, biting my lip. “Other times, I kiss him, and I like it.”

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