Page 222 of Shy Girls Can't Fake Date

“But last Thursday you convinced my boss this was for real.”

“True.” Parker smirks. “Happy anniversary, Kikki.”

I giggle. “Happy anniversary, Parky.”

He twirls my hair around his finger as his eyes fixate on mine. There’s a magnetic pull, compelling me to lean in to him.

“Aw, cute,” a voice calls out as footsteps move toward us.

Parker and I sit up, viewing the intruders. Tabitha and Kai grin and nudge each other as they take us in.

“Do you mind?” Parker asks sarcastically.

“We just like you two together,” Tabitha says.

“Yeah,” Kai agrees. “You’re less annoying when you’re with Kylie.”

Parker scoffs. “Thanks.”

Kai takes Tabitha’s hand and they continue on their walk past us, despite whispering and glancing our way.

I clear my throat and sit cross-legged. “Well, that wasn’t awkward.”

Parker reclines on his arms and laughs. “Not at all.”

“Parker!” Yvette calls out, waving in the air from the boat. “Come here. I need you.”

“You’re being summoned,” I comment dryly.

He sits up. “I don’t know what’s happened. She can’t get enough of me today.”

“Your plan worked.” I hold my breath. “I’m happy for you.”

“I don’t have to go, though,” Parker says, pulling his knees to his chest. “I don’t want to leave you alone.”

“I’m hardly alone. Kai and Tabby, plus Jamie and Milo, aren’t on the boat.”

“Yeah, but I’m supposed to stay with you.”

I click my tongue. “I don’t want you doing anything out of obligation.”

“That’s not what I meant. Geez, are you going to misunderstand everything I say to you on this trip?”

I sit back. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Look, all I’m saying is, I’ve spent plenty of time with Yvie.” His hand lifts to touch my arm, but then retreats. “Since truth or dare last night, it feels like we’ve spent a month apart.”

I fake a smile so I don’t get a replay of the ugly jealousy I felt last night. “Don’t be silly. You want more time with Yvie. I don’t need babysitting like when we were at the lake.”

“It’s not babysitting, I like hanging with you,” Parker insists. “I’m starting to miss you.”

“Parker!” Yvette calls from the boat.

I nudge him. “Go. I can’t stand it when she yells.”

With a grunt, he stands up. “Fine. Are you going to hang out with Lewis? He’s getting off the skis.”

“Yeah, I’m just not going to be as obvious as Barbie.”

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