Page 28 of Shy Girls Can't Fake Date

Lewis’s mouth falls open as he stares at the neatly packed cakes.

Parker swivels the box away from Lewis. “Unfortunately, Kylie brought them for me, not you.”

My knees knock together as I fight off full-body convulsions.

“What?” Lewis asks, confused. “Why did she bring them for you?”

Parker wiggles his eyebrows, enjoying teasing his best friend. “Jealous your baker neighbor likes me more?”

Lewis’s confused expression turns to me, and I squirm under his gaze.

I hate this! I don’t want Lewis thinking I like Parker more than him. All I’ve wanted is for this boy to notice me.

This is the worst way for this to happen.

“Wait.” Lewis’s confusion morphs into curiosity. “You made these?”

Parker nudges him. “She always makes them. She bakes for Maddy’s café.”

“Whoa,” Lewis says, impressed. “Well, they’re amazing.”

I look at Parker for reassurance, and then say to Lewis. “Take one.”

Lewis plucks one from the box. “Don’t have to tell me twice.”

Parker smirks at his friend. “It doesn’t worry me if you take them. Kylie’s already promised me more.”

Lewis sniggers with a mouthful of cake. “How come?”

Parker sends me a wink. “Why don’t you tell him, Kylie?”

“Uh, I...” My chin drops as Lewis stares at me, waiting for an answer. “Umm, we, ah...”

Lewis’s eyebrow raises as I malfunction in front of him.

I turn away, mumbling, “Nothing.”

Lewis chuckles, grabbing another cake from the box. “Whatever. I’ll catch ya later, man.”

“Hey,” Parker calls after him. “She said you could takeone.”

Lewis strolls down the hallway, and Parker shakes his head, closing the bakery box.

“What was that?” he whispers harshly. “Why didn’t you tell him we’re dating?”

My shoulders bunch up toward my ears. “I don’t know. I couldn’t.” My stomach contorts and twists. “Parker, I don’t think I can do this. I don’t want him thinking we’re together.”

“But you know this is our one shot. Don’t you want to be there when they break up?”

I frown, hugging my middle. “Well, yeah.”

Parker roughly pats my upper arm. “Then get it together. He needs to buy it.”

I blow out a breath and swipe a hand across my clammy forehead. “Okay. I’ll try.”

Parker takes two cookie dough cups out of the bakery box, and then slides the box into his locker. “I’ll make sure he sees me eating these, and I’ll take the box into the cafeteria at lunch. Do you want to meet here before going into the cafeteria?”

“You want to walk in together?”

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