Page 15 of Fake Fiancée for the Grump

Our eyes lock. Anger etches across her face like storm clouds gathering in a once-clear sky. Her lips form a taut line, and the muscles along her jaw clench visibly.

Oh boy. Kennedy was right, like always.

She takes deliberate steps toward the exit, eyes glued to me. She only breaks contact when Kennedy greets her. He guides her out the doors as I try to catch up.

"Why would you embarrass me like that?" she snaps when I make it to the hallway. “A family emergency? Wearen’tfamily!”

I’ve never seen her like this before. She is always pure sunshine. This… This is a thunderstorm with bolts of lightning aimed directly at me.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else to do. The party is this weekend, and you haven’t said yes.”

“And you think pulling me out of an important doctoral class would persuade me to agree?”

Ugh. When she puts it that way.

“Greyson said it wasn’t an important class.”

“You organized this with my brother?” Her hands are waving wildly.

I am not doing a good job diffusing this situation.

“Could we walk a bit,awayfrom the door please?”

She walks briskly toward the front of the building. Kennedy hurries to catch up. I trail behind, in no hurry to continue being the target of her rage.

Brinn is leaning against the car when I finally reach it. She’s beautiful even when angry.

“Look, I really am sorry. Clearly, I wasn’t thinking straight. Let me make it up to you.”

Her face softens a little as she lets out a long, slow breath. “How?”

“Let me take you shopping. I know you haven’t said yes. Let’s just have some fun, see if there’s anything you like. Try to forget for a minute that I’m an idiot.” I tilt my head at her playfully, flashing my best smile.

I notice her features easing, the grip of anger slowly washing away. It’s clear she doesn’t want to stay mad.

“Ok. I guess I’ll go. After this, I need a distraction. But to forget you’re an idiot, I’m going to also need lunch.” One corner of her mouth lifts gently as she turns to get in the car.

Kennedy starts the car, heading to a high-end dress shop downtown. Silence rules the car. Occasionally, I sneak a glanceat Brinn. More than once, she’s looked my way, but quickly turns back to her window.

The quiet begins to bite at my skin. Luckily, I'm saved by her question.

"How is your leg?"

I narrow my eyes at her, considering my answer. “Still sore.”

“Since there’s time, want me to take a look?” Her kindness never ceases to amaze me.

My outfit isn’t the best for an examination. I’m wearing dress pants, but the thought of her touch influences my response.

“Sure. Thank you.”

I roll up my pant leg, giving her access to my knee. Her fingers on my skin make me shiver.

“Sorry, I know my hands are cold. They’re always cold.”

It’s not the temperature of her hands that’s the issue.

Brinn rubs her palms together several times before continuing.

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