Page 27 of Fake Fiancée for the Grump

“I thought this would be a fun surprise. To whisk you away and give you an experience you’ve never had before. I’m sorry if I ruined it by not telling you ahead of time where the baby shower was.”

She’s pursing her lips. I don’t know what that means.

Then there’s that Brinn smile I know so well. “I guess I never asked. But I don’t have any other clothes.”

I offer my arm as we head to the plane. "No problem. I’ve taken care of everything.”

Brinn looks around the cabin as we step onboard, taking in every detail. She runs her fingers over the dark leather of the seats. As she sits, our personal flight attendant immediately comes to her side, offering her a pillow, blanket and warm washcloth. “Something to drink miss?”

“Oh, no thank you. I’m fine.”

I sit beside her and playfully tug at her blanket. “Nobody offered me a blanket.”

“We can share.”

My heart starts beating wildly at the thought, but I don't take it.

“Have you flown much?”

“Not really. I feel like all I’ve done is study since high school. I haven’t gone on vacation in five years. If I want to impress my parents, my grades have to be top-notch. Compared to Greyson, I’m a bit of a disappointment.”

This revelation shocks me. Greyson never mentioned his parents being so hard to please. But maybe it’s not the same with him because he’s the golden boy. I never considered they would treat Brinn differently.

“How could you possibly be a disappointment? You’re about to get your Doctorate of Physical Therapy.”

"Yes. Well, compared to a cardiologist, my parents aren’t impressed.”

I take her hands in mine. “That’s awful. I’m so sorry they put that pressure on you.”

“Now you know why I have to stay focused.” She pulls her hands away.

Why does she always seem so happy? Is her constant smile genuine, or is she hiding her pain behind a mask?

Maybe we have more in common than I thought.

“Your parents suck."

She lets out a hearty chuckle. “They kind of do. That’s why it was such a nice change to be around your parents. They seem so genuine, like they truly care about people for who they are. It’s not based on any type of performance.”

I can’t imagine not being supported by your family. Despite my mistakes, I’ve always been able to go to them for help. It’s thereason I came home to Seaside Bay. I knew they would be there for me no matter what.

“Yes, I am definitely lucky to have them. They loved meeting you. Haven’t stopped talking about you all week.”

“Really? I barely said a word all night.”

He bumps my shoulder. “They are a great judge of character.”

She offers me the blanket again to share.

I should say no, but I don’t.

***

The reception desk is the centerpiece of our chic hotel lobby. It’s manned by attentive staff dressed in impeccably tailored uniforms. Artful floral arrangements and carefully curated artwork add a touch of refinement to the surroundings. The soft hum of conversations fills the air as guests lounge on the plush couches.

Kennedy checks in at the desk and returns with our keycards. Once we reach our floor, we split ways, each heading to our respective rooms.

Once inside my suite, I head to the window, taking in the amazing ocean view. The homes along the Malibu coast always amaze me. They look suspended in the air along the cliffs.

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