Page 44 of Yours Temporarily

“That was a perfect chance to test out my recipes.” Zuri then addresses Gavin and Hope. “Turns out, your brother can really cook.”

“Really?” Gavin raises his eyebrows in mock surprise and I offer a modest shrug.

“I have no choice when Zuri summons me to her café for dinner,” I say. “That’s if she doesn’t end up smothering my hair with flour.”

“Food wars.” She elbows my ribs.

“I have to warn you about her ‘food wars’ in case you ever find yourselves in the kitchen together.” My fingers trace over her shoulder. Her exposed neck tempts my touch, but seizing any excuse for contact feels right. Her skin is soft, and her figure so enticing.

“I’m looking forward to witnessing these kitchen battles.” Hope glances between Gavin and me, her amused look suggesting an unspoken understanding.

There’s no need to convince anyone of the authenticity of our relationship. The easy back and forth of our conversation, not to mention our laughter and shared looks, speak volumes more than any pretense ever could.

“Can I see your ring again?” Hope scoots forward.

Zuri, without hesitation, extends her hand across the table, allowing the diamonds to catch the light. As Hope examines the ring, rotating Zuri’s finger to get a better look, pride surges through me. Perhaps she would be okay with turning our relationship into something for real.

“Quite the ring for a fake engagement,” my brother quips.

I shoot him a look that says “back off,” but choose a lighter retort. “Well, why not go all in?”

“It’s funny that your friends are in on the act.” Hope releases Zuri’s hand. “Yet they threw you an engagement party.”

Gavin gestures between us. “Maybe your friends are hoping you’ll turn this façade into reality.”

Zuri slinks back, seeming to retreat into herself as she wraps her arms around her body. “My brother doesn’t know.”

Despite sharing a home with him and her friends, she’s yet to break the news to him, a decision she seems confident in, though not entirely comfortable with.

“Why haven’t you told him?” Hope’s eyes fill with concern reflecting Zuri’s inner conflict.

“He’s protective of me. Since Jeremy and I are, well, pretending…” Zuri’s voice drops as she glances at me, and I drape my hand over her back for comfort perhaps or just because it’s become natural for me to keep my hands on her. “I’ve been waiting for the right moment. But the longer I wait, the harder it’s become, especially now that he’s gotten used to Jer.”

Hearing her use Jer endearingly tightens something in my chest.

“I feel like”—her whisper dips even lower—“like I’m betraying my faith by lying to those I love.”

I keep silent. Hope and Gavin are spiritual and can best comfort Zuri.

“I can relate to thinking God is not on your side.” Hope clasps Zuri’s hand. “I feel like that a lot of times. Gavin has helped me understand the nature of God.”

“We help each other,” he adds, then delves into their journey of faith since they met in Uganda.

Gavin’s story with Hope—finding each other after his past heartbreak—makes me appreciate their bond. He’s found peace and happiness with her, a stark contrast to his past turmoil.

Zuri then sits up straighter, her clasp on Hope’s hand seeming tighter. “So, do you think we can convince Sara about us?” Her eyes, alive with a playful spark, flash my way, and she nudges me. “Given my brief encounter with her at Jer’s office, I think I need all the pointers I can get before I meet her tomorrow.”

She’s laughing, but I can hear a genuine concern beneath her light tone.

“You don’t need to convince her in any way.” Dismissing the notion of any required pretense, Gavin drapes his hand on Hope’s shoulder.

“I agree with Gavin.” Hope nestles comfortably against his side.

Their unanimous front, paired with Zuri’s mischievous smile, sparks a warmth within me, a silent acknowledgment of the bond we’ve formed. Yet, beneath this friendship lies a looming dread—the end of our pretend relationship is near, a mere six days away. We’ve yet to discuss how we’ll navigate our final day, despite the deep dive into this charade.

While it terrifies me to risk another relationship, Zuri is different, and I’m hoping I still have enough time to work up the nerve to confess how I feel. No doubt, she likes me. After all, when I kissed her on the rooftop, she kissed me like she’d been thinking about kissing me.

It’s not just the kiss, though. We’ve had plenty of sweet moments. But, more importantly, we like each other and enjoy spending time together.

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