Page 56 of It Started at the Lake

“Yeah,” I admit. “As long as it’s okay with you? I mean, if it’s weird to have your cousin’s friend visit, then I won’t. But I really would like to see your office and… hang out. I mean, I know we’ll be breaking up, but we can keep in touch. Right?” I bite my lip, waiting for his answer.

“You're more than my cousin’s friend.”

My heart expands in my chest, filling with hope. “I am?”

“Of course. You’re a good friend and my fake girlfriend. That creates a bond stronger than just being my cousin’s friend.”

And that hope is now like a conch shell thrown to the ground and shattered into thousands of little pieces. “Right.” I take a step toward the back door. “Well, I’m going to get changed and head to bed. Night, Bennett.”

“Goodnight, Mils. Sweet dreams.”

Ha. Fat chance of me sleeping at all, let alone anything being sweet. Bennett reaffirmed these feelings I have for him are one-sided. It’s time I get that through my thick skull.

CHAPTER 26

Camille

“Someone was out late last night,” Evie sing-songs in my ear.

I smack in the direction her voice comes from. Getting out of bed is not an option after the little amount of rest I’ve had.

Evie laughs, grabbing my hand and shaking it. “Come on, sleepyhead, I want details.”

The bed is as soft as a marshmallow and I don’t want to leave it. Using all the effort I can muster, I try to blink awake, but my eyelids are as heavy as iron. I’m conscious enough to tell I’m lying on my side with Evie acting as my big spoon, heating my back. Her chin digs into my shoulder.

“Must. Sleep,” I mumble, nuzzling the pillow.

Evie lets go of my hand and sits up, bouncing me in the process. A dull ache thumps behind my eyes. There is no way I’m getting up right now.

“Are you kidding me? We looked for a solid hour for you two. Where were you hiding? What happened while you were squirreled away? I need answers. Now!”

I throw my arm over my eyes. “Later.”

“Fine.” She smacks my hip. “I’m going to eat breakfast. As soon as I get back, you’re talking. Understood?”

I think I nod, but I’m drifting back to la la land and can’t be certain my head communicates my answer.

What feels like seconds later, Evie’s back poking my ribs. “Let’s go, Mils. Up and at ‘em!”

“Go away.” I groan, trying to push her off my bed.

“You’ve slept long enough. It’s after ten.”

What!?! I have a picnic with Bennett at noon. Not that I’m looking forward to it as much as I would have yesterday morning, but I made a promise, and regardless of my feelings, I’ll fulfill it. Bolting upright and throwing the covers off me, I say, “Why didn’t you tell me it was so late? I need to get ready!”

By the time I came upstairs and laid in bed last night, my mind was buzzing with what Bennett said before we parted for the night. I journaled until four and fell asleep around five. It really is too early to be awake, but I won’t stand Bennett up. Especially since he’s helping me by doing the photo shoot today.

“Ready for what?” Evie asks, her brows pulling together. Her face is free of makeup and she's still in her pajamas.

Keeping our pretense, I say, “Bennett’s taking me out before we do a photo shoot for one of Becca’s books.”

Evie’s eyes grow larger than the sun. Light shines like rays from her irises. Her lips form a giddy grin. “You’re going on an official date? Eeeek!” she squeals. “Oh my heck, I’m SO excited for you! How did this happen? When did it happen? Where is he taking you?” She bounces on my bed like a little kid. “Wait—what about your man-ban?”

I hold my hands up. “I need to pee, then I’ll answer your inquisition.”

Evie follows me into the bathroom.

“Excuse me?” I motion her out of the room. “Privacy please.”

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