Page 76 of Hard to Fake

“I don’t.”

The image of him taking up the entire bed, his body sprawled across the sheets, enters without permission.

“How do you sleep next to another human?”

“I don’t.”

“Never?” I prompt. “You’ve never let a woman stay over? Never crashed in another human’s bed?”

He cocks his head. “There was a pileup after the all-star game, but no one remembers that.”

My lips curve as I work on the zipper of my bag. I manage to get it open and start unpacking, starting with my pajamas.

“You could’ve kept him from finding out if you wanted to.” I say it without turning.

“But if I was him and I found out my loyal teammate didn’t mention he was taking my sister out, I’d be asking why the hell not.”

I’m not sure what to say to that.

* * *

I manage to avoid Caroline exactly as long as it takes to get to our first activity.

“Brooke! So amazing to see you in person. It’s been too long.” We swap cheek kisses.

“Everything looks beautiful,” I say sincerely.

“Well, it’s important to have these events,” she says, just as earnest. Her attention shifts to the man at my side. “Miles, wonderful to see you again also,” she adds as he holds out a hand.

“Again?” he prompts.

Her smile tightens. “We’ve met before. Back in college.”

“Have we?” he asks, looking confused.

I could hug him.

“We’ll catch up at dinner,” Caroline promises.

She turns and disappears into the crowd. There are a few hundred sisters and their dates, and I deliberately did not seat us at the same table, but there’s no time to think about it.

The day is filled with team-building activities and games, some of which are actual fun. We were instructed to dress in activewear, so for the afternoon, I’m in leggings and Miles is in shorts.

Our first activity is a scavenger hunt. Miles and I work well together, and we quickly gain the upper hand over the other teams.

I can't help but feel conscious of Miles’s presence. Every time our eyes meet, I feel a jolt of electricity pass between us as we run through the streets, collecting clues and solving riddles.

When we’re done, I spot Elise surrounded by a group of women.

“Elise!” I cut through the crowd of Kappas and partners to the stunning woman with a chic brunette bob and a knit two-piece set. She’s giving Audrey Hepburn vibes, glamorous but somehow attainable.

“Brooke, lovely to see you. And Miles Garrett!” She introduces her husband, who starts talking to Miles.

“My husband is a big Kodiaks fan,” she confides in me.

I do an imaginary fist pump.

“Well, don’t rush off. There’s time before dinner to catch up.”

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