Page 89 of Hard to Fake

The sheets smell like him, and I inhale the scent of him on the pillow.

I leaned on him last night. More than I’d planned. More than my pride would ordinarily let me.

The sky didn’t fall.

Maybe there’s something to letting another person in.

My phone buzzes. There’s a message from my landlord reminding me that my rent was due yesterday.

I click off, dropping the phone and falling back against the wooden headboard.

I need to land this contract. Otherwise, I’ll be out a place to live, not to mention groceries.

The door latch sounds, and I bolt upright.

“Hi,” Miles says as he enters, balancing two cardboard cups on top of one another in his right hand, the key in his left.

“Hey.” My voice is thick with sleep, and I clear my throat. “How’s the coffee?”

“Not as good as mine.”

I smile and he passes over one cup.

Miles looks good. He always looks good, but he’s showered and his hair is damp. His dark jeans cling to strong legs, his sweater a moodier version of the blue of his eyes.

“What time is it?” I ask.

“Nine.”

“Shit.” I straighten immediately. “We need to be at breakfast. I need to reassure everyone I haven’t lost my mind, starting with Elise.” I shift out of bed, pulling a robe over my pajamas. “And explain why she should give me the contract instead of Caroline, and do it before we leave tomorrow, and…”

Miles shifts in front of me, blocking my way. “Or you can take a shower and we can have breakfast to go.” He holds up a paper bag.

I’m instantly suspicious. “To go where?”

His eyes dance as he grins. “You wanted to disappear last night. So disappear with me, Princess.”

* * *

“You’re insane!” I shriek over the wind as my heart hammers. The hot air balloon is a staggering work of purple fabric and fire, lifting us higher with every second.

After I spilled out of bed and savored the hot breakfast and hotter shower, Miles drove us just out of town and parked next to a field where a massive purple hot air balloon was inflating.

“We’re going up in that?” I demanded.

“The crew here is the best. They’re in charge of all the festivals and events in the area. Don’t worry.”

I wasn’t worried.

I was excited.

Now, we’re hundreds of feet in the air and my problems feel as far away as the receding ground. I lean over the edge of the hot air balloon to take in the scenery, and Miles grabs my arm.

“Afraid I’m going to jump?” I taunt over my shoulder.

“Nah. Just don’t want you to fall.”

His lips are close to my ear, and his body presses against mine. The proximity affects me as always, only up here it’s possible the altitude adds to the effect.

---