Page 22 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

Between fits of laughter, I caught Nate's twinkling gaze. We were both a mess, but somehow, sharing this silly moment of humiliation brought us closer together. After all, laughter is the best medicine... or so they say.

I should have known Frances wouldn’t waste any time posting the pictures. By the time I'd cleaned myself up and made it to the library, the photos were already lighting up the Rivermint Cove Gossip Feed. She was young and loved a good story. I was pretty certain that she was the face behind the Rivermint Cove gossip mill page, even though she had tried to deny it.

Whispers and poorly stifled giggles trailed me as I walked between the aisles. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught patrons peering at their screens and glancing my way with barely contained laughter.

My cheeks burned, but I kept my head high. So, I'd taken an unfortunate spill and been caught on camera covered in mud. Was it really that hilarious?

Apparently so, judging by the constant snickering that trailed behind me. I tried to ignore it all, focusing on shelving books.

Until I turned down the fiction aisle and found Emily waiting for me, arms crossed, looking visibly upset.

Great, just what I needed.

"Hey, Emily," I said weakly. "Did you happen to catch the latest gossip?"

Her eyes narrowed. "I did. And I couldn't help noticing how close you and my brother looked in those shots."

I swallowed. Here it was—the confrontation I'd been dreading about my conflicted feelings for Nate, one I was wholly unprepared for. I had always kept my secret crush on Nate hidden.

I fumbled for words as Emily stared at me expectantly. How could I explain my tangled emotions when I barely understood them myself?

"I know how it looked," I began slowly. "But really, it was just an embarrassing moment caught on camera. The mud was super slippery."

Emily raised an eyebrow. "It seemed like more than that to me. I know my brother and the way he was looking at you..." She trailed off meaningfully.

My pulse quickened. Had Nate's true feelings been shown in those photos? I thought of the warmth in his eyes when he'd helped me up from the mud puddle. Was he having the same feelings that I was?

"Nate was just being a gentleman," I said, aiming for a light, joking tone even as my nerves jangled. "You know, helping the damsel in distress and all that."

Emily looked unconvinced. I wracked my brain for further excuses, afraid to reveal the shift I felt happening between Nate and me. Our fake engagement was one thing, but genuine romance. It felt too momentous to acknowledge, especially to Emily.

"You have to admit, it did make for a pretty funny photo," I said, aiming for a teasing tone. "I mean, can you imagine a more ridiculous way to start the day? Your brother looked like a drowned rat."

I grinned, hoping humor would distract her. Emily laughed reluctantly.

"Okay, it was a pretty hilarious scene," she conceded, her expression softening. "I just want you to be honest with me, that's all."

I smiled, even as guilt nagged at me. "Of course. You know you're my best friend."

Emily brightened, appeased for the moment. But my own feelings remained muddied, like my dirt-stained blouse. I still had some soul-searching to do.

After work, I decided to go get some ice cream at the new local parlor to clear my thoughts. The sweet scent of waffle cones wafted through the air, and the soft hum of churning cream was strangely comforting.

I had just ordered a double scoop of Rocky Road when I heard a familiar voice behind me, "Seems you can't get enough of sticky situations, huh?"

I spun around to find Nate grinning at me, blue eyes twinkling with amusement. He wore a pair of faded blue jeans and a white button-down, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, looking every bit the casual heartthrob.

"Drowning in ice cream doesn’t sound half as bad as falling into puddles," I shot back, my heart fluttering at his unexpected presence. "What brings you here? Don't tell me you're a secret fan of the Rocky Road."

His eyes sparkled with mischief. "I prefer the Mint Chocolate, but who am I to judge?" He glanced at the guy handing me my order, then back at my face. "I could be persuaded to try the Rocky Road... if you'd care to share?"

I hesitated, the request catching me off guard. This was exactly the sort of thing a real couple might do. Sharing ice cream on a whim seemed too intimate, too...real. But his smile was infectious, his presence comforting, and I nodded despite the confusion swirling in my head. "Sure, why not? It's your funeral, though. This stuff is addictive."

A genuine laugh escaped Nate's mouth, making me smile in return. Our playful banter felt natural and comfortable.

As I handed him a spoon, our hands brushed. A jolt of electricity sparked, and my heart somersaulted. His smile softened as he took a bite, and his eyes closed in appreciation. "Mmm...you're right. This is dangerous," he said, looking content. "But it's worth every bite."

We spent the rest of the evening in the shop, sharing stories, huddled over the rapidly melting dessert. Eventually, the setting sun signaled it was time to leave, and we parted ways with a soft goodbye and the promise to see each other soon.

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