Page 56 of Fake

“That’s incredibly kind of you.” Mina’s smile continues to weaken. She chews the inside of her lip, and I add one more item to my Things About Mina Blake That Drive Me Crazy list. A list that used to be exclusive to things I couldn’t stand but has recent additions like the fact that I can’t stop thinking about her, or the adorable way she looks at me when she’s made a point. The fact that the list has expanded at all is actually an item on the list.

And now there’s today’s addition:

She’s in trouble and I want to help…and I’m tired of telling myself I shouldn’t.

I am who I am. I protect and care for the people that matter and for as much as Dom likes to remind me people like Mina see me as a bank account, it’s not true. Mina is kind and hardworking and if I can do something to help, I will. I just have to figure out what’s wrong first.

TWENTY-TWO

Mina

Mom

Glenda from billing just stopped by to ask about a missing payment. Should I worry? I don’t want you digging yourself into a hole just so I can be here

Absolutely do not worry. I’m good. Money’s good. Wires got crossed, is all. Everything will be straightened up tomorrow.

That’s what I told Glenda

Now.

Why do my ‘Mama Senses’ keep telling me you’re seeing someone?

Your mama senses are on point as always

Please tell me it’s the nice architect guy you’ve had a crush on forever. You deserve good things, Meens. Hot, talented, and kind fits the bill

No…though it is someone I met through work

As long as it’s NOT that rude client

I mayyyy have misread him that first day

Oh Mina…be careful. I didn’t like your dad when we first met either, but I ignored all those initial red flags and got involved anyway. You know how that turned out…

That’s not what’s happening. I promise. I’ll explain at our next visit, but please the most important thing is that you don’t worry. All is fine

I shove my phone back into my bag and find Nathan watching me. Intensely. Which pretty much describes everything between us now.

That check is for the design work you’ve done. Not the dates. Not the kiss. Not our time together. Those are mine.

What did he mean when he said that? Are we dating for real now? Does it mean he has feelings for me? I want to think it does but am afraid to assume anything.

We’ve barely touched since we got out of his car, but I feel his eyes on my body, trailing across my bare skin like the whisper of his fingertips, exploring…

…claiming…

And it’s not like I haven’t returned the favor. Nathan in swimming trunks is a gift to the female population at large. Strong shoulders. Perfect pecs. Abs that trail into that goddamn V at his hips that always does me in.

It’s just the two of us. Micah and Garett are in the water, swimming, splashing, and laughing while Angela and Ivy sun themselves at the front of the boat.

“Everything okay?” Nathan’s voice is quiet. Personal. Like he already knows the answer to his question. When he handed me the check, I was ready to unload my worries about Mom and money. But now is not the time and until I know what we are to each other, I’d be a fool to share that story. Our entire relationship, whatever it is, hinges on money.

If it’s fake, he’s paying me.

If it’s real, he shouldn’t.

How do I talk about the financial pickle I’m in and not make it weird?

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