Page 38 of Faking It with my Small Town Billionaire

He called me again last week and invited Lily and me to a dinner party.

“You want to check out my story?” I joked.

“Maybe. Or maybe I just want to make sure you’re not delusional. Maybe your grandfather pushed you to the edge and you’ve had a psychotic break. Maybe Lily being your wife is just a figment of your imagination.”

I could hear him smirking.

“Thanks, man,” I replied sarcastically.

“You’re welcome. So, are you going to come?”

“Well, I have to check with my imaginary wife first, but I don’t see a problem.”

Lily was surprised that Jake and I were still close. I suppose we haven’t been “married” long enough for her to know too much about me yet. Our lives are pretty busy. She’s up before the sun and works pretty late, and I’m not much different. In fact, there have been days when we haven’t seen each other at all.

Which is why tonight has turned out far better than I could ever have expected. Apart from the fact that she looks beautiful in a soft pink summer dress and sandals, she smells intoxicating. On several occasions during the evening, I’ve draped my arm around her shoulders. Sure, I have to play the part of the newlywed, but it’s certainly no great inconvenience, either.

And, of course, everybody loves her, like I knew they would.

The evening takes a strange turn, however, when we start playing truth or dare. Of course, I choose dare. Jake can smell a lie from me, and I can’t take any chances.

Nowhere on this planet could I have imagined that Jake would ask me to kiss Lily, and while I’m not completely averse to the idea, I have to think of protecting my pretend wife. I’ll be honest; I’m shocked when she agrees to it. Not as shocked as I feel when we kiss, though.

I’m not an idiot. I’m attracted to her. Any hot-blooded male with eyes would be. She’s gorgeous. And yes, there have been occasions between us when I’ve questioned what’s actually happening. But the evening wasn’t the same for me after that kiss. I can’t explain it. All I know is that it feels like someone threw gasoline on a candle, and I don’t want to put out the fire.

At the end of the evening, numbers are exchanged, and there are lots of hugs and embraces. Lily is excitedly chatting to Wendy, Tara, and Phil when Jake gives me a hug.

“I’ve got to hand it to you, man. She really is something else. You’re a lucky son of a gun.”

“You mean, you can see her, too?” I feign disbelief.

Jake chuckles. “You’re a funny guy.”

“I know, right?”

Once we’re in the car and I’m driving down the street, I suddenly feel self-conscious, like I don’t know what to say. Being around everyone else, we couldn’t really discuss it. But now, we have an hour-and-a-half drive back to Willow Creek. Should I bring it up? Is she going to bring it up? Do we just ignore it?

About ten minutes pass, and I can’t help myself.

“I’m sorry about Jake and the whole dare thing. And, you know, I didn’t want to—I mean, I wasn’t sure—”

“Orson, you’re rambling,” Lily says.

When I glance over at her, she’s smirking at me.

“I am, aren’t I?”

“You are,” she confirms.

“What I’m trying to say is that I’m sorry you got put into that position.”

“I’m a big girl,” she comes back. “I could have said no.”

“And yet, you didn’t,” I say openly, hoping she’s going to tell me why.

“It’s what you wanted, isn’t it? For everyone to think we’re married?”

“Yes, of course, but I didn’t think you would…” I trail off because I’m not sure what I want to say.

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