Page 81 of Pretend Girlfriend

Austin’s eyes went wide and he stared at me for three long seconds. Was he blushing?

“Just, uh, doing what anyone would do.” He nodded at me, muttered, “Ma’am,” and then left the breakfast room.

34

Joanna

After breakfast, the manager personally escorted us to our new room. It was on the top floor, with a balcony that faced the ocean. There were even stairs going up to a private rooftop deck with a massive hot tub overlooking the ocean. Potted plants were arranged around the outside of the rooftop deck, giving privacy from the other penthouse suites.

There was only one problem: there was a single king-sized bed, rather than a pair of twins.

“We’ll accept the upgrade,” Landon said.

The manager appeared relieved. “I am overjoyed to hear that you are pleased. And of course, if you need anything else during your stay, please do not hesitate to ask. Our staff will bend over backwards to ensure you forget all about the incident last night.”

“I’ll bet they want me to forget,” I muttered when he was gone. “A news story about getting roofied would be the kiss of death for a resort.”

“That rooftop hot tub, though,” Landon said. “And don’t worry about the bed. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“That’s not necessary,” I replied, gesturing at the bed. “Look at the size of it. You could host the summer Olympics on this thing. We’ll put a bunch of pillows down the middle to split it in half.”

“Only if you’re comfortable with that.”

“We’re both adults,” I said. “It’s not a big deal.”

But the thought of sharing a bed with Landon gave me a strange feeling. Something close to excitement. I shook off the thought and began unpacking my bathing suits.

I wanted to relax by the beach all day, but by now everyone had heard about the incident last night. I felt like a queen on the end of a royal receiving line: everyone stopped by my beach chair to make sure I was okay. Even members of the wedding party I hadn’t met, like two of Bradyn’s cousins, visited my spot by the beach to chat about it. And for every person, I had to solemnly nod my head and assure them I was perfectly fine, and not traumatized at all.

The only thing traumatizing me is having to talk to so many people, I thought to myself.

Finally, Theo came strolling up to my chair. “No,” I said, aiming an accusatory finger at him. “If you apologize and try to take responsibility for what happened, I’m going to throw myself into the ocean.”

He held up both palms defensively. “I was just going to tell you that sparkly gold bathing suit looks great.”

“Oh. Thank you very much.”

“And I was going to make sure you’re okay,” he added.

I let out an annoyed growl. “Here’s what I’ve told the other hundred people who have asked. I’m fine. I feel fine. Everything is fine. I just want to sit on the beach and read my book and forget all about it.”

He sat on the edge of my beach chair and looked at me. “Sorry. I didn’t realize.”

“It’s fine,” I repeated. “I heard you lost your shit last night.”

Theo winced. “A little bit. Austin had to tell me to calm down, or everyone might get suspicious. I just…” He shook his head. “When I realized what the guy had done, something came over me. I wanted to… well, I won’t tell you what I wanted to do to him. I’ve never even gotten in a fight before.”

“Wait, really? Never?”

“Never in my entire life. I like to avoid conflict. But last night I wanted to knock his teeth out. And that’s saying something, because I know how hard it is to put teeth back in.”

“You sound like a hockey player.” I shrugged. “I’m touched that you wanted to defend my honor.”

“The next guy that tries it? It’ll take more than just Landon and Austin to hold me back.”

“I certainly hope nobody else tries that,” I said.

“Hey,” Landon said. He had two frozen drinks in his hands. “Brought you another daiquiri. And I made sure nothing accidentally fell inside on the way here.”

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