Page 78 of Pretend Girlfriend

“Hell, I was never going to out anyone,” Austin said. “I can be an asshole sometimes, but I ain’t that kind of asshole.”

“I got so angry when I realized what had happened.” I shook my head. “I’ve never felt that way before. It was like my blood was boiling inside my body, and the only way to make it stop was to pound that guy’s face into the pavement.”

“Then you’d be in jail, too,” Austin pointed out. “Not saying that guy didn’t deserve it, but it would’ve been bad for you. And it might’ve raised some questions among the family you’re not prepared to answer.”

“Like I said: thanks.”

Austin chugged the rest of the first beer, put the glass down in the sand, then settled in to enjoy the second drink. “You really care about her.”

“Is that a question?”

“Consider it an observation from a mostly-neutral party.”

I stared out at the ocean. Moonlight was playing off the surface, emphasizing the shadows behind the waves. I did care about Joanna. I mean obviously I liked her, considering the date we’d had and a few delightful sexual encounters. But when I thought she was in danger? When I stared at the man who had put her in danger? I had never felt that protective before in my life. Not even with the few serious girlfriends I’d had over the years.

What did that mean?

“Must be hard,” Austin went on casually. “Watchin’ a beautiful girl like her pretend to be Landon’s girlfriend.”

“Landon’s a good guy,” I said. “And they’re only pretending.”

“Are they?” Austin asked innocently. “They seem awfully convincing. You two are a cute couple, though.”

I frowned over at Austin. “You haven’t seen us together at all.”

“I saw y’all together at the bar at the rehearsal dinner,” he replied. “And on more than one other tender occasion.”

What the hell did he mean by that?

“Here’s some advice from a guy who knows what it’s like to miss out on something special,” he continued. “If you find that person who makes you feel like the best version of yourself, don’t let them go. No matter what’s on the line. Because before you know it, they might find someone who makes them feel the same way.”

The two of us quietly stared out at the ocean.

33

Joanna

It all happened so fast. Austin tackling the guy, Landon knocking the drink out of my hand. The police showing up and taking our statements. They offered to take me to the hospital for monitoring, but that was the last thing I wanted. I’d only drank half my beer, and the tablet wasn’t fully dissolved.

“How do you feel?” Landon asked when we got to our room.

“The same way I felt when you asked me that question in the elevator a minute ago,” I replied. “I’m a little queasy, but that’s probably just from the adrenaline.”

“If that changes, let me know.”

“You’ll be the first person I tell.”

I changed into pajamas and got ready for bed. Landon sat in the chair next to the TV, watching intently.

“Stop it,” I told him. “You’re watching me like I’m going to suddenly pass out at any moment.”

“Well… you might.”

“Go put some clothes on. You’re still just wearing a bathing suit.”

“I’m fine.”

“Get dressed and go have fun. A live band is playing by the lobby bar tonight.”

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