Page 31 of Close to My Heart

I was starting to hate that he kept referring to us as friends. But it wasn’t his fault. That’s what we were, and maybe all we’d ever be. This might be my only chance to get closer to him.

Excitement filled me. This could work. Friends became lovers all the time. My parents wouldn’t like it, but I was done with having them tell me what to do.

“We just have to make it convincing.”

“And what’s my side of the story? Have I liked you all this time? I was waiting on you to make the first move?” My face heated because it was the truth. I hoped he didn’t read it on my face.

Wes considered me. “Sure.”

I had to be careful in this situation. I couldn’t lose my heart to Wes.

There was a collective gasp, and we looked toward the dance floor where Jameson was down on one knee in front of Claire. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but it was obvious that he’d proposed. Then she smiled and tugged him to standing, where they kissed.

“I guess my little brother is getting married.”

“We should congratulate them.”

We walked toward them where Al was already congratulating them. Then his siblings each took their turns, ribbing Jameson about growing up and becoming a man.

“If you don’t stop giving us a hard time, I’m going to set you up.” Jameson pointed to Wes and Teddy. “And you’re not going to like who I pick.”

My cheeks flushed hot. I didn’t like the idea of Wes dating, much less marrying anyone else. Thankfully, Jameson dropped the subject, and we enjoyed the rest of the evening. We didn’t talk about our arrangement.

I was busy mulling over the huge change that was coming. We had to convince my family that I’d suddenly fallen in love with my best friend. And it might just work because it was so close to the truth.

I was a little worried Grandma wouldn’t accept him as an option because he didn’t come from the right family. But the more I thought about it, the better I felt. I wouldn’t want to go through this with anyone else but him.

I wondered what made him think of it. I knew he worried about me, but had the dating made him jealous? And if so, why didn’t he just admit that? Or was it one of those situations where he didn’t want me, but no one else could have me either?

By the end of the night, my head ached, and I was second-guessing my life choices. I didn’t need the estate, did I? How was I going to live with Wes and not reveal my feelings for him? This would be the ultimate test of my restraint.

There would be times that I’d have to see him in various states of undress, and it was clear that I couldn’t sleep in the same bed as him and not touch him. I just had to keep the logical side of my brain engaged and not my body.

This was a temporary situation to secure the estate so I could live my dream. This wasn’t about falling for my best friend. Only a fool would do that.

8

WES

The next morning, we’d planned to meet at Sutton’s house before we walked over to brunch at the big house. My nerves were shot as I pulled up to Sutton’s house.

When I knocked on her door, her cheeks were flushed. “I was wondering if I dreamed last night.”

“Which part?” I asked, taking in the red dress that pushed her breasts up.

I’d dressed in slacks and a button-down, but now I was wondering if I should have worn a suit jacket.

“The part where you volunteered to be my fake fiancé.”

I grinned. “Oh, that was very real.”

She grabbed her jacket from the hook inside the door, and I helped her put it on. “I still can’t believe you’re willing to do this. You know my family is going to eat you alive.”

“Because I don’t fit the Rosesmith mold?” I knew I wasn’t what her family wanted for her. They were impressed with bank accounts and Ivy League educations. I had none of that, but I wasn’t embarrassed by it. I didn’t need to impress these people or prove that I was worthy of Sutton. I just needed to show them that I cared for her, which I did.

“Something like that.”

I took her hand, interlacing my fingers with hers as we walked along the stone path through the gardens and past the pool. “It’s going to be fine. I can handle your family.”

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