Page 33 of The Spy Who Ghosted Me

“Ugh. I really hate you,” she trailed off as she flew down the stairs.

Funny how that worked, considering it was the first time I could almost admit I was in love with her.

Sabrina

“I’M STILL FREAKING OUT THAT you and Cash are together again,” Mia squealed as we walked to my parents’ place for our final dress fittings.

Believe me, no one was freaking out about it more than I was. I’d hardly slept last night for how crazy I felt about it all. That, and I was terrified, fearing that someone would harm my entire family and that perhaps spies were closely monitoring my every action. I couldn’t even touch my phone for fear someone was reading my texts or judging me for the inordinate number of memes I sent to Mia every day.

“Yeah,” I breathed out into the cool morning air. “It’s crazy, but we just got to talking, and one thing led to another, and here we are,” I tried to say with enthusiasm. I still couldn’t believe he was a spy. Worse, I couldn’t even try to verify it because I was afraid my laptop or phone would spontaneously combust. I’d seen all the Mission: Impossible movies. I wondered if they really could make people’s faces change. My entire sense of reality had completely vanished. It was more than disconcerting.

“I saw the underwear,” Mia purred. “Rawrrrr, baby.”

I wanted to tell her it wasn’t what she thought, but I supposed it was better to let her believe the lie. How in the world had I found myself in this position? I was just a nice girl who liked to bake. This wedding was way, way more than I bargained for. Here I thought my biggest worry would be my sister knocking over the cake in a fit of Bridezilla rage. How I wished that were the case.

Instead, I found myself in a fake relationship with a spy. That sounded so far-fetched, I hardly believed it. But I’d seen the pictures, and I suppose him being a spy wasn’t as improbable as a radioactive spider bite or him being a vampire. I mean, I knew there were spies, but I never believed I’d meet one, much less fall in love with one. Not to say I was still in love with him. I was pretty sure I wasn’t—how could I be? He’d used me and was still using me. I definitely hated him. But that kiss. Oh, dear sweet heavens, that kiss. I couldn’t think about it. Like, ever. Except, what if we had to kiss again to make this fake relationship look real? The spy had perfected his mixology skills, and his chemical cocktail was more potent than ever. It’s probably because he was using women all over the place.

I hated him more.

Although ... I was having a hard time getting over how sexy it was that he’d only taken this assignment because he wanted to protect me. And ... he said he had feelings for me. But could I really believe that? Did it even matter? I didn’t even know his real name, and he was sure to disappear again. I just had to stay focused and remember why I was doing this—for my baby sister. She so owed me. I might literally save her life. And my own. Yikes.

“Just be sure to tell Lexi you saw them.”

“I will. I just want to make sure this is really what you want. The guy did leave you before. I hope he has a fantastic excuse for that.”

“Oh, he does,” I sang like I was trying to hit all the high notes.

“What’s his excuse?” She was eager to know.

If only I could tell her the truth. “Um ... well ...”

“Sabrina,” Cash called out, saving me from lying through my teeth.

“Ooh, looks like someone is eager to see you this morning.”

Cash jogged up to us, looking too good in his asset-enhancing jeans and snug, dark crewneck sweater that showed off his V waist and broad shoulders. Although he was beautiful, all I could think about was whether he was packing heat and where the guns were on his person. I couldn’t help but wonder how many people he’d offed. A little chill went through me that had nothing to do with the cooler weather.

Cash was to us in no time and kissed my cheek. “Good morning.”

“Good morning.” I touched my face where the heat of his kiss still lingered.

Mia gave him a good once-over, scrutinizing him in part, but there was some definite ogling going on as well. “Hey, you,” she tried to sound tough. “You’d better treat my cousin right or you’re going to find my knee all up in your groin again.” Mia’s Southern accent was out in full force.

Cash shifted uncomfortably. “Understood.” He no doubt realized he was going to meet Mia’s knee again. Although he would probably disappear before that ever happened.

“Good.” Mia grinned.

“Would you mind if I talked to Sabrina alone for a moment?” Cash asked.

“Sure.” She winked at me. “Have fun, but not too much fun. Lexi will go ballistic if you don’t show up for your fitting. You should have seen the tantrum she threw last night when Lizzie had to leave early because she had a seven a.m. Zoom call with her boss.”

That was too bad. I was hoping maybe after our little moment last night that Lexi was maturing. I guess it was the wine that had made her almost sentimental. If she only knew what I was doing for her. But she’d still probably hate me for it. It was apparent she loved her criminal fiancé.

“We won’t be long,” Cash assured her.

“Bye,” Mia sang as she jetted toward my childhood home, the path littered with colorful fallen leaves. The lake shimmered, reflecting the golden rays of the morning sun. It was such a peaceful sight. Too bad I felt anything but peace.

I shoved my hands in my jacket pockets. “What do you want?” I asked as soon as Mia was out of earshot.

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