Page 49 of Faking It with my Billionaire Grump

“Relax, Tilly,” Jake says, clearly picking up the vibes I’m giving out.

He’s pulled me in close, and we’re twirling around on the floorboards beneath us. We’re not alone. The dance floor is packed with people.

“Easier said than done,” I reply. I have to speak a little louder to make myself heard over the music.

“I don’t know what else I have to do to convince you. You want me to get up on that stage and get everyone to vote?”

“Don’t you dare!” I hiss.

He’s smirking down at me, and I laugh. As the music continues, I feel myself relaxing. But I feel more than that. With Jake’s arms around me and the soft scent emanating from just beneath his shirt, I feel something else entirely.

In fact, this moment could easily be a snapshot of our years together before I left. The years I was madly in love with him and wanted nothing and no one else. The years we spent laughing, and joking, and messing around. The years I threw away because I thought I wanted something else.

What an idiot!

All this time, I could have been living my happiest life here. But would I have appreciated it as much as I do now if I’d never left? Would I have pined for a different life, having never experienced anything outside of Baskington?

I can’t answer those questions, and now, I suppose I’ll never know. All I do know is that right now, in this moment, being held in my fake husband’s arms, I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time.

A little later, when we’re back with a beer in hand, Mel and Greg wander over with their three children. As usual, Thomas is sitting comfortably on Mel’s hip.

“I hear congratulations are in order,” Greg says with a knowing smile while at the same time throwing a hand out to Jake.

Mel and I share a grin while the men shake, and the four of us talk. Greg to Jake and me to Mel.

“How’s things?” she asks. “Is there any word?”

I know what she means without her having to elaborate.

“The last I heard, he’s back in the city for a meeting, but his text made it clear that he hasn’t given up.”

Mel frowns. “Did he say anything about the fake marriage?”

I shake my head. “No. But he’s bound to have heard. Jake tells me the whole town is in on it.”

“Oh, they are,” Mel confirms. “I was talking to Kitty this morning at the bakery. Everyone knows, and they all know to make mention of it if they see him.”

I shrug. “Well, that’s all we can do, then.”

Mel turns a little so her back is to Greg and Jake. “And what about your other situation?” she says with her voice lowered.

“It’s fine. We’re getting along fine.”

“And?” she presses, giving me a knowing smirk.

I’m not sure how to answer that. Not because I don’t know what she’s asking. We’ve been friends forever, and we both know how the other thinks. The thing is, I don’t know how to describe the dynamic between me and Jake. It seems like we’re in some sort of limbo. More than friends, but not quite girlfriend/boyfriend, either.

“There have been some moments,” I say, matching her low tone.

Mel looks excited. “Really?”

“Shh,” I say, glaring at her intently.

The last thing I need is Jake thinking I’m making any moves on him. I have enough going on. Besides, I don’t want to ruin what we do have. He’s gone out of his way to help me when he didn’t need to. In fact, after what I did to him, I’m still surprised that he has. There aren’t many men out there that would.

“He still loves you, you know,” Mel replies.

My eyes widen at her words, and then I frown at her. “You cannot know that.”

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