Page 53 of Faking It with my Billionaire Grump

“Yep,” Phil says. “But you always did love that about us.”

“Yes, I did,” I say, fiddling with the wedding ring on my finger.

It still feels strange, and I haven’t gotten used to wearing it yet. As I’m messing around with it, it slips off and goes careening across the table.

“Oh, Lord,” I cry.

Phil, with his lightning reflexes, catches it, and the guys make mocking sounds at me as he hands it over. “Better not lose that, Mrs. Coulter.”

“I know,” I cry. “Jake only bought it the other day.”

“No, he didn’t. He’s had it for years,” Joey blurts.

But when Phil and Chris spin their heads and glare at him, Joey looks suddenly guilty.

“You never could hold your liquor or your tongue,” Phil hisses.

“What do you mean, Joey?” I pierce him with a gaze. “Tell me.”

Joey looks at Chris and Phil as though he needs guidance as to what he is supposed to do now. Both of them shake their heads at him.

“Well, you’ve let the cat out of the bag. You might as well tell her now,” Chris growls.

Joey still looks bashful, but after heaving a resigned sigh, he looks at me and says, “Jake bought those wedding rings before you left town. He was waiting until after prom, and then he was going to propose to you.”

Chris and Phil still have faces like thunder, but I can only gawk at Joey with my mouth agape. There are no words I can think of to say. My whole body is in complete shock.

Joey shrugs at me. “You were never meant to know. Sorry, Tilly.”

A few seconds later, Phil and Chris’s expressions change immediately, and looking behind me, they pin on quick smiles, albeit false ones. By their reaction, I assume Jake is approaching. I don’t really know why, but I have a sudden urge to keep what I’ve discovered a secret. Quickly, I look at Joey.

“You haven’t told me, got it?” I hiss.

Sitting up straighter in his seat, he nods quickly, and then Jake reaches the table with a tray full of beers.

“The man of the hour,” Chris says, flicking a glance at me.

After everyone thanks him, Jake sits down beside me, and Phil starts talking about his work. I’m grateful that they understand the mission, though I’m pretty sure they’re likely doing it for Jake’s benefit rather than mine. I don’t care. In fact, I’m happy that he has such a loyal group of friends.

When the evening finally draws to a close and the townsfolk slowly meander to their cars, we say goodnight to the guys and head back to the ranch.

“Not as bad as you thought it was going to be?” Jake asks as we head down the road.

There are so many things I should say, but my mind is a whirl. The evening has been more than eventful, and if I’m honest, I need time on my own to think.

“No. Actually, I had a great time.”

He smiles over at me and nods. “Good.”

I wonder if he’s going to bring up that kiss. We didn’t talk about it earlier, and it’s not exactly a small thing, but even when we arrive at the ranch, he still hasn’t said anything, and I’m sure as heck not going to.

“Fancy a nightcap?” Jake offers once we get indoors after giving Elsa the much-needed attention she demanded upon our return.

“Actually, I’m pretty tired,” I lie. “I think I’m going to head to bed.”

An expression passes over his face. I’m pretty certain it’s disappointment. But it’s gone as quickly as it arrived, and he nods. “Yes. It’s been an eventful evening. Well, I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Sure. Goodnight, Jake.”

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