Page 62 of Just Act Natural

She tries for a fake smile, and I hate that she feels she has to pretend. With me, for me, any of it.

“It’s not nothing. Your account is a big deal—you have every right to handle it however you want. It’s not my place to tell you what to do.”

How many times have Rhett and Dean told me I push too hard? Once. Twice. A thousand.

“I still find it mildly horrifying that you saw all that stuff.”

“Don’t be. I liked seeing another side of you.”

We still have our hands clasped on the table between us. I can’t tell if she’s forgotten that point or if she’s indulging in it the same way I am. I want to run my thumbs over her wrists, but if I do, it might wake her out of this spell we’re under.

“Was it better or worse than the side of me in the woods covered in black ants?”

“Princess, I like all your sides.”

We stay like that several moments, staring into each other’seyes. It takes serious effort not to lean forward and kiss her right here in the coffee shop. I’ve half-convinced myself she would welcome it when she pulls her hands from mine.

“Do you want me to give you a tour of Sunshine?”

I grin. “Sounds perfect.”

I have no room to talk when it comes to Lila’s social media. My easy-going attitude right now is anything but real.

NINETEEN

LILA

“I like all your sides.”

It’s sad that my fake boyfriend is the first man to say something like that to me, isn’t it? Even when we were at our best, Josh always had little criticisms. Helpful suggestions for how I could change myself to be a better girlfriend or a better employee. I wanted to make him happy, and he didn’t shy away from telling me exactly how I could. Perfect match, right?

The reality was, I was constantly scrambling, trying to keep up with his ever-changing expectations.

But Grant and his “I like you just as you are” line? I don’t know what to do with it. Well…Iwantto dive in and swim around in it until I get all pruney from the unbounded acceptance. But Ishouldput up “Swim at Your Own Risk” signs to remind myself how much heartache waits for me in those waters.

I can’t get attached to my fake boyfriend like a leech in the shallows. Even though that’s exactly what I want to do—I want to glom on and hold tight until he shakes me off when he goes back to Texas.

Like right now—it’s taking a crazy amount of willpower notto attach myself to his arm while we stroll downtown Sunshine. I point out businesses and shops, giving morsels of town history along with a dozen glowing recommendations for anything that might be on his shopping list.

I’m probably going on too much, but I can’t help it—I’m excited to show off our little town. I haven’t had a true visitor here before. It feels like a taste of what’s to come with my future job.

Hopefullymy future job.

“That one across the street with the red storefront and the canary yellow door? That’s my sister’s gift shop.”

Even from here, I can see she’s got a few customers inside. I love it.

“That’s a must-visit, I’m guessing?”

“It’s one of a kind. She’s an artist. She paints vibrant, cozy scenes.” Her bright orange and red dahlia painting helps keep the gloom away in my apartment. “She sells all handmade items, most of it from local artists. That store is the biggest threat to my paycheck each month.”

“I should stop in and get gifts for my mom and sister-in-law sometime. Maybe you’d help me pick out a few things?”

“I would love it. I already have so many ideas.” Somewhere in my purse, my phone buzzes. It’s done that at least ten times since I left my apartment to meet him. “Uh, speaking of moms.”

Not the best transition, but this was never going to feel perfectly natural.

“My mother would really like to confirm you’re coming to Hope’s engagement party this weekend. There’s no pressure, of course. You don’t have to do it?—”

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