Page 52 of Just Act Natural

“So, speaking up about a nickname that mocks your fears was you being mean to him? What’s the protocol on fake boyfriends getting into fights with real exesin your books?”

“Always hinted but rarely executed.” She knocks our clasped hands against her thigh. I think she likes the idea. “That’s just how Josh is. He’s really good at turning things around on you until he makes you question if maybeyou’rethe one in the wrong.”

“What else did he turn around on you?” I probably shouldn’t ask for details—I’m already tempted to go back into the lodge and make a scene.

“It’d be quicker to tell you the things he didn’t make my fault.”

The urge to protect her rears up again. Whether it’s obnoxious trailheads or insufferable exes, I want to shield her from anyone who would make her feel small. “You know it wasn’t your fault, right?”

“You don’t even know me, though. It could have been all my fault.”

I stop her by the rental car and tilt my chin down until she meets my gaze. There’s a hint of sass in her eyes, like she’s willing to argue with me for the sake of being contrary. But mostly, I see a woman who can’t shake the idea that maybe itwasall her fault. “I know you well enough, princess.”

My relationship with Kelsey felt like following a to-do list—getting married seemed like the obvious conclusion.

Being with Lila feels like two magnets snapping together. It’s inevitable. Essential. I’m drawn to her heart-first, all-in.

I don’t know much about fake dating, but all I really needed to know wasLila.

She grins up at me. “Come on, mountain man. Let’s go find your fancy cabin.”

SIXTEEN

LILA

By the timewe reach Grant’s cabin, we might as well be back in the national forest. The little buildings are set up for maximum privacy—I know we’re not alone out here, but I can’t see anyone else. I can’t decide if that gives more cozy vibes or spooky ones.

I’m tempted to say something snarky about the building’s rustic chic, but the impulse fades when I catch Grant’s huge smile. He’s like a little kid who just got everything he wanted on Christmas morning. His delight is so pure, I want to snap a picture of him and carry it around in my pocket.

I wanted to do that anyway, but he’s adorable like this.

“Is that the river?” I ask, as though the constant whooshing sound could be anything else.

“It’s close here.” He looks up into the canopy of trees overhead. I don’t hear him sigh, but I just know he does. He’s totally in his element. Like when I’m surrounded by pastel rom-coms or a cheery array of floral dresses.

We step up onto the wide porch while he gets out his keycard. The electronic lock ruins the woodsy aesthetic a bit, tobe honest. A hand-carved wooden nameplate over the door readsThe Archer, but there’s something else above it, too.

“What do you think that is?” I peer at it but can’t make out what the dots and lines mean.

He glances up. “It’s the Sagittarius constellation. The Archer? All the cabins are named after constellations. You didn’t notice?”

I legitimately had no idea. “I was thinking Taylor Swift songs,” I joke.

“I would have chosen the Paper Rings cabin.”

I’m still gasping over the revelation he’s a Swiftie when he swings the door open. Okay, nowI’min my element. I follow him inside, where a luxurious king-sized bed dominates the room, beckoning me closer to its downy white softness. There’s a stone fireplace in one corner with a cozy leather sofa in front of it, and a huge mahogany armoire. One wall holds the kitchen setup, complete with half-size fridge and two-burner stove.

“This is nice.” I can’t help but run a hand over the fluffy duvet. The bed’s waist-high for me. I’d need a step stool to climb into it.

Not that I would need to get into Grant’s bed. Just an observation.

He sets his duffel next to the armoire. “You’ve been in the cabins before, haven’t you?”

“Not this one. Look at this wall of windows.” I step closer to the sliding glass doors. The river’s maybe fifty feet away through the trees. Adirondack chairs are set up on the wide patio, alongside a?—

I spin to face him. “You have a hot tub?”

His grin proves he knows how good he has it. “I plan to relax.”

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