Page 88 of Just Act Natural

Mr. Parrish’s voice is hard, his arms crossed tight over his chest. A sinking sensation of guilt without cause courses through my stomach. He’d been friendly enough during the party, but he’s got the protective father stance down now.

“I know she’s a grown woman, and she wouldn’t appreciate me speaking up for her like this. But I didn’t speak up for her the last time around, and that was a mistake.”

It’s not a threat so much as a rebuke of himself, and I respect the hell out of him for it. I’ve wondered just how much her ex kept his true personality under wraps while they were together. It sounds like he made an effort but never managed a complete job of it.

I want to defend myself, and not just to avoid whatever repercussions I might have coming if I don’t. “She’s not just temporary fun. Meeting her was unexpected, yes, but I’m not treating it lightly.”

Although, if he had any notion about thefakepart of our deal, I don’t think he would be very understanding.

“I’m not sure how much you know, but her last boyfriend was a real piece of work,” he says.

“I’ve met him.”

“Then you understand why I worry.”

“I do. But I have only good intentions when it comes to Lila. I care for her very much. The last thing I want to do is take advantage of her or hurt her.”

I won’t be that guy. I won’t indulge in all the things I wantwith her under the guise of playing pretend. I need to be sure that however this plays out, she doesn’t regret anything when I go home. If that means playing the role of fake boyfriend a little less whole-heartedly than I have been, I’ll do it. She’s been through enough already with someone who only took from her, I won’t risk doing the same thing.

His eyes narrow on me so long my skin crawls in anticipation of him using those fancy new golf clubs on my skull. But finally, he relents and eases up on his stare-down.

“She’s got a big heart. It’s been trampled by someone who couldn’t see it for the gift it was. If you’re smart, you won’t do the same.”

I’ve only known her a few weeks, but I understand how precious a gift her heart would be. If I had the chance—arealchance—to win it, I would never let her go.

“No, sir.”

He nods. “Good.”

I take a step toward the garage door.

He lays a hand out to stop me. “Where are you going? I still have to show you the clubs.”

TWENTY-SEVEN

LILA

Tonight went betterthan I expected. I never thought I would praise my Mom’s subtlety, but she could have been a whole lot more direct with her pushy questions for Grant and me. Luckily, she had Griffin and Hope to coo over all night, so she still got her fill of dreaming up romantic weddings for somebody.

The drive home, though, doesn’t feel like the same success. The air in the car sticks and catches, and Grant’s lingering silence forms a hard little ball of worry in my stomach.

Really, an engagement party is a terrible choice of date for this early in a relationship, no matter how faux. It’s a lot of pressure on a guy. Like going on a first date on February thirteenth.

“Was that too much?” I finally ask when he parks in front of my building. “Did my mom scare you off?”

He glances my way. It’s hard to tell in the dim light of his SUV, but he seems surprised by the question.

“No, your mom didn’t scare me off.”

“Oh. Well, that’s good.” But without that, I’m stumped to explainhis silence.

We get out of the car, and I let us into the building so he can walk me up to my door. I hope he doesn’t notice the musty old-building smell somebody keeps trying to cover with lemon-scented air freshener. My fingers are crossed someone will buy out the owners and update the apartments, but if they did, it would probably triple my rent. Kind of a catch-22.

It’s late. I shouldnotinvite Grant in. But after snuggling up to him all evening and sitting in his comfy lap for so long, I can’t think about much more than extending the night just a little. Maybe another kiss? One last cuddle?

I can be strong. I can give him a hug and say goodnight and leave it at that. I absolutely can.

“Do you want to come in?”

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