Page 21 of Fake Engagement with my Brother's Best Friend

For a moment, everything feels like it’s falling into place. The tension from earlier, the doubts, and the confusion seem to melt away, leaving only the connection between us. Even as I squeeze his hand, a part of me can’t shake the lingering uncertainty, the nagging voice in the back of my mind reminding me that we haven’t really resolved anything.

Logan seems to think everything’s fine now, that the cracks in our relationship have somehow been mended by this one night. I can see it in the way he looks at me, a relaxed smile playing on his lips as if we’ve just passed some test and come out stronger on the other side.

I force a smile, but inside, the weight of everything we haven’t addressed is still there, heavy and unshakable. Logan might think we’re back on solid ground, but I know the truth. We’re still standing on shaky foundations, and it’s only a matter of time before the cracks show again.

“So, what do you say? Think we can share the bed again tonight?”

I laugh softly, but it’s a hollow sound, lacking the genuine warmth I want to feel. “Maybe not,” I say gently, my voice soft but firm.

His smile falters slightly, and I can see the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, quickly masked by that easy going demeanor he’s so good at putting on. “Fair enough,” he says, trying to keep it light. “Can’t blame a guy for trying, right?”

I nod, offering him a small smile in return, but it doesn’t reach my eyes. “Goodnight, Logan,” I say, stepping past him into the suite.

“Goodnight, Grace,” he replies, his voice quieter now, tinged with a hint of something I can’t quite place.

As I close the door behind me, the weight of the evening settles back over me, heavier than before. I lean against the door for a moment, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Logan thinks everything is fixed between us, but I know better. The cracks are still there, and I’m not sure how—or if—we can truly mend them.

Chapter Twelve

Logan

I wake up early the next morning, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. The resort is quiet, the only sounds the distant calls of seabirds and the gentle rustle of the ocean breeze. I stretch, feeling the slight ache in my muscles from yesterday’s tension, but there’s also a lingering warmth, a reminder of the night I spent with Grace. Not everything went perfectly, but for the first time in days, I feel like we might actually be heading in the right direction.

Part of me feels a pang of regret—maybe I shouldn’t have joked about sharing the bed. Maybe I should’ve pushed harder to talk about what’s really going on between us. Then I think about how she smiled at me, how she reached out to me on the beach. There’s something there, even if neither of us know what to do about it.

I consider waking her up, maybe teasing her into getting up and joining me for breakfast. The thought of her sleepy smile, of us getting ready together, crosses my mind—maybe even sharing a shower, letting the warm water cascade over us as our bodies press close, exploring each other in that intimate, unhurried way that’s always felt so natural between us. The mere idea sends a jolt of heat through me, stirring something deep inside that’s been on a low simmer since last night.

Then I remember how she was acting off at the end of the night—how she pulled back when I thought we were finally moving forward. I don’t want to push her, don’t want to risk making things more complicated than they already are. Grace needs time, and maybe what she needs more than anything right nowis rest, a moment to herself to sort through everything that’s been happening.

With a sigh, I decide to let her sleep. I grab some clothes, and head to the bathroom to get ready for the day. My thoughts are still on Grace as I shower, the water doing little to wash away the worry that’s settled in my chest. I want to believe that we’re okay, that last night meant something real, but I can’t shake the feeling that we’re still teetering on the edge of something fragile.

After getting dressed, I make my way downstairs, hoping a good breakfast will clear my head. The dining area is starting to fill up with the early risers, and I’m about to grab a plate when I spot Samantha across the room. She’s standing with Joseph and my parents, chatting away with that polished, practiced smile of hers.

I hesitate for a moment, not really in the mood to deal with whatever game she’s playing, but something in her posture, in the way she glances over her shoulder as if checking for something, catches my attention. I decide to approach, just in time to catch the tail end of what she’s saying.

“…so strange, don’t you think? Nobody even knew they were dating until the engagement. It’s almost like it came out of nowhere.”

My heart sinks, and I feel a flash of irritation. Here we go again. I step closer, and Samantha’s eyes light up when she sees me, that fake smile widening as if she’s pleased with herself for stirring the pot.

“Logan!” she exclaims, her voice overly cheerful. “We were just talking about you and Grace. It’s such a surprise, isn’t it? Nobody even knew you two were together until the big announcement.”

Joseph turns to me, his eyebrows raised in that questioning way of his. “You know I don’t like to pry, but Graceismy sister.”

I force a smile, trying to keep my tone light despite the frustration bubbling under the surface. “You know how it is. Sometimes things just happen fast, and before you know it, it’s the real deal.”

Samantha tilts her head, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “Really? It all seems so… sudden. Are you sure you’re not rushing into something?”

The way she says it, the implication that there’s something off about our relationship, makes my jaw tighten. I know exactly what she’s trying to do, and I’m not about to let her get away with it.

“It might seem sudden to you,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “But when it’s right, it’s right. Grace and I are good together, and that’s all that matters.”

My parents exchange a glance, but Joseph nods, accepting my words without further question. I can see he’s about to change the subject, probably to something wedding-related, but Samantha isn’t done.

“Well, I just hope you’re both sure about this,” she says, her tone just a little too sweet. “It’s a big step, and it would be such a shame if anything went wrong.”

Before I can respond, Joseph’s mom chimes in, her voice warm but firm. “Logan and Grace know what they’re doing, Samantha. We’re just happy to see them happy. That’s what matters.”

Samantha’s smile tightens, and I can tell she’s not pleased with being shut down so easily. She’s smart enough not to push any further, at least not in front of my parents. “Of course,” she says,her tone shifting back to that pleasant, harmless demeanor. “I’m sure everything will work out just fine.”

---