Page 23 of Fake Engagement with my Brother's Best Friend

The dining room is already buzzing with conversation, the low hum of laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. My heart races as I scan the room, trying to find my seat, and then my eyes land on him. Logan.

He’s standing near one of the tables, talking to Joseph, but my breath catches in my throat as I take him in. He’s wearing a crisp, tailored black suit, the fabric hugging his broad shoulders in all the right ways. The top button of his white dress shirt is undone, just enough to show the faintest hint of skin beneath, making him look both polished and effortlessly sexy.

His hair is styled, but not too perfectly, just tousled enough to make him look like he rolled out of bed looking that good. There’s something about the way he’s standing—confident, but relaxed—that makes the room feel smaller, like he’s the only thing I can focus on.

The way the fabric of his jacket moves with every gesture, the way the light catches on the sharp line of his jaw, makes heat rise in my cheeks. He catches my eye across the room, and for a second, it’s just us. His gaze lingers, and I swear his lips twitchinto the slightest hint of a smile, like he knows exactly what I’m thinking.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the flutter in my chest, and make my way over to the table. My parents are already seated, along with Jess and Logan, who’s now taken his place beside them. As I slide into the seat next to my mom, I feel Logan’s gaze on me again, the weight of it making my pulse quicken.

“Finally made it,” Jess says with a grin, nudging me playfully. “I thought we were going to have to send out a search party.”

I laugh, trying to play it cool. “Yeah, well, the hair situation turned into a battle. The hair won.”

My mom pats my hand, giving me a warm smile. “You look beautiful, Grace. Just in time. Emily and Joseph haven’t started any speeches yet.”

I glance over at Logan, who’s sitting directly across from me, his eyes still on me, the heat between us unmistakable. He gives me a lazy, knowing smile, and for a second, I forget how to breathe.

“You look great,” he says, his voice low and smooth, and the way he says it feels like it’s meant just for me. The intensity in his gaze, the way his lips curl into that slow, sexy grin—it’s all too much, and yet I want more.

I manage a smile, feeling my heart pound in my chest. “Thanks. You don’t look too bad yourself.”

He chuckles softly, leaning back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. “I try.”

The conversation around the table is light, filled with excitement for the wedding tomorrow. My parents are gushing about how beautiful everything looks, while Jess is teasing me about getting to walk down the aisle as a bridesmaid. The air is filled withlaughter and warmth, and for a moment, it feels like everything is perfect.

“Can you believe it?” my mom says, her eyes shining with joy. “It’s going to be such a beautiful day.”

“I know,” I reply, smiling at her. “It’s crazy how fast time has flown by. Feels like just yesterday they got engaged.”

“Speaking of,” Jess chimes in, her eyes flicking between Logan and me. “You two must be excited for your own big day, huh?”

My stomach flips at the mention of our fake engagement, but I manage to nod, forcing a smile. “Yeah… excited.”

Logan meets my eyes, and for a split second, the tension between us crackles. I can see the unspoken words in his gaze, the weight of everything we’ve left unresolved. Before I can say anything, something—or rather, someone—catches my attention.

Samantha.

She strides into the room, head held high, looking like she belongs here even though she absolutely wasn’t invited to the rehearsal dinner. Dressed in a sleek, body-hugging black dress, she makes a beeline for our table, her lips curled into a smile that’s anything but friendly.

Emily spots her first, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Samantha? What are you doing here?”

Samantha doesn’t miss a beat, her gaze shifting between Logan and me as she makes her way over. “Oh, I’m sorry for the interruption,” she says, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “I just needed to speak to Logan and Grace.”

The room falls silent, and I can feel the tension tightening around us like a noose. I glance at Logan, who’s already sitting up straighter, his expression hardening. My heart sinks, dread pooling in my stomach.

This is not good.

The room feels like it’s spinning as Samantha makes her way toward us, her heels clicking against the floor with each calculated step. I can already feel the heat rising in my cheeks, the dread settling in my stomach. I glance at Logan, hoping he’ll take control of the situation, diffuse whatever this is before it blows up.

Logan stands up, his face a mask of calm, though I can see the tension in his jaw. “Let’s talk in private, Samantha,” he says, his voice firm but steady. “This isn’t the time or place.”

Samantha’s smile widens, and she waves a hand dismissively. “Oh, no need for that. I can say what I need to right here.” Her eyes flicker toward me, and I feel the weight of her gaze like a punch to the gut. “It’s not a secret, after all.”

My heart races, a cold sweat breaking out along my skin. I glance at my parents, who are sitting quietly, watching with a mix of confusion and concern. Jess is looking between Samantha and me, her brow furrowed, clearly sensing the tension. I can already feel the embarrassment creeping in, the dread of what Samantha is about to say, knowing that everyone can hear. Including Joseph and Emily.

“Samantha,” I try, my voice weak but desperate. “Please, just—”

She cuts me off, her smile still fixed in place, though now it feels like a predator baring its teeth. “Logan, I just think it’s interesting, that’s all. I mean, you’ve always been careful aboutwho you trust. Then this… what’s her name — Grace — She swoops in, and suddenly, you’re engaged?”

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