Page 2 of Fake Engagement with my Brother's Best Friend

He pushes off the post and takes a few steps closer, his eyes doing a quick, not-so-subtle sweep over my dress before meeting my gaze again. “Clearly. You looked like you were trying to avoid someone.”

“Not at all,” I say breezily, refusing to give him the satisfaction. “Just enjoying the scenery.”

“Sure you were,” he says, his smirk widening as he moves to stand beside me, his presence annoyingly magnetic. “You know, if you’re looking for someone to keep you company, I’m always available.”

I roll my eyes, biting back a smile despite myself. “I’m sure you’re in high demand, Logan. I wouldn’t want to take up too much of your time.”

He chuckles, a deep, throaty sound that I feel more than hear. “For you, Grace, I can always make time.”

There he goes — straddling the line between teasing and something more. My heart does a little somersault , but I keep my expression neutral, refusing to let him see that he’s getting to me. “How generous of you.”

“I try,” he says with a wink, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Before I can respond, Jess saunters over, drink in hand, effectively breaking the moment. “Grace, you have to try these cocktails. They’re amazing.” She eyes Logan and adds, “Logan, being as charming as ever, I see.”

He grins, unperturbed. “Just doing my part to make sure Grace feels welcome.”

“Oh, I feel very welcome,” I say, turning my attention to Jess, grateful for the interruption.

Logan chuckles again but doesn’t push it further. “Well, don’t let me keep you two from your drinks. I’m sure I’ll see you around, Grace.”

With that, he walks off, leaving me feeling both relieved and slightly off-balance. Logan has always had that effect on me—annoying, intriguing, and just a little bit dangerous. I shake my head, trying to clear the lingering tension as Jess hands me a drink.

“To wedding vacations and avoiding trouble,” Jess says with a grin, raising her glass.

I clink my glass against hers. “I’ll drink to that.” As I take a sip, I can’t help but wonder how much trouble I’ll actually be able to avoid with Logan around. Something tells me it won’t be much.

Emily appears out of nowhere, a wide grin on her face and a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Ladies, we need to kick this wedding vacation off right,” she declares, holding up a tray of shots she must have snagged from the bar.

“Oh, you’re trouble,” I laugh, but I can’t resist her infectious energy.

Jess cheers, and we all grab a shot glass. “To Emily and Joseph!” I toast, raising my glass.

“To the best two weeks ever!” Emily adds.

We clink our glasses together, and I knock back the shot, feeling the burn of tequila slide down my throat. It’s quickly followed by a warm, heady sensation that makes me feel like the evening is off to a perfect start. Then I realize how quickly the buzz is hitting me.

I sway slightly, giggling at nothing in particular. “I think I might be the one in trouble,” I admit with a laugh. “I didn’t eat much on the flight. The airplane food was disgusting.”

“We can’t have that,” Emily says, her eyes wide with concern that’s only half-serious. “Let’s get you something to soak that up.”

We make our way to the appetizers laid out on a table by the bar. The spread is amazing—mini sliders, shrimp skewers, and an array of dips that look too good to pass up. I grab a plate and pile it high, feeling my stomach growl in appreciation.

The three of us find a spot to sit near the bar, but even as we chat and nibble on the food, I can’t ignore Logan in my peripheralvision. He’s making his rounds, effortlessly charming everyone in his path, which only makes me roll my eyes.

Just as I’m about to take a sip of my drink , Logan walks by, smirking. “Careful, Grace. Wouldn’t want you to get too tipsy before the real party starts.”

I can’t help it—the comeback slips out before I can stop myself. “You worried you won’t be able to keep up with me, Logan?”

His smirk widens, and he stops just long enough to shoot me a look that’s equal parts challenge and amusement. “I think we both know who’s more likely to tap out first.”

I raise an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. “Keep dreaming.”

He chuckles, low and smooth, and continues on his way, leaving me a little flushed and a lot irritated .

“You know, you two should just kiss already,” Emily teases, nudging me with her elbow.

“Shut up,” I say jokingly, though my cheeks are still warm from our little exchange.

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