Page 45 of Fake Engagement with my Brother's Best Friend

I roll my eyes, but the flutter in my chest doesn’t let up. "Don’t you two start," I say, trying to sound lighthearted, but the tension between Logan and me is impossible to ignore. It’s like we’re in our own little bubble, and the rest of the world is just background noise.

Emily laughs, clearly enjoying herself. "Oh, Grace, we’re only teasing."

I smile, but before I can respond, I spot the buffet table, filled with glasses of wine and champagne. "I’m going to grab a drink," I say, needing a moment to catch my breath and calm my racing thoughts.

As I walk toward the buffet, I feel Logan’s eyes on me, that warm, steady gaze that never fails to make my heart skip a beat. I pour myself a glass of wine, trying to compose myself, but I can’t shake the feeling that something big is brewing between us.

When I turn back around, Logan is right there, standing just a few feet away. The guests are still mingling, the soft hum of conversation and clinking glasses filling the sunroom, but it’s like none of that matters. It’s just the two of us.

I walk up to him, feeling the electricity between us as our gazes lock. He steps closer, his hand reaching for mine, and without a word, he leans down and captures my lips in a kiss. It’s soft at first, just a brush of lips, but it quickly deepens. The warmth of his mouth on mine, the way his hand curls around my waist, pulling me closer, sends a thrill through me.

We’re standing in the middle of a crowded room, but it feels like no one’s watching. His kiss is sweet and intoxicating, a little forbidden, and my body responds instantly. I lean into him, savoring the way his lips move against mine, the gentle pressure of his hand at my back. It’s a kiss that says more than words ever could—a promise, a feeling, something bigger than either of us is ready to admit.

When we finally pull back, breathless, he smiles down at me, his forehead resting gently against mine. "You want to get someair?" he murmurs, his voice low and full of something deeper, something that sends shivers down my spine.

I nod, my heart still pounding. "Yeah. I could use some."

Logan takes my hand, and we quietly slip out through one of the side doors that leads to a secluded patio overlooking the beach. The cool breeze hits my skin, instantly calming me, but the moment we step outside, the tension between us returns in full force. It’s dark out here, the soft glow of string lights casting a romantic light over the space, and suddenly, the air feels charged.

Before I can say anything, Logan pulls me close again, his hands slipping to my waist as his lips find mine once more. This kiss is different—more urgent, more intense. His hands roam up my back, pulling me against him as his lips move over mine with a kind of hunger that takes my breath away.

I melt into him, my fingers tangling in his hair as I kiss him back just as fiercely. It feels so good, so right, like all the months of uncertainty and lies have finally led to this moment of pure honesty and passion. My body responds to every touch, every kiss, and for a second, I forget everything else. It’s just us, here, now.

Logan presses me gently against the wall, his lips trailing down to my neck, and I can’t help the soft gasp that escapes my lips. The way he touches me, the way he kisses me—it’s overwhelming, intoxicating, and I’m lost in it.

Just as his hand slides to the small of my back, pulling me even closer, we hear a loud burst of laughter.

I freeze, pulling back slightly, and Logan steps away just enough for us both to see Jess standing a few feet away, her arms crossed and a knowing smirk on her face.

“Well, well, well,” she says, clearly trying to stifle her laughter. “I knew you two would sneak off eventually. Should’ve taken bets.”

I feel my face flush with embarrassment, but Logan just chuckles, still holding me close. “Timing’s impeccable, as always, Jess.”

She shakes her head, still grinning. “Look, you two go on with your make-out session. I just came out here to get some air, not to interrupt the lovebirds.”

I glance at Logan, trying not to laugh, and he gives me that crooked smile that makes my heart race all over again. “You good?” he whispers, his thumb brushing softly over my lower back.

I nod, unable to help the smile that tugs at my lips. “Yeah, I’m good.”

Jess waves us off, still laughing as she heads back inside, leaving us alone once more. I turn back to Logan, my heart still racing, and he pulls me close again, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

“We’ll have to pick this up later,” he says, his voice full of promise.

I smile, resting my head against his chest. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Epilogue

Grace, Six Months Later

The sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore is the same as it was that first time, but everything else has changed. It’s been several months since Emily and Joseph’s wedding, and now Logan and I are back at the same resort where everything began.

This time, it’s not for a wedding. It’s just us, here to celebrate something real—our real engagement.

I glance out at the ocean from the balcony of our suite, the sun dipping low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the water. The memories of that first trip flood back—how we arrived here tangled in lies, pretending to be something we weren’t. Now? Now it’s real. More real than I ever imagined it could be.

Logan steps up behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist as he pulls me close. His chin rests gently on my shoulder, and I lean back into him, savoring the warmth of his embrace. There’s a peace between us that wasn’t there before—no more pretense, no more pretending. Just love. Real, deep love.

“Remember the last time we were here?” Logan murmurs into my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

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