Page 30 of Faking it With the Player Next Door

“Taylor?” Van’s voice broke the stillness, soft but serious.

I turned slowly, seeing him standing by the door, his expression tense. His dark brown hair was in disarray, andappeared unlike his usual composed self. He seemed vulnerable, almost hesitant, like he wasn’t sure what to say.

“I figured you’d show up eventually,” I said, folding my arms as I met his gaze. “What is it, Van? Come to explain why three beautiful women were fawning over you last night while I stood by like I didn’t exist?”

He winced, and I could see the guilt flash across his face. “It wasn’t like that, Taylor.”

“Really? Because that’s exactly how it felt.” I shook my head, my voice laced with frustration. “We’re supposed to be in this fake relationship, and you acted like I was invisible. How do you think that made me feel?”

Van sighed and stepped closer to the deck railing, his eyes never leaving mine. “You’re right. I mishandled it. I didn’t realize how much attention I’d get being back in town… I didn’t think it would affect you like that.”

His admission surprised me, but I wasn’t ready to let him off the hook. “You didn’t think it would affect me? Van, this whole situation is confusing enough. You can’t just ignore me when it’s convenient.”

Taking in my words, he nodded and apologized, saying, “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

Although his voice was genuine, I remained guarded.

“And then there’s Ellie,” I added, crossing my arms tighter. “I’ve seen you with her twice. I’m not naïve, Van. If the kiss was just a way to keep me around while you figure things out with her, I would not stand for it.”

“Taylor, Ellie’s not what you think,” he said, pleading. “We’re not together. Not anymore. She returned out of the blue, but whatever we had was long over. I swear.”

I wanted to believe him, but a part of me still couldn’t shake the feeling of being used.

“So why didn’t you tell me about her before? You could’ve been honest with me from the start.”

“I didn’t think she’d even be an issue.” Van stepped closer and said, “My focus was on you. You’re the one I’m worried about, Taylor. I want to make things right.”

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical.

“And how do you plan on doing that?”

He hesitated, then looked at me with a sincerity I hadn’t expected. “Have dinner with me—just the two of us. Let’s talk, really talk, without all the distractions. I owe you that much.”

I stared at him for a moment, unsure of what to say.

After everything that had happened, the idea of sitting down with him again was tempting and terrifying.

Part of me wanted to say no, to walk away and protect myself from getting hurt. But another part of me, the part that still remembered what we’d shared before everything got complicated, wanted to give him a chance.

“One dinner?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

“One dinner,” he confirmed, nodding. “No pressure, no expectations. Just a chance to clear the air.”

I sighed, glancing away as I considered it.

This fake relationship was already messy, but if there was any hope of sorting things out, I may need to hear him out.

“Fine. One dinner. But that’s it, Van. After that… we’ll see.”

Relief flickered across his face, and he smiled slightly for the first time since he arrived. “Thank you, Taylor. I promise we’ll make this right.”

Despite my lack of conviction, I nodded, with my heart still guarded. “I’ll hold you to that.”

As he turned to leave, I leaned against the table, trying to steady myself. This dinner might bring the closure I needed or open a whole new chapter I wasn’t ready for. Either way, I’d be prepared.

For now, let him try to explain. But I wouldn’t be anyone’s second choice.

Chapter Twelve

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