Page 15 of Twins For My Bestie's Brother

Lily

The sea of my former classmates ebbs before us. The high school gym looks nothing like it does on a regular day. The walls are draped with black fabric and lanterns and lights hang overhead, giving it an ethereal feel. If not for the vinyl flooring, I would feel fully transported. I swallow.

“You okay?”

I glance up at Jackson, which is a mistake because the man looks brain-breakingly gorgeous. His golden hair is coiffed elegantly, beard cropped and trimmed. And his gray-blue suit is clearly tailormade to his measurements. “Fine,” I manage.

Jackson’s brow pinches. He can see right through me. Of course, he can. He puts his hand against the base of my neck, his thumb sliding across my skin. “We don’t have to stay long.”

“I know, I know, I just . . . ” I look back at the crowd. I’m different from everyone here. I’ve always been a little off-kilter for Cider Bay. It’s my home, too, which is why I’ve never felt out of place here, but coming back, I just never realized how outsidethe norm I really was. I run my hand up my sleeve of tattoos, one of the few times I wish I could peel it off as easily as a sweater.

“Lily, look at me.”

I do.

Jackson’s blue eyes pin themselves to mine. Insistent and composed. No wonder he’s a successful businessman. I’m sure he can convince people to do exactly what he wants them to with just one devastating look. “You have a right to be here as much as anyone else. With or without me by your side.”

I give him a sheepish smile.

He takes the hand I have pressed to my tattoo in his. Our fingers interlace. “Come on, let’s go find our table. We have to put on a show.”

I let him take my hand and guide me into the crowd. The way he takes control of the situation is . . . really sexy. The way he leads me, with purpose and ease, and, from time to time, looks back at me to make sure I’m still with him with an easy smile and encouragement in his eyes.

People watch us, unsurprisingly. He gets more hellos than I do, but the ones I do get are kind and meaningful. A lot of these people haven’t seen me since I’ve been back. And what a way for them to see me, on the arm of Jackson Roy.

Maybe this wasn’t such a stupid idea after all.

We make it to our table. And my stomach drops.

Tia shoots up from her seat. “Jackson!” Her shrill voice cuts through the music and chatter. She grabs Jackson by the shoulders and pulls him into a hug. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

Jackson holds his hands up, unsure if he should hug her back. “Glad we could make it, too, Tia.”

Tia releases him and eyes me, her smile falling. “Lily.”

“Tia.”

The smile pops right back into place for Jackson. “You remember my husband, Charlie?” Tia asks, gesturing haphazardly to Charlie Franklin who tries to wave and say his hellos but isn’t fast enough for Tia. “I wanted you two at my table, you know, to catch up. Old times. You know.”

I smile. “How kind of you.”

“I’m glad you think so,” she says.

I have no doubt she wanted us at her table so that she could keep an eye on us. Get an idea of what our relationship is like. Spread more rumors about me. Tell all her friends how I’m undeserving of a guy like Jackson.

I’m not an idiot. I’ve seen how women are looking at him. And some men too. I know he’s a hot commodity.

I almost chickened out before we got here, unsure how I was going to make people believe we’re a match. It wasn’t until I remembered what my mom said. I deserve handsome and successful. Even if it’s only for the night.

So tonight, Jackson Roy is mine, and I am wholly deserving.

“You kept your nose ring in,” Tia remarks, unable to hide her grimace.

I open my mouth to reply, but Jackson intercedes before I can, swinging his arm around my shoulder. “She wanted to take it out, but I told her to keep it in. Looks great, don’t you think?”

I lean into Jackson, placing my hand against his belly. Yes, this is what I deserve.

Nice.

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