Page 56 of Surprisingly Us

“It’s new,” I say, finally. “We reconnected at Hannah and James’s wedding and we’re seeing where it goes.”

I want to pat myself on the back for how casual I sound. See, maybe I can be convincing.

Sophie sets her fork down. “Hunter’s not one to get involved in other people’s relationships but he was concerned when he saw you two dancing at the wedding and when it was confirmed that you two were dating, he had some opinions on it, that’s for sure.” Sophie doesn’t have to elaborate on Hunter’s opinions for me to know what was likely said. It’s the same reason why Rhys needs me to be his fake girlfriend. His reputation for sleepingaround and partying doesn’t exactly make him great boyfriend material.

I nod, not surprised by Hunter’s apprehension about me and Rhys. “Hunter’s like a brother to me, so I can see how he might be concerned.”

“I’m curious what Hannah thinks.” Emma takes a bite of her chicken sandwich, then washes it down with Diet Coke. “Have you talked to her?”

Since Hannah left for her honeymoon, I’ve gotten one text from her. A picture of her and James arriving at their resort, drinks in their hands, and tired, but blissful smiles on their faces. Maybe it’s a blessing that Hannah is out of the loop right now. That she isn’t calling or texting me asking about the new relationship between me and Rhys that came out of nowhere.

“No, not yet. I didn’t want to bring it up before she left for her honeymoon. The timing didn’t feel right.”

When I’d agreed to the fake relationship with Rhys, I hadn’t given any thought to needing to explain the relationship to friends or family. I’d been solely focused on how the act of dating could help me find passion in my dancing in time for fall evaluations and the role selection forRubies.But after this conversation, it’s clear I need to work on my enthusiasm for our relationship.

Chloe’s already got the picture of me and Rhys pulled up. The one he took of us on my couch to confirm we were dating. “Aw, I think you two are cute together.”

Emma reaches forward to show her phone screen.

“Forget cute. This picture is hot,” she says, her jaw dropping as she glances back over to me. “The way he looks at you.”

My face flushes.

It’s the one from our date. Rhys’s hand possessively wrapped around my waist as we walk inside. My nipples pebbled beneath the silk of the slip dress. When Isabella told me to make mynipples a fashion statement, I didn’t realize they’d actually be hitting the tabloids.

“You two look so freaking good together.” Sophie fans her face. “The sexual tension in that photo alone is making me sweat.”

“How many dates have you been on?” Emma asks at the same time Chloe starts talking. “Are you officially in a relationship or is it casual?”

Sophie’s eyes widen. “Have you always had feelings for him?”

My mouth hangs open trying to sort out their rapid-fire questions. Before I can respond, my phone buzzes with the notification that I’ve got class in thirty minutes.Saved by the buzz!

“Oh, shoot. I’ve got to get to my class.” I take one last sip of water before I start gathering my things, pretending like I didn’t just sidestep their questions.

Sophie checks her watch. “I’ve got to get back to work, too.”

Chloe waves the paperback at me. “Don’t forget your book!”

“Thanks!”

After hugs goodbye and promises to join the group chat to discuss the book, I toss the paperback in my bag and leave the restaurant for my class at Leg-Up.

On the walk, I think about what Chloe shared. How she’d wished she was more prepared for playing her part as Barrett’s girlfriend. Preparation is my middle name, so I take it as a sign that Rhys and I need to spend more time practicing for the dinner party next week and tonight, that’s exactly what we’ll be doing.

CHAPTER 15

Rhys

“You live on a boat?”

Lettie stands on the dock, squinting at me from under her pink New York Yankees hat. She’s in black spandex shorts and an oversized white t-shirt with her long, dark hair spilling over her shoulders. A jean jacket folded over her arms and a beige tote bag hangs from one shoulder.

The answer is obvious, I do live on a boat, but Lettie’s question runs deeper than simply being surprised by the idea that someone has chosen a home on the water. It’s because as a man who lost both his parents in a boating accident fifteen years ago, it’s an interesting choice.

“Yeah, this is home. For now.”

“Until you decide to sail off into the sunset?” she asks, a curious smile on her lips.

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