Page 12 of Fake Engaged to the Enemy

Catherine shrugs. “Yeah. They’re wearing out in a few spots though, so I guess it’s a good thing to get new ones.”

We bring my supplies to the living room, where I’ve been working lately.

“Cat, if you want to talk about what’s going on…” I shrug. “I can listen.”

She gives me a look that says she’d rather eat glass. But the aggression of her expression fades quickly.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m pretty sure my career is over,” Catherine says, wincing.

I reach over and gently take her hand in mine. “These sorts of things happen all the time. It’ll blow over.”

She shakes her head, morose. “I don’t know. Crimson won’t put out an official statement denying it. I’ve put things on all my own accounts and people are calling me a liar.”

I frown. “Why won’t Crimson address the rumors?”

“I don’t know. It’s the first thing he should have done, but it’s like…” Catherine grimaces. “If I’m honest, I wonder if he’s delaying an official statement to drag this out as long as he can.”

Surprise ripples through me.

She must see the question in my eyes because she quickly explains.

“It’s publicity. As long as his name is on people’s lips and his face is in the tabloids, it brings people to him. Especially when it’s something like this, that fans will argue over. It means he’s trending. As they say, ‘There is no such thing as bad press.’”

I bite back on the words I’d like to say about that.

“That’s not fair to you.”

Catherine gives me a strained smile. “I’m not sure that he cares. But maybe I’m just being… uh, well, overly emotional.”

She looks away quickly. I wonder what she had been planning on saying.

“The thing is, I need a new story. Some explanation that I can give about why these rumors kicked up in the first place. I can’t do that without Crimson.” A dark look flashes in her eyes.

A new story.

One of the large sheets of plastic flutters in the breeze like a curtain. As I watch it, a brilliant idea strikes me.

Okay, it might be completely insane.

But it’s an idea, one that might be able to kill two birds with one stone.

“Then tell them you’re engaged,” I blurt.

Catherine gives me a withering look. “Engaged to Crimson? No, thanks!”

I chuckle. “No, I don’t mean that. I mean, tell the media you’re engaged. Say you wouldn’t be involved with Crimson because you already have someone.”

Her brows furrow. “I don’t, though.”

“You kept them from the public out of respect for their privacy, but because of the rumors you’ve decided to come forward with them.” I grin at her. “And the best thing is, he’s a childhood friend. One whose parents just happen to be constantly ragging on him to get married.”

Catherine gasps. She pulls away from me, her eyes widened. “You?”

“Me.” I smirk. “What do you say, Cat? Want to pretend like we’re getting married?”

Chapter four

Catherine

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