Page 24 of Fake Engaged to the Enemy

“For one thing, Grandma is getting too into this,” I grumble.

George laughs.

I can’t help but smile along. “Honestly, I’m worried about what your parents will think about those pictures that have surfaced.”

The ones of my mom making out with Crimson.

The thought makes my gut twist.

She’s not that much older than I am. She was only seventeen when I was born. If it wasn’t my boss she’d decided to date, I’d be judgy about the age gap but not upset.

After all, both are established adults.

I just hate that she has pulled me into her life again.

And that stupid picture! Her natural shade of hair is lighter than mine, but it looks like she dyed and styled it like me.

So yeah. From the angle the picture is taken, it looks like me.

The fact that she’s copying my look makes this whole situation even more unbearable.

“I’m going to tell them it’s not you. The media has misidentified you and this whole thing is a misunderstanding,” George answers promptly.

“And what if they tell you I’m a lying scamp?”

George laughs. “For one thing, they’d never say ‘scamp.’ But that’s what we’ll stick to. And that’s all they need to know.”

I’m not sure how to answer that.

It honestly kind of blows my mind that George isn’t demanding more information about this whole situation.

Maybe he doesn’t care.

Or maybe it’s all for Grandma’s sake.

“Are you sure about this?” I blurt. “Aren’t you afraid that it will all blow up in our faces?”

“It will be dramatic if it does,” George says.

I fold my arms. “You can withstand it.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Um, yes? You’re well-liked, you’re successful, and you look like a movie star. You could kill someone, and the town would make excuses for you,” I say, shaking my head.

George’s eyes widen slightly.

Uh-oh.

I just admitted that I think he’s handsome.

Great, now he can use that against me.

He clears his throat and looks aside. “Well. My mother certainly would have a hard time rearranging the furniture in my jail cell.”

I can’t help it. I snort.

He reaches over and puts his hand on mine. The weight of it is comforting, even though I’m getting a little too hot for physical contact.

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