Page 61 of Fake Engaged to the Enemy

Ugh, this is exactly why I’m having such a difficult time! He’s just too charming for his own good.

“That would be a good idea,” I tell him. “Because I lied. I do want to be loved. But the idea of being loved is mildly terrifying.”

George nods his understanding. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No. It’s something I have to figure out on my own. Just…” I let out a heavy sigh. “Don’t wait on me, George. We’re not meant to be together. And that’s the best I can do.”

Chapter seventeen

George

I step back to inspect the wall that Katherina has just finished painting. Her expression is a mix of being guarded and hopeful as she scrutinizes me.

She has been helping me paint for an hour now. The whole time, she has carefully watched everything I do and mimicked me. It’s both flattering and a little unnerving. I’m not used to being watched so closely.

“Looks like you’ve done a good job,” I tell her.

A wide grin breaks over her face. “Really?”

I grin back at her. “Absolutely. You have a steady hand with that thing.”

She carefully wraps the head of the roller as I’d shown her earlier in the day. “Could you maybe hire me over the summer?”

“Oh, are you staying that long?”

“Well… I hope so,” she answers.

I nod. “I’ll talk to Lynn about it. We are hiring new people.”

Among the new hires will be a social media manager. After seeing what Catherine has done for the museum, I’ve decided I need one myself.

I’m not going to offer the role to Catherine, though.

For one thing, it’s nothing compared to the glamorous life of a pop star.

For another, she’s made things clear. She doesn’t want to stay in Sandburrow.

Which means even though she inspired the job opening, it’s not something she wants.

“Great! Thanks.” Katherina glances around the room to make sure things are put together. “I guess that’s all, huh?”

“Yup. Thanks for your help.”

“Oh, it’s no problem.” She beams as she leaves the room.

I chuckle as I return to my inspection. Katherina has left good coverage on the drywall. She saved me quite a bit of time here.

I hear her greet Catherine and my smile fades.

I’ve been putting in extra hours on Lynn’s house because I want to get it done before Catherine goes back to the city.

Which means there’s more opportunities for Catherine and I to run into each other.

It’s awkward, though. I have a difficult time keeping our interactions light.

I’m glad that we’re able to talk but there’s still a lot being unsaid.

Such as, how will I ever know if her feelings change?

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