Page 6 of Whimsical Ink

“How?”

“I added your name beside mine.”

I blink at him. “What?”

“I added your?—”

“Yes, I got that. Why?”

“Because I knew you’d stress about it.”

“And why has my name been added beside yours instead of on a separate present? They’ll think we’re together.” The only reason I notice his wince is because I’m staring at him. “Daniel, why have you put our names on your presents like we’re a couple?” I ask uncertainly.

He swallows harshly and glances at me. “Because they think we are one.”

My world crashes. I stare at the cars whizzing past and remember to breathe. “They what?”

“They think we’re a couple.”

I shut the music off and slap his hand away when he tries to turn it on again. “Tell me why,” I snap.

How could they think that?Whydo they think that? Does this mean I can touch him as if we’re dating? Hug him and breathe in his scent?

“Emma kept being annoying about me not dating anyone, so to shut her up, I said I was dating you and it happened to be in front of my parents.”

Should I be flattered he thought of me to get his family off his back or horrified?

“And how long have we been dating?”

“Six months.”

“Six months! What the fuck, Daniel?” I screech and he cringes.

“What?”

“Your family thinks we’ve been dating for six months. How? Don’t they think it’s weird I haven’t visited them at all?”

“Which is why you’re coming today.”

I flinch and stare out the passenger window to avoid looking at him. So he doesn’t want to celebrate my birthday or Christmas with me. He can’t be bothered telling his family we aren’t together and dragged me into it instead of being honest. It was never about me and making me happy and getting freaking sea air.

It’s about him.

“And you need a holiday and to celebrate your birthday. It’s a win-win situation.”

“Is it? I don’t have any clothes with me. Shall I wear this for the duration of my captivity?”

“I’ve got stuff for you.”

That gets me to turn my head. His cheeks are flushed. “What stuff?”

“Stuff Ella packed.”

To think there wouldn’t be any more surprises. “As in Oliver’s soon-to-be fiancée and neighbour to my studio Ella?”

“Yes.”

My hands shake and I can’t tell if it’s from fury or nerves. Probably both. “They left days ago.”

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