Page 23 of Time To Live Again

No “poor Olive” over here. I’m enjoying every minute of this.

“You need to be firm with her,” Tonya says, arms crossed over her chest.

“Tried that already. I even told Ellie I’m not interested in her. And now I’ve taken the situation into my own hands.” He erases the space between us. “Olive has become my fake girlfriend tonight.”

I elbow him. “Maybe you should ask me first. What if I don’t want to be your…fake anything?” I sass.

“Then that gives me no choice.” He gets down on one knee and kisses my hand. Tonya’s mouth drops open. I hold my breath. His poor pants. Thankfully, they’re black.

“Olive,” Leo says. “Would you be my fake girlfriend for the rest of the evening?”

I rock my head from side to side. “Hmm. This is a tough decision. You don’t get asked this every day. What do I get out of it?”More kissing, perhaps.

“Something very special for you. You won’t be able to resist.” His eyes sparkle with mischief. “Are you ready?” Tonya and I both lean in with anticipation. “You can watch me shave off my mustache.” I cackle, and she follows.

Once I catch my breath, I place my hand over my heart. “How can I resist that? It’d be an honor.” I lay it on thick. “I’ll be honest—even though that lip sweater was growing on me, I can’t wait to see your adorable face without it. And I want to know what bet you lost.”

“He bet?—”

“Tonya!” Leo stands abruptly, cutting off her response.

She sticks her tongue out at him. “What? It was a dumb challenge you found on TikTok.”

“Then it can’t be all that bad,” I say, my eyes ping-ponging between them.

“I’ll tell you another time,” Tonya says with an evil smirk. I like her.

“Not gonna happen,” he says.

“Sore loser,” she coughs out behind her hand.

When Leo looks at me, all joking disappears from his expression. “As for the fake thing, Olive, I know it’s a lot to ask. If I were in your shoes, I’d think it’s weird since we met only hours ago.”

“Pfft. You’re easy to say yes to. Obviously, since I’m not running for my life.”

He lets out a light sigh of relief. Next thing I know, we’re surrounded by some of Leo’s friends. Hugging and cheerful chatter spread through the group. No hugging from my side. Again, my insecurities make an appearance because I’m an outsider. Leo stays close by and introduces me to some people. Half of them are drunk and won’t remember me tomorrow. I’ve already forgotten a lot of their names too.

Regardless of my nerves, this is exactly what I needed. To be thrown headfirst into another world, where I have no option but to let loose.

10

LEO

Olive is the first woman I’ve taken to my little cottage off the beaten path. No one has captured my attention enough to care, especially since I don’t live here year-round.

“Holy cow! This is adorable,” Olive compliments. “It’s like a large she shed. And look at this little porch and the rocking chairs. I want one!”

“I hope it isn’t a mess, Leo,” Tonya warns. “No underwear lying around, dirty dishes in the sink…”

The cleaning crew came today. Everything sparkles. I don’t even know why Tonya’s with us right now. Strike that. Yes, I do. She’s nosy about me and Olive. Nothing to see here. Remembering my lips against hers and the surge of desire through my body tells a different story. It’s probably a good thing that Tonya interrupted us.

“Shouldn’t you be at the party keeping things in order?” I say to change the subject.

She props her hands on her hips and scoffs. “Are you challenging my party-planning abilities? Like all others, it’s a well-oiled machine. The guests are drinking and dancing at this point. But you’re right, we should get things moving.”

I unlock the door and push it open. “Ladies first.”

Olive enters and spins in the center of the room while unbuttoning her coat. Tonya and I follow her inside.

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