Page 103 of The Problem with Dating

“Avery!”

“Okay, okay, you’re not a hooker. Continue.”

“I’m training his recently adopted dog, Feliz, and in exchange, he’s pretending to be my boyfriend.”

Avery’s brows lowered. “So it’s not real?”

I shook my head. “As fake as a relationship could ever be.”I think. Maybe.

A sigh rumbled through her lips. “Good. Because if you were in a real relationship, and I heard it through the grapevine of Mary West, we would’ve had some real hard-core issues between us, sister. I’m still a bit annoyed that I didn’t hear about the fake relationship from you, though.”

“Don’t worry. The next time I get a pretend boyfriend, you’ll be the first to know.” I gestured toward her basket. “You’re taking part in the auction this year? You never do it.”

“Uh, yeah, because it’s dehumanizing to have women stand on a stage and be auctioned off to men.”

“Careful, you’re sounding a bit like Willow,” I teased.

“Sometimes that girl is right. Bizarre, but right. Anyway, for some reason, Wesley wanted me to do it this year. So whatever. Plus, it kind of reminds me of Mama, and I’ve been missing her lately with the whole engagement thing. Sitting at Hillstack with Wesley seems sort of cute, seeing as how that’s where Mama and Daddy met.”

“That is cute.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. It’s stupid.”

“It’s not stupid. I think it’s sweet. And it’s a beautiful ring. Mama would’ve loved it.”

“Listen, I don’t like crying, so I’m going to walk away. Besides, your fake boyfriend is on his way over, and from the way he’s looking at you, you might want to remind him that this is a fake relationship.”

I glanced over my shoulder to see Alex approaching. He wore a plain white T-shirt and blue jeans, looking as good as he always had. The closer he drew, the more those honey, cocoa butter, and oak tree scents were revealed. Gosh, I loved how he smelled.

“Introduce me,” Avery whispered the closer he drew.

“What?” I asked, a bit awestruck with Alex coming my way.

Avery grumbled, stepped in front of me, and shot Alex her a cold look. “I’m Avery, Yara’s older sister.”

Alex smiled slightly and held a hand toward her. “I’m Alex, her—”

“Fake boyfriend, yeah, I know.” She shook his hand and held on a little too tight. “But I think you still need to hear me and hear me clearly. If you break my sister’s heart, real or fake, I will shatter your kneecaps.”

Alex started to laugh until he saw the serious look in her eyes. He then looked toward me. “She’s kidding, right?”

I shrugged. “She’s really good with baseball bats and has impeccable swings.”

Alex swallowed hard and then turned back to Avery. “I promise I’ll take care of her.”

Avery dropped her hold of his hand and huffed. “I almost believe you.” She glanced at his biceps and wrapped her hand around them. “Impressive build. What are you squatting?”

“Avery,” I scolded.

“What? I just want to know if I’m stronger than him,” she replied. I gave her a look that told her to behave, and she dropped her hold on Alex’s arm. “Fine, fine. I’m leaving. But remember, I have my eye on you,” she told him.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” he said.

She began walking away and gestured toward the two of us. “I have to admit. For something made up, y’all kind of look cute together.”

“It’s all her,” Alex mentioned. “And it seems those good looks run in the family.”

“Flattery only works on the West twins, Ramírez,” Avery said. “If you want to impress me, tell me how much you bench.”

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