Page 19 of Falling for My Billionaire Fake Date

“See, I get that you both got started on the wrong foot, but it hasn’t been easy convincing Aurora to go to the interview. It’s not my place to tell, and I will not get into details, but she has abandonment issues, leading to a fear of anything stable.

“Britt had convinced her to go for the interview because she felt there was actual chemistry between you two and honestly wants her friend to heal. But I see that was a total mistake. I get that Sophia’s return and the alarm of needing to introduce a girl to your mom caused you to panic, but it’s no excuse to have treated Aurora like that.” Ryan has let me have it full force.

***

I jolt back into current reality as I hear a car honk at me. Easing into the station’s parking space, I kill the engine and patiently wait for Mom or Bella to text or call.

My mind couldn’t help but to, again, go back to the conversation I had with Ryan on Monday night.

I sigh. The whole event replays in my head, and I feel like a fool. What was I thinking, really? I can imagine Aurora seeing me as a power-tripping psycho. I realize I hadn’t actually explained why I had suddenly dropped such a bomb on her. I thought she had been judging me and I let my ego take over. Basically, I acted like a total jerk. And the realization is making me feel even worse.

I may not be her greatest fan, but at least I’m man enough to acknowledge the fact that I have treated her wrongly.

I hear a knock on my window, and my little sister stands there grinning and waving madly at me. Excitement and happiness course through me.

I unlock the car and get out fast. I lift Bella, as she always liked it when we were kids. Being six years older still has its advantages. She laughs, squealing happily until I put her down.

“How did you know where to find me?” I ask, still smiling widely.

“I saw your car, latecomer! Mom’s still on her way. I totally ran all the way here!” she says joyfully.

“I’ve missed you, Jakey. So much,” she says. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I hug her tightly.

“I’ve missed you too, Bells. I missed youa lot, Squirt.”

“Hey! Stop calling me that! I’ll be a married woman soon,” she laughs out loud, wiggling her brows and flashing her engagement ring at me.

Laughing, I kiss her forehead. “Congratulations, sweetheart. You deserve the world.”

“Save some affection for your old woman too, son,” mom says from behind us, and I smile widely. I turn to hug my mom tightly. Kissing her forehead, I swell with emotion, seeing her, “You’re forever young Mrs. Reynolds. I see no old woman here.”

She laughs and hits my arm affectionately. “You definitely got your charm from your dad. How have you been? Have you been eating well? You look thinner!”

I laugh and hug her tighter. Leave it to moms to worry over nothing. I definitely do not look thinner.

“How’s Dad? Hear his business trip got postponed.”

“He’s doing great. He sends his love. He went to the golf club with Dylan. Mr. Hart invited them to play with him and some friends. Dylan sends his greetings too.”

I laugh in reply. “Dylan playing golf? Now, that’s something I’d love to see.”

“It was either that or go on a blind date with Mrs. Smith’s daughter.” Mom grins and I laugh.

Mrs. Smith has been trying to get her daughter married to either of us for a while. She doesn’t care which, as long as she marries her daughter into the family.

I laugh, about to reply, when I hear a voice behind us, and I see mom roll her eyes and Isabella suddenly look anxious.

“Hi, Jacob. Long time no see.” I feel myself tense. I don’t even need to turn around.

Chapter fifteen

Jake – My Worst Nightmare

I feel my body go taut as a bowstring as I release mom from the hug and give her a questioning look, accompanied by an accusing one. Feeling betrayed, I step back and look at both my mom and little sister, not acknowledging the presence behind me. Still hoping it’s a mirage or my mind playing tricks on me, I stare at mom, feeling hurt and shocked. I thought she was on my side in this.

“You didn’t tell me we’d be having company,” I say accusingly.

My mom raises her brows at my tone, and Bella wears the most helpless look I’d ever seen on anyone’s face.

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