Page 9 of Fake Hearts and Kisses

“I want nothing from you, Daisy,” I tell her. Except that’s a lie. I want a lot from Daisy. I want more than this weekend, but I’m a fucking fraud, so I do what I do best. I lie. “I could just use a getaway, and you need someone to introduce to your family. We both win.”

She looks a little relieved, which is disappointing. While I don’t need a relationship, I want her. Talk about a hit to my pride. She is so blatantly uninterested.

“Good, we are on the same page,” she says. “I’m trying to focus on a full-time writing career, so I barely have time for a social life.”

“That’s a big step for someone who dabbles in poetry,” I say.

She smiles but ignores my statement. “So you’ll be a fake boyfriend for two days, and when the weekend is over, we part ways. Then I’ll tell my family I dumped you.”

“Wait.” I chuckle. “Why do I have to be the one getting dumped?”

“Because it will look better for me.” She quirks a brow and smirks.

I stand up and walk around the desk, mostly to be closer to her. She stands with me, seeing this as a sign our meeting has come to an end. She’s reading it wrong, though. I don’t want her to go, which is a sign she needs to.

Remember Blake, you just told her you don’t want or need a girlfriend.

Note to self: Liars don’t deserve girlfriends. If you want a girlfriend, don’t be a fucking deceitful dick.

I watch as she collects her purse and scarf, moving closer to her. She’s wearing that musky floral perfume again. The one that makes me want to taste the smooth skin on her neck. It’s like a magnet pulling me to her. She looks up at me; her breathing’s a little heavier, her eyes a little wider. I brush a few strands of hair from her shoulder. I can’t help myself. My hands itch to touch her.

“I’ll be the best fake boyfriend you ever had,” I say, watching her pupils grow larger in her green eyes.

“You’re the only fake boyfriend I’ve ever had.” She moves to the door, stepping away quickly like she can barelytolerate being near me. “See you tomorrow,” she says and walks out.

I lean back on my desk, picturing her face. Everything I’m doing is selfish. I want her so badly that I’m risking her safety just to spend time with her. Just being near me puts her in danger.

CHAPTER FIVE

DAISY

Now

“Oh, my dear,” mymother says, cupping my face as her eyes dart between Blake and me. “Tell me how you met this delicious man.”

She kisses my cheeks, then lets me go, her eyes settling on Blake, who stands by the fire talking to my father. My family immediately swarmed us when we entered the lodge, Lily and Erin nearly stumbling over themselves to be near Blake. Of course, they would. Even my father seemed impressed and immediately started talking to Blake about his security business. Being thepresident of an investment firm, I knew my dad would like Blake’s line of work. After I finished introducing everyone, they gravitated towards the fireplace, where they are now chatting it up.

This was such a good idea. He is perfect. Blake has the right amount of charm. A perfect smile. A good job. He is everything my parents want.

Too bad I have to break their hearts.

Blake catches me staring. My entire body heats as he gives me a wink.Okay, calm down, Daisy.He’s a fake boyfriend for the weekend. After we return Monday, we will part ways, and I’ll never see him again.

My mom taps my shoulder. “Well, come on,” she exclaims. Everyone in the room turns to face her. “Tell us how you met Blake.”

Blake grins and pats my father on the arm like they’re old buddies before moving my way. He wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. I glance around, feeling my cheeks growing hot. My mother and father sit by the fire. Lily and Kane take the couch near them while Amber and Forest flop into an overstuffed chair. Erin scoots in next to my mother and father. They all look at us, waiting for me to speak.

“Let me tell them,” Blake says, placing a kiss on my nose.

Yes, please do. I can barely think I’m so nervous having his arm around me while my parents watch my every move, like they’ll be able to tell we only met two days ago. My father has a good radar for bullshit, but he seems to like Blake.

“I saw her in the library,” he says, brushing a hand over my cheek.

What?No. This is not what we agreed to. We decided the story would be he saw me in the coffee shop, thought I was cute, and approached me.

“She didn’t see me,” he says, pulling me tighter to him. “But I saw her.”

“Oh. My. Gawd,” Erin squeals, drawing attention to her. “Tell me you were in love immediately!”

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