Page 17 of Wild Promises

"When my brothers mentioned that I never commit to anything or anyone, that really hit me hard."

"It's never good to hear your truth said out loud. But what if we went along with the marriage pact? We date, get engaged. Prove to everyone that we're here to stay and we're committed to working the family businesses?"

"If we're together, it adds more credence to our plans. We'll look more committed."

"Both of us are planning to stay, but this will cement the idea in everyone's head." I wasn't sure people would believe that I was good enough for someone like Tori. I didn't believe I was good enough. How was anyone else going to buy it?

"I really think it could work."

"Do we tell people about the pact?"

" They'll think we're being silly. I want my parents to take me seriously."

"We probably shouldn’t mention it then." What about the fact that I'd always liked Tori? This would give me anopportunity to be close to her. But what if I fell in love with her? What if I realized the truth: I only ever wanted her?

"You don't think it's too soon after my breakup?"

"I've heard rumors about what happened. I think you need to set everyone straight. Tell them the real story. Then it will stop."

"I think you might be right."

"We've always been friends. It makes sense we'd start hanging out again when you returned. One thing led to another, and then bam—" I slapped my gloved hands together. It didn't have the effect I was going for though.

Tori laughed. "And bam, what? We fall in love? Is that the story?"

"It happens all the time in those romance movies." The words flew out of my mouth before I could stop them. Then my brain tripped over her statement about falling in love.

She cocked her head to the side. "What do you know about them?"

I sat on the rock. The sharp edges were digging into my butt. "I watch them occasionally."

Tori gave me a look. "You watch romance movies?"

"They're usually funny, and everyone is so nice to each other."

Tori laughed, shaking her head. "I can't believe this."

"Why do you think I'm such a ladies' man?" I asked, pulling out the charm.

"Are you telling me you watch these shows to get ideas on how to treat women?" Tori asked, shifting so she was facing me and not the view.

I pursed my lips. Why was I telling her my secrets? "It can't hurt."

Tori moved her gaze from me to the town below. "Oh, my god. Why has no other man ever thought of that?"

"I think a lot about how I relate to people. It's always come easily to me, and I like to be better if I can." I was never this open with anyone besides Tori. I hadn't realized how pent-up I'd been since she left.

Her eyes widened as she looked at me. "That's kind of amazing."

Warmth filled my chest. I never thought too much of my people skills, not until my brothers started attacking my contributions to the business. But the more I thought about it, the more I suspected they didn't understand how good I was at my job. I wasn't replaceable or expendable. I was vital to the running of the resort, and I was going to prove it to them. If I had to pretend to be with my best friend, then so be it. Being with Tori wasn't a hardship.

Tori refocused on me. "Do you think I could move in with my fake boyfriend?"

I nodded. "Sure."

"Are you serious?" Her voice was incredulous.

"We could say you're moving in as a friend so you don't have to live with your parents, then one thing leads to the other."

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