Page 3 of My Perfect Valentine

Best if I leave and wait. Starting the car, I head back home to take a shower before heading to the shop I co-own with my buddy Elijah. With jumbled nerves, I keep looking at my phone to see if I have a notification—nothing.

Today’s going to be the longest day in history as I wait for a response from sweet Addie. I hope she accepts, because I’ll take fake anything with her if I have to. It’s all I’ll get and I want to enjoy it.

Chapter 3

Addie

The rest of themorning gets busy as many people join the gym. The marketing for new members to join with the Valentine’s Day special went off better than anybody expected, even more so than the Carter brothers imagined because a lot more women are joining. Which I’m excited about.

For the longest time this has always been more of a man’s-man's gym, but over the past couple of years the brothers have worked hard to make it more inclusive for women and it’s been great seeing them incorporate more aerobic classes and dance classes. My favorite is the kickboxing class. It’s so much fun and helps with getting all the aggression out I’ve been harboring for far too long.

Closer to the end of my shift, I finally have a free moment to check my profile to glimpse if I’ve gotten any replies to my requests. While it took forever, I found a couple of suitable matches.

My funds are lacking, but the idea of exchanging a fake relationship isn’t something I’m interested in, but if that’s the only option afforded to me, then I guess that’ll just have to be the case. As I scope through the fake relationship for hire, it’s clear a lot of the men make it as a career move. Some are notably actors wanting to work on their craft. I’m surprised how so many will travel and come to town. On my dime, of course. Which isn’t feasible. But this site is insane with everything it allows.

Signing on, I’m notified of three messages waiting for me. In one inquiry, it’s instantly a no. He asked questions about my clothing size and if the intimacy will go beyond the public display.

Ew. Big time no.

The second inquiry is for a hired fake boyfriend, and he demands that everything be paid for from the moment the clock starts on our first get together to the time we end things. I nibble on my bottom lip, trying to fathom how much all this is going to cost me because it’s not just a fake date, this is a fake relationship.

One last possible connection flashes in front of me and my heart sinks into my stomach. This won’t work. The clock is counting down and I’m going to be forced to date the so-called Mr. Perfect, who is anything but.

Logan’s face pops up on my screen and I gasp. He’s not smiling, he’s just looking into the camera like he wishes he was anywhere but wherever he was when the picture was snapped.

Logan is interested in your offer, the message indicates. Do you accept and wish to go further?

My heart flutters over the question as I gaze into his deep blue eyes and I hesitate to accept taking this further with him. I can only fathom the sort of trouble that will occur with having a fake relationship with my major crush.

Why does he even want to help me out anyway?

Oh, man, this is embarrassing. I want him to notice me as desirable, not a freaking charity case.

I go to look at his requirements and scroll down. Why does he need an exchange in dating services?

The small favor is I wouldn’t have to pay him, but the man is freaking gorgeous. He doesn’t need help with dating. I swear half the women who show up in the early mornings are here so they can get a glimpse of Logan working out. Women of all ages are constantly trying to get him to pay attention to them. He does nothing; he ignores them, but he can easily get a date if he wants. Why go this route?

The flashing arrow hovers over the accept button. I’m more convinced to sway it over to decline because this isn’t something I want to bring to work, but it’s my only chance to get to know Logan better, and there are no other options at this point.

“Hey Addie.” Alec greets me as he comes to take over for his shift. I exit out of the site and smile at him.

“Hey.”

“How’s it going?”

I nod and straighten up the desk. “Good, a busy day of new members signing up. The sale has been a big hit, so be prepared for a lot of new sign ups.”

Alec grins. “Awesome. Brings some new blood into the mix.”

I laugh, and head to the employee’s lounge to grab my stuff. I contemplate if I want to attend the kickboxing class or go home and stew over Logan’s offer. Knowing there’s no chance of me focusing in class, I head out of there and drive home.

As soon as I’m inside my studio apartment, I open my phone and click on the app, along with the message notification.

Thinking no further, I click ‘accept’ before I can talk myself out of it.

Time to be a big girl and take things I want. Dating Logan in real life will never happen, but it’ll be exciting to accept this little bit I can have. It’ll be nice to experience what it’s like to be the girlfriend to somebody as incredible as him.

Chapter 4

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