Page 5 of My Perfect Valentine

Me: Same. So you need a fake boyfriend?

Addie: Ugh, this is so embarrassing, but I’ve run out of time and I need at least a date for my parent’s charity gala.

Me: Not the whole boyfriend experience?

What the hell am I saying? Boyfriend experience? What is wrong with me?

Addie: Lol, the boyfriend experience would be great. Knowing my parents, they’re going to ask for dinner out right away to get to know my “boyfriend” better. They’ve been wanting to set me up with one of their protégés and I can’t stand the guy.

Anger builds in my belly. Why are her parents forcing a guy on her if she want’s nothing to do with him? She’s so young it’s not like she doesn’t have time to live a little and find the right man for her.

Preferably me, but it’ll never happen. Doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy what little scraps I can get.

Me: You can’t tell them to fuck off?

Addie: Lol, no. I wish. But this would only be for a couple of weeks, tops. Once my parents meet who I’m involved with, they’ll leave me alone again, well, at least until something new comes along that they want me to take part in.

Leave her alone? Is that something they do often? Who could ever leave Addie alone? If I was lucky enough to be in her life, I would shine the ground she walked on.

Addie: I know it’s strange, but I figure you’re up for it since you found me on the site and offered. I’ve been struggling to find a guy who could work. You still in?

Hell yeah, I’m in. I don’t hesitate to respond.

Me: Of course. We should get together and discuss everything.

Addie: Yes, thank you. Oh, and what do I need to be a fake girlfriend for?

Huh?

Me: What do you mean?

Addie: Well, this is an exchange, so who do we need to put on a show for???

Oh shit, that’s right. I had to pick an option when I replied to her post. I’m doing this for her, but she doesn’t need to know that.

Me: Oh, my sister. She made me sign up for this site a while back and she’s been on my case for not having somebody, so I figure if there are some pictures of us with our outings then maybe she’llunderstand I am out there, trying, and she’ll back off.

It’s only partially true. Celia hasn’t been harping on me or anything. She was happy I joined, and it’s all good. She’s so involved with her family she doesn’t pay as close attention to my life. Not when our other brother won’t cave and show any initiative in dating. So he takes the brunt of everything.

Addie: Okay, great. Do you want to talk after work tomorrow? I get off at two, so whenever works for you after that.

“Elijah, I’m leaving at two tomorrow.” I smirk.

Me: Two works for me.

Addie: Great. I’ll see you in the morning at the gym?

Me: Yup.

I sigh and put my phone down after she hearts my comment, but doesn’t respond. A big grin eats half my face. I’ll get to be with her outside of the gym. It’s like I’m a teenager again. It’s ridiculous, I’m a grown man, but I’m fucking giddy over getting together with the hot chick. I’m so screwed.

Chapter 5

Addie

My stomach has beenin knots all day. You’d think after seeing each other this morning it would ease the nervousness, but it only intensifies it because Logan does that to me. He’s so dreamy and hot and I can’t help but picture what it’s going to be like to hold his hand or have his arm around me.

All night I pictured how I would need to kiss me to make this work, and all I could think about was how the kiss would go further.

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