Page 18 of One Night Valentine

“It does.”

She’s smiling, and then all of a sudden, she shakes her head and takes a step back. “But this is all fake, right? We need to remember that.”

I nod, but the truth is, none of this feels fake. If anything, this feels more real than anything I’ve ever felt. “Right. Fake.”

I hold my hand out to her, and she puts her hand in mine. She has to be the easiest, most laid-back woman I’ve ever met. I half expected her to freak out about all the attention, and the fact that she isn’t makes me happy. It makes me wonder if maybe she would be okay being in my life.

Her phone vibrates, and she holds it up. “It’s your sister. I bet she’s heard about the press conference.”

All I can hear is Tara’s side of the conversation as we walk through the stadium to the private car lot. “No, we’re not really dating.”

“Yes, of course, I’d tell you if we were.”

“Lexi, you do remember this was your idea.”

“Okay, I love you too.”

She hangs up and pockets her phone. “Your sister was a little excited.”

I grip her hand a little tighter. I figure I should gauge my sister’s reaction because I’m sure she’s going to be calling me soon. “Happy excited or mad excited?”

“Uh, you probably don’t want to know.”

We stop next to my car. “Oh no, you definitely have to tell me now. What did she say?”

Tara rolls her eyes. “You do know that she has this whole plan, right?”

I tense, wondering if I’m part of a game or something. “What plan?”

She releases my hand and steps backward. “She has this whole idea that you and I will get together.” She laughs and holds her hands up, palms out. “Don’t worry, though. I told her it was all fake.”

There’s that word again.Fake. Nothing that I feel right now is even remotely fake.

Tara looks around the parking lot. “Shoot, I should have paid attention. I think I parked on the other side of the stadium.”

I open the door to my car. “Get in. I’ll drive you around.”

She huffs but gets in. “You’re a regular knight in shining armor, Cruz Payne.”

I resist leaning in. “For you, I will be.”

I walk around to the driver’s side of the car and get in. I remind myself of all the reasons why this wouldn’t work. She’s too young for me. She’s my sister’s best friend. And I think she’s still in love with her ex-boyfriend.

11

TARA

My phone dings as I’m turning off the shop lights. I pull it from my pocket and start to climb the stairs to my apartment. It’s been a long day, but I’m finally caught up with all the orders.

When I see Cruz’s name on my phone, I almost drop it as I try to open the text. As soon as I do, I read it three times because I’m wondering if I read it right or not.

I booked a room at Sugar Lake for Thursday and Friday. I’m going to the rehearsal dinner with you.

I shut and lock my apartment door and then fall onto my couch before replying.

I didn’t go today so that you would go to the rehearsal dinner.

His text is immediate.

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