Page 31 of From Fake Dates to Forever Goals

“You slept with him, didn’t you?”

How does she do that?

I stammer, trying to come up with an excuse, but she won’t have it. I couldn’t lie to her, even if I wanted to.

“Yeah,” I admit, swallowing hard. “We’ve spent a lot of time together this past week, and I’m beginning to realize he’s actually a nice guy when you get to know him.”

Annie knows me better than anyone. She is the keeper of my darkest secrets, and she knows I’m not the type of woman to just fall for a guy. I’m always cautious when it comes to relationships.

“Maybe you’re in love?” Annie asks, her face growing serious.

“I’m not in love with him,” I tell her quickly. “But I’m also not sure how I feel about him.”

I’m not the type to jump into a relationship easily, and the only guy I’ve seriously dated was back in college. After a brutal breakup, I buried myself in work, pushing my love life to the sidelines.

“How did you know Stewart was the one?” I ask.

Annie is a smart woman, even when it comes to matters of the heart. If anyone can help me sort out my feelings, it’s her.

“At first, I didn’t,” Annie admits.

I’m surprised to hear that.

“It took Stewart several attempts before I agreed to go out on a date with him.”

“You never told me that.”

“I never thought we’d get serious,” she explains.

I lean in, listening intently. Annie’s advice has always been gold to me.

“It wasn’t until he sent me a Valentine’s card, expressing how he truly felt about me. He knew I wasn’t into his money, so he had to try extra hard.” Annie giggles, taking another shot.

“But once he won me over with his heart, instead of his wealth, he had me, hook, line, and sinker.”

“I’m happy you found him,” I say sincerely, squeezing her hand.

“Sometimes men try to win us over with money and fast cars, thinking that’s what we want. But when they realize we’re one of the real ones, that’s when they open up. And you start to see a side of them you never knew existed.”

Annie’s words resonate deeply. It doesn’t matter how famous or wealthy Sebastian is. What matters is the person he is inside, and I’m starting to like what I see.

“You answered that beautifully,” I say, feeling grateful.

“I know you’ll make the right decision,” Annie replies, pulling me into a warm hug.

I drive back home, feeling exhausted. I pull out my keys to open my apartment door when I realize it’s already open. My heart races as panic sets in, but my fear soon fades when I see Sebastian leaning casually against the dining table.

He’s prepared a candlelight dinner for the two of us.

“How did you get in?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.

“The key under your rug,” he replies with a smirk.

I wince, surprised that he knows about my hiding spot.

“Are you hungry?” he asks, stepping aside to reveal the beautifully set table.

“Starving,” I admit, slipping off my coat.

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