Page 15 of Fake It 'Til You Feel It

“Mind if we grab a photo? You’re both just… picturesque. It’ll be perfect for the retreat’s album.”

I tilt my head up at Nathan, my lips curving into what I hope is a natural smile. “Well, darling? Shall we?”

His answering grin is too perfect, too practiced. “Anything for the memories,” he agrees, resting his hand lightly against my back.

We pose, the flash of the camera momentarily blinding. His hand stays on me a beat longer than necessary, and when we pull apart, I catch his gaze lingering on mine. My pulse flutters, but I mask it with a sip of wine.

Chapter Six

NATHAN - DANGEROUSLY CLOSE

When we return to our suite after dinner, the buzz of the evening still lingers in the air. Dana kicks off her strappy heels with a sigh and sinks onto the couch, the tips of her fingers massaging her temple as though trying to ease the tension.

“You’re quiet again,” I state, watching her from the other side of the room.

“Long day,” she replies without looking at me.

I hesitate for a moment before grabbing the small bag I had delivered earlier. “I know.” I carry it over and place it on the coffee table in front of her. “I was there for most of it.”

She glances up, her brow furrowing. “What’s that?”

“Something to help,” I answer casually, taking a seat across from her on the bed.

She straightens, reaching for the bag. When she pulls out the first item her expression shifts, surprise flickering across her face.

“You bought me books?” she asks, her voice soft, tinged with disbelief.

“You mentioned this author at dinner a few weeks ago,” I explain, leaning back. “Figured you could use something to take your mind off things.”

She pulls out another book, then another, her fingers gently brushing over the covers like they might disappear if she looks away. The tension in her shoulders eases, replaced by something almost hesitant.

Her thumb traces the embossed lettering on the spine, pausing as if committing the weight of it to memory.

“These are…” She trails off, blinking down at them. Like she’s waiting for the catch. Like she doesn’t quite know how to accept something so simple.

Her voice is quieter when she speaks again. “You had these overnighted?”

Disbelief coats her voice as she glances up at me.

“Seemed important,” I counter, shrugging gently.

For a moment, she doesn’t say anything. Then, setting the books carefully on the table, she looks at me with an expression I can’t quite read.Or maybe I can read it, but I don’t want to overthink things right now, so I’m choosing not to.

The deep brown of her eyes reflects the warm light of the room, making it look like they’re glowing.“You’re impossible,” she murmurs, but there’s no sharpness to her tone.

“Is that how you thank your boyfriend?” I tease, my lips tugging their corners into a grin.

“Maybe,” she replies, her reluctant smile tilting toward amusement.

The tension in the room shifts, lightening enough to make me lean forward, bracing my elbows on my knees. “I can live with that.”

Dana picks up one of the books again, flipping through its pages absently. As she does, her shoulders visibly relax, the lines of tension melting from her frame. After a moment, her gaze flicks up to mine and holds.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asks, her voice quiet but steady.

I swallow, caught off guard by her sudden intensity. “Like what?”

“Like I’m some kind of…puzzleyou’re trying to figure out.”

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