Page 25 of How To Fake A Fiancé

“Thank you.” Good, now we’re on the same page.

“Not to change the subject, but who do you plan to bring to Thanksgiving?”

I roll my eyes, crossing my arms. “That’s none of your concern.”

“I’m only asking, because I want to help you.”

Is he for real? “With what?”

“Let me pretend to be your man.”

Bringing him would be the easiest and quickest solution to my problem, but the last thing I need is for him to be distracting me. I can’t deal with my own shit while trying to sort out whatever is going on between Ian and me. It’s a disaster waiting to happen. “Thanks, but no thanks.”

“I could solve all your problems. Trust me, I’ll make them believe we are head over heels in love. Let me keep your mother distracted, and you can go talk to your sister.”

I hesitate. What he offers is exactly what I need. Even if I could search for someone less…distracting, I wouldn’t have much time to find and prep him for what’s to come in my family’s household. Dammit, I hate to admit it, but he might be my best shot.

I sigh. “What do you want in exchange?”

“Simple.” He wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me back to him. “You.”

I pause. “I don’t follow.”

“Let me take you out.”

I scoff. No way in hell would I agree to that. “That’s a hard no.”

“Why? Because you don’t date?” His comment tells me he sees my no as more of a challenge than a letdown.

The doorbell rings that moment. More party guests are arriving.

“Right now”—I push away from him, exiting the kitchen and turn back to him—“I party.”

Chapter Six

Sunday, October 30

Dallas, TX

Ian

Of all the days of the week, Sunday is always one of our busiest. The moment the clock strikes noon, customers come walking in for a good drink and a good time.

I think that’s what keeps me loving my job. There’s always a new day and new faces to meet. I never know what kind of person will walk through those doors. And I may only see them once or, like Jonathan Knight and Jake Hall, they become some of my best customers, as well as my—even more rarely—friends.

I just finish serving a group of guys their beers on tap when Jonathan and Jake walk in.

“Hey, Ian,” Jake greets.

“Hey, guys. Want your usual?” I ask.

“You’ve read our minds.” Jonathan puts down his credit card.

My family has always beamed with pride at the bar’s legacy. But when life as I knew it was crashing down around me, I ran the risk of losing the business.

I’d spread myself too thin taking care of Mom and arranging a funeral, all the while trying to stay financially sound.

That time of my life was very lonely and chaotic. The days always ended with me feeling emotionally and physically drained.

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