Page 32 of How To Fake A Fiancé

“I’m not asking you as my boss. I’m asking as a friend.”

“Go on.”

“What are your plans for Thanksgiving?”

He gives an incredulous stare. “I don’t know. What areyourplans for Thanksgiving?”

I should have thought this through. For all I know, Nathan intends to spend this holiday with his family. Who am I to take him away from that? But at the same time, what choice do I have? I need a guy who makes me go as dry as the desert to pretend to be my new boyfriend after my “breakup” with Ian. Who better than my boss?

“Is this about Ian?” he asks.

I laugh off his question. “No. Of course not. What could Ian have to do with me asking about your plans for Thanksgiving?”

“Based on what I’ve heard and seen with you two, everything.”

I cringe. “Kiera told you already, didn’t she?”

“She and my sister weren’t the only ones with eyes at the Halloween party.”

“Right.” Might as well cut to the chase. “My mom thinks Ian is my boyfriend and is expecting me to bring him home for Thanksgiving. The thing is, I can’t do that, so I need someone to come home with me and pretend to be my boyfriend for a week.” It’s the abbreviated version of events but still the gist.

“And you thought to ask me? Your boss?”

“Yes. But for the record, I don’t find you that attractive.” The minute that response comes from my mouth, I cringe. I just called my boss ugly. “No offense.”

Nathan’s stare remains flat “Thanks for your…candor, Kami. But tell me, is it that you can’t bring him home, or rather you don’t want to?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Then uncomplicate it.”

Because he took advantage of my situation. Because he’s annoying and refuses to leave me alone. Because his interest in me is making me feel things I’ve never felt before, which terrifies me.

I remain silent.

“I’ll tell you what.” He picks up the large cup. “I’ll accept this coffee—but not your proposal.”

“What? That’s not fair.” I attempt to grab the drink from his hand. “If you’re saying no, I’m taking the coffee back.”

He pulls the coffee cup closer to him and out of my reach. “No, Kami, I think you’re the one that’s not playing fair. You’re turning Ian, a really great guy, down when you haven’t given him a chance. Maybe if you give him the benefit of the doubt, you’ll see he has more to offer than a good time. And as great as it is that my brother’s relationship with his assistant worked out for the better, I’m not interested in trying to repeat history.”

“But nothing sexual has to happen between us. It’ll all be for show to my family. No one will know because there will be nothing to tell,” I assure.

His expression softens. “I’m sorry, Kami. I understand where you’re coming from, but I’m not comfortable putting my career, and possibly my balls, in jeopardy.”

“Why do you think your manhood would be in danger?”

“Because if I were Ian, I’d be pretty pissed off finding out that the woman I like is replacing me with some other guy. Worse when it’s someone he knows.”

He’s right. If I were in Ian’s shoes, I’d be just as pissed with me too.

I sigh. “Enjoy the coffee.”

I walk back to my desk in defeat. Maybe he’s right. What if replacing Ian won’t have the effect I want? Rather, the opposite? On top of that, I don’t think convincing Ian I don’t need his help would be an easy task.

I was so determined to avoid Ian that I didn’t realize I never thought my plan through.

I plop down in my chair when a text notification pops up on my phone. I recognize the number as the same one that left the voicemail from yesterday. Ian.

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