Page 39 of How To Fake A Fiancé

“Yes. Yes, I am.” I flash her a charming grin. “More wine?”

Chapter Eleven

Friday Morning, November 4

Dallas, TX

Kami

“Coffee? Soda?” I offer to Mia as she drags herself through the threshold of the apartment. Her hair in a loose bun, she’s wearing a pink, baggy sweater with black yoga pants and tennis shoes. A casual outfit similar to my high ponytail, tie-dyed tank top, gray leggings, and sneakers.

Around the time Kiera moved out, Mia just so happened to be looking for a place to live. Kiera and I suggested she should move in with me since I was looking for a roommate. I also can’t imagine myself living alone. I mean, who am I going to yell at the TV with when watching some of the best reality shows with hot and horny fuck boys?

After work today, Mia and I made a plan to meet at the apartment once she had the rest of her stuff packed.

“Coffee and water would be awesome, thanks. Rush hour traffic was terrible.” Mia’s shoulders slouch as she sits at the kitchen table. She looks exhausted already.

“Don’t worry. After we’re done, we’ll order pizza and get drunk,” I comfort her.

“You’re the best roomie in the world already.” After brewing a hot cup of joe, I set it in front of her alongside a cold bottle of water. She takes the coffee in hand, gulping it down as though gasping for air. “I’m alive, thank god.” She gives an appreciative smile.

Since she’s become my bestie’s future sister-in-law, she and I have started to become close. All the more reason to move in together.

“Take your time. We can start unloading everything when you’re ready. I’m happy to help.”

She sighs. “I wish my ass of an ex was just as considerate. But no. He all but pushed me out the door when I was packing the rest of my stuff.”

What an asshat. “I could go kick his ass for you.”

Mia chuckles, shaking her head. “Not right now, but I’ll let you know.”

Ten minutes later, we make our way down to her SUV. Attached to the rear of her car is a U-Haul.

“We’ll have to take a couple of trips, if that’s all right with you.”

“All good. I could use the workout.” I smile.

I could also use the distraction from constantly thinking about what happened between Ian and me at the Brick. There’s nothing I can do to get out of our agreement without compromising myself. He pinned me into a corner, and I was left with no choice but to give in. Then again, there are worse things than making a deal with the sexiest man I’ve ever met.

While I find the fact that he’s a man of action incredibly attractive, I worry I’ve put myself in a difficult position. The only way I can save myself now is to shove down my emotions, all the while learning as much as I possibly can about him, act like the most doting girlfriend he’s ever had, and then run for the hills the moment it’s over.

“Same here,” Mia replies as she lifts the hatch of the U-Haul. A first glance inside tells me Mia is not only meticulous with her packing and organizing, but she also has a larger-than-life wardrobe. I count six large bins filled with clothes.

Her closet will put mine to shame.

“The purple bins contain my casual clothes like jeans and T-shirts, and my dresses are in the pink,” she explains as she points to each bin.

Every other box and bin has an identifying sticker on the sides. Some have yellow, while others have blue or green stickers. Her color-coded organization is insane.

“Is there a separate bin where you keep your lingerie?”

Mia and I turn to the sound of a deep, masculine voice. Jake. The sleeves of his dress shirt are bunched up, his collar is open, and his tie and dress jacket are gone.

What’s he doing here?

He walks up to us with his focus solely on Mia. He looks at her like all he wants to do is devour her. I look from him to her suspiciously. For a moment, her expression is one of surprise. Okay, clearly, she didn’t invite him. If that’s the case, then why is he here? And why do I feel chemistry between them that’s off the charts?

“Hi, Jake.” I greet.

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