Page 43 of How To Fake A Fiancé

She nods. “Okay.”

I hate to sound like a middle school boy telling their crush how they feel but…“I’m into you…a lot. I’ve liked you from the moment we met. And secretly, I want you to feel the same. But also understand I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do. By the end of our agreement, if you’re still not interested, I’ll respect your decision.” My mind, body, and soul are screaming to have her with me, but I know it also takes two to tango. It’d be selfish of me to try and keep her all to myself if she doesn’t feel the same.

She’s quiet for a moment. As though processing every word I’m saying. Is she scared that I like her? Is she shocked? Disgusted? I wish I knew what was going on in that beautiful head of hers. “Thank you for telling me. I don’t know how I feel right now, but when I do, I’ll let you know.”

Her response isn’t much to go on, but it’s better than what we started out with.

“Just know that I think you look beautiful tonight,” I compliment her as I turn the key in the ignition, drive out of the parking lot, and out onto the road.

“Thank you.” Is she blushing?

Not even ten minutes into our time together, and it’s already going great.

We’re almost to the restaurant when a loud ring breaks the moment between us. I immediately recognize the ringtone—and go into a panic. Quickly pulling over, I have the car come to a screeching halt. The moment I put the car in park, I pull my phone from my pocket and answer it.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” I’m frozen in my seat, waiting with bated breath for a sound from the other end. The hair on the back of my neck stands straight up.

Did she fall? Is she struggling to breathe? I can only imagine the worst because Mom would never call me at a time like this unless it was an emergency.

The last time I felt my heart beat this fast was when a police officer called me on my dad’s cell, telling me there had been an accident.

“Hey, bro,” I hear my brother’s voice. “I’ve got it all under control, but just wanted to let you know—”

“What happened, Matt?” My voice turns urgent. “Is she okay? What’s going on?”

“Mom fainted coming from the bathroom. She’s conscious but still says she feels dizzy. I called the paramedics, and we’re on the way to the hospital. Like I said, everything is under control, so there’s no need for you—”

Like hell. “Which hospital?”

“No. Don’t you dare ruin this for yourself.”

“Dammit, Matt. Where is Mom?”

He sighs. “We’re headed to the hospital that’s around the corner from her house.”

I hang up the phone the minute I hear his words, putting the car in reverse before U-turning. Cars around us honk their loud horns. I don’t give a fuck as I race down the road like a bat out of hell.

I must have blocked out even the sounds coming from the car because then I hear Kami screaming at me, trying to get my attention. “Ian! What’s going on? Where are we going? Slow down.”

“What?” I turn to face her. Her face is filled with terror. I feel guilt grip me like an iron fist. “I’m really sorry, Kami. I got a phone call from my brother about my mom and...”

“Your mom? Is everything okay?”

“I don’t know, but she’s en route to the hospital. I hope you don’t mind, but I want to see if she’s okay.”

“I’m so sorry. Of course, you should check on her.” She places a hand on my shoulder.

Something about her touch gives me relief, calms me.

We make it to the hospital in half the time it normally would take, meeting the paramedics as they pull Mom on the gurney into the emergency wing of the hospital.

I quickly rush to Mom’s side, taking her hand in mine. “Mom, I’m here.”

“Ian. What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be on your date.”

“Matt called me from your cell.”

She groans. “I swear, none of you boys ever listen to me. I told him not to call you since I didn’t want to ruin your night.”

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