Page 51 of How To Fake A Fiancé

“Don’t worry…all the bad things.” She smirks.

“Good to hear.”

She gives a wholehearted laugh. “All jokes aside, we had a good conversation. Very…woman to woman.” Her brief summary is understandable but has me even more curious to know what was said.

“Growing up, my mom has always had good advice.” Which reminds me. “By the way, I want to apologize for the way I drove to the hospital. I put your life at risk, and that’s not okay.”

“I appreciate you apologizing. And I understand why now.”

“But still, it’s unacceptable. I’m normally not like that, I just…”

“You care deeply for your family. I can see that. I admire your devotion,” Kami interjects.

I smile with a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

Chapter Fifteen

Thursday, November 17

Dallas, TX

Kami

Burgers and fries for lunch?

Ian’s text comes on my screen just as I’m leaving my desk at KH Industries. A smile creeps onto my face.

Since last Friday, we’ve been “going out together” on a regular basis. Each time I learn something new, I grow more comfortable around him. Though our outings have mostly to do with taking pictures of each other and making it look like we’re a couple, I secretly enjoy the time I have with him. Ranging from movies to funny stories about customers that walk into his bar, our conversations are lively, fun, and there’s never a dull moment.

Until that night at the Italian restaurant, I couldn’t let myself believe his feelings were genuine. That he wanted me for me. For all I know, he could be saying what he thinks I want to hear. Even though I’ve reminded him we hardly know each other, that doesn’t stop him from saying he wants me to be his. I don’t know whether to feel excited or absolutely terrified. But the more we spend time together, the more my worries seem to melt away.

Don’t let him go.

But I have to. Why should I hold on to something that isn’t even mine? He says he wants me to be his, but there’s always the chance he’ll change his mind once the deal between us is no longer hanging over our heads.

I text Ian back as I take the elevator down to the lobby.

Sounds perfect! Where are you thinking?

Just as the elevator dings that I’ve arrived at my floor and the doors open, I’m greeted by Ian at the front desk, smiling at me.

“Hello there,” he says in a sultry tone.

I lightly laugh as I walk up to him. “You sure know how to make an entrance.”

“Says the woman who just came out of the elevator wearing that.” His stare on my body burns, and my heart flutters as he slowly twirls me around. “I mean, damn.”

My face must be a bright pink. I can’t seem to stop blushing when I’m around him. I used to roll my eyes whenever he had something nice to say. They seemed to be just empty words to get him what he wanted. But the more he compliments me, and the longer he’s around, the more I’m starting to believe him.

We walk out of the building together to his car that’s parked in the adjacent parking structure. His hand on the middle of my back sends warmth sizzling through my entire body.

“Which restaurant did you have in mind? I could use a good cheeseburger,” I tell him.

“I was thinking of that place on—”

My phone rings just then, interrupting Ian. I quickly dig into my purse for the device. “Sorry, hold that thought.”

“All good. Who do you think is calling?”

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