Page 64 of How To Fake A Fiancé

She sighs. “It’s complicated.”

I shrug. “We’ve got all night to uncomplicate it.”

Her expression softens. “Thanks, but really, I’m okay. I’m figuring it out as I go. I’m just…tired. And it’s late.”

“Okay. The offer still stands, though. Just let me know if you ever need an ear.” I’ll ask her again at a later time then.

She nods, grabbing her toiletries, a pair of black sweatpants, and a pink tank top, before walking into the bathroom.

Heaving a deep sigh, I grab one of the large decorative pillows and anchor it in the middle of the bed. After that, I step into comfy clothes.

Kami said something prior to coming here about her mom’s dating life. What if that argument was about Maria’s relationship with John? Probably so, but this seems to be a much deeper issue than just him.

Half an hour later, Kami and I lie on opposite sides of the bed. I can’t see her, and she can’t see me. I can feel her lying there, yet she’s so still. Is she asleep? Awake? Not knowing what she’s doing—even though, technically, she’s lying right next to me—is killing me.

Unable to fall asleep right away, I lie on my back, staring up at the ceiling. I want to help Kami, comfort her. But I can’t. Not until she’s ready to let me in. It’s obvious she’s emotionally struggling, but this might be something she needs to figure out on her own.

My job is to play boyfriend, not to fix her.

But at the same time, I can’t sit on my hands and watch her emotionally struggle.

Chapter Twenty

Tuesday, November 22

Hernandez Home

Abilene, TX

Ian

The next morning starts early with the smell of cooked bacon and pancakes. Everyone sits at the breakfast table with their food in front of them.

“Morning, everyone,” I greet as Kami and I walk into the kitchen.

“Good morning, you two,” Maria greets us with a smile. “Eggs are on the stove, bacon is in the microwave, and pancakes are on the island, so feel free to help yourselves.”

“This all looks so good. Thank you, ma’am,” I reply.

Kami only gives a brief wave before making her way to the coffee pot. “Hi, y’all.”

After I grab Kami and myself each a plate of breakfast, we sit next to each other at the crowded table.

John seems to be talking about fishing lines with Aaron while Sofia and her mother are collaborating on some kind of list.

“How did you sleep?” I speak to Kami softly. It’s strange how I could sleep next to someone yet not know this.

“Fine, I guess. You?”

“About the same.” I lay awake for what felt like hours. My heart raced and my dick stood at attention every time I felt her toss and turn. She was right there, yet I couldn’t touch her. So close, yet so far away.

Kami and I are almost done eating when her mother rises from her seat. “Okay, everyone, we have a plan,” she announces. “Kami and Sofia will go to the grocery store to get some last-minute items. John, Aaron, and Ian can start prepping the turkey, and I’ll be baking the goods.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Aaron quips.

John raises a hand. “I appreciate the help, Maria, but I don’t think I need that many hands to help me with the bird.”

He does have a point. The turkey is more of a two-person job.

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