Page 67 of The Enemy of My Enemy Is… My Fake Boyfriend?

She groaned. "You know what I mean. I just wantonenight with no strings, anonymous, no names. Just filthy, hot sex."

Damn, that did sound kind of good. "Okay. So you're telling me that's what you're planning to do that night?"

"Yes."

"That's months and months away though."

"I know. I'm playing the long game here because I really need the mask thing, the anonymity, and I have no other opportunity like that. And by the time it comes around, I'll be ready."

I was silent thinking of big events like this in the past and the pressure my sister had put on herself.

"I know what you're thinking," she said. "And I'm not going to go on some crash diet. I'm going just like I am. I already have my dress picked out... and it's the same size I amright now."

A sigh of relief escaped me. "Good. Because you know you're beautiful just the way you are, right?"

"I'm beginning to learn that. Yes."

A lifetime of not-so-subtle digs from society and most of the people in our circle had taken their toll on her. But I was thrilled that she seemed to be turning a corner.

"I'm so glad." And then I couldn't help uttering one of our favorite things to say to each other. "But what does that have to do withme?"

She laughed. "I'm getting to that. So my point is... I think you could do with a little of the same."

"Uh, I'm not really following."

"You said that night with Ethan was the best you'd ever had, correct? Even though it was only his hands, right?"

"Right," I admitted. "And how sad is that?"

"Itissad. And I hear you completely." She paused dramatically, and in that second I had an inkling of what she was going to say. "So why not just use him for the sex?"

Even though I'd expected something along those lines, it still surprised me to hear it.

When I didn't answer, she went on, pleading her case. "A fake relationship with benefits. Do what I'm going to do but without the masks. No strings. No feelings. Just sex along with your faking it."

I was still incapable of speech.

"And another benefit is it'll give an added level of intimacy to your public interactions," Astrid continued. "You know when you see a couple and you can just tell the chemistry between them is off the charts?"

"Mm-hmm," I managed to say.

"So what do you think? I personally think it's a great idea. And I know you really want to. Deep down, you're dying to see what sex with Ethan would be like. And there's no real reason you shouldn't find out. You know I'm right."

Unfortunately, she was right. It was all I'd thought about for the last several days since we'd been home. There'd been complete silence from Ethan, and I knew he was waiting for me to make up my mind about whether or not we should carry on with this charade.

And boy, wouldn't he be shocked if not only did I say yes to continuing, but also, oh, by the way, why don't we add in some sex to the already confusing scenario.

"I'll think about it," I finally said.

And I meant it. Although just the idea of it filled me with nerves. Sex with Ethan?

Another thought hit me, one that was absolutely mortifying. What if I brought it up to him and he said no?

"What if I suggest it and he turns me down?" I asked.

"He's not going to turn you down. He's a man."

We both laughed, especially at her tone of voice as she said it, but that niggling little worry didn't ease up. That would be the ultimate humiliation, and I didn't think I could handle it.

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