Page 21 of Rejected Pretend Mate

April leaned into me, batting her eyelashes as she did. "Well, I think I can handle it. I had to deal with Cayden for a long time. He's a handful."

I knew she was just saying the words, but my stomach flipped at them. I ran a hand down her back, hoping we looked like that loving couple everyone needed to see.

We continued to eat and chat. We spoke about the fundraiser that Wendy and Ashley were putting together. We talked about the kids and their upcoming birthdays. We laughed and enjoyed ourselves. Riley pulled herself up and sighed. "How about a game, April?"

"Yeah," April sprung up quicker than I expected, and my stomach dipped. I wondered if she wanted away from the table that bad. I watched her and Riley get a table and set the game up.

"So, how long have you known April again?" Lucas asked. "I'm still trying to understand. The math isn't mathing for me."

"What?" I looked at Lucas, confused. "We've known each other for years." I turned back to the guys. "I grew up with her. Jesus, I've known her as long as I've known Cayden."

"And you proposed marriage?" Miles asked. He looked at the girls and then back at us. "I mean, I see why. She's a catch."

Cayden glared at him. "Really? She's a catch? Did you forget you're married?"

"I said a catch," Miles quickly said. "I didn't say anything vulgar. And she is."

I grabbed my beer and took a long swig. I knew they wanted details and any other circumstance I could give them. But this was also Cayden's sister. There was a fine line I had to walk.

I couldn't give too much information if I wanted to die, but I also had to share enough information. Otherwise, the guys weren't going to believe this. I was the type to share details.

"I'm not saying anything detailed," I said, pointing to Cayden. "He doesn't need to know the details."

Miles and Thomas laughed. "Then give us something. You guys got married! That's pretty big."

I went for an easy lie. "I've always had a crush on her, and we've been in touch. When you know, you know."

"Still hard to believe," Lucas said, taking a swig of his drink. "Because out of all of us, you've slept with more women than all of us put together."

I cringed because I couldn't deny that. I had been with a lot of women, but they were all aware I never wanted anything serious. It was just stress release.

I glanced back at April, knowing it wasn't the same for her. She was different. I would never jump in bed with her a few times and be done. I would always want more. I'd always wanted more from her. I wanted everything with April, and I always had.

She leaned over the table, hitting the eight ball. Laura and Riley were talking on the other side of the table and laughing about something.

I watched as a large man walked over to April. I saw the way his eyes scanned her. A smirk pulled at his lips. He stopped next to her, way too close to her. She pulled herself back up, turning to him. He said something to her, and she softly smiled.

It curled up my insides. I'd seen plenty of guys look at April before, but this was something else.

"Weslie," Ayden growled in a low warning, but I shot up and marched across the bar towards them. "Aw fuck," I heard Ayden curse as I walked away.

"You look like you need a little help," the guy said, reaching for the pool cue. His fingers wrapped around April. I wanted to take the stick and shove it up his ass.

Rage filled me, and I stopped just behind April. I quickly grabbed her waist, yanking her back and wrapping my armsaround her. I glared at the guy and smiled. "Hey, sweetie. How's your game going?"

The guy looked at me, taking a step back. He instantly knew he'd done wrong.

April looked stunned. "Nothing. I was just about to reset the game."

I glared at the guy, tightening my hold on April. "Can I help you?" I asked him.

The guy looked at April and then back at me. He shook his head. "Was just offering the gal how to play is all."

"Well, the gal," I growled. "Is married."

He quickly retreated, and April turned, glaring at me. I gave her a smile, feeling the heat between us. I leaned closer, pulling her against me. "Would you like me to show you how to play?"

She looked at me for a moment before she set the pool cue down. She swallowed, shaking her head. "I need another drink."

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