Page 37 of Rejected Pretend Mate

"How was work besides the fire," I asked, rubbing my hands on my pants.

She shrugged. "It was okay. Rebecca had to suspend some kids for a few weeks and talk with the parents. There was some swearing, for sure. It got a little heated, but everything turned out fine."

I could imagine so. I had heard what happened from Ayden, and if April hadn't shown up and cleared the kids out of the room, it would have been a lot worse.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, yawning as I did.

She shrugged. "I'm fine. You look tired, though. Did you not sleep well last night?"

I waved a hand. "Just a little, but it's fine. Work has been busy." I couldn't hold back the next yawn that came over me.

She frowned. "We didn't have to come out. We could have just ordered food in if you were that tired."

I shook my head. "No, I wanted to prove a point. Your brother brought up how well I was taking care of you, and I felt I'd been lacking the past week. We need to keep up appearances for this to be convincing, so I figured I should take you out. Today was scary for both of us."

Her face fell. "Oh…" She looked hurt, and I suddenly wondered if I'd said something wrong. I thought this would be nice to do.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

She nodded, and when she smiled, I knew it was forced.

Our food was brought out, and our conversation continued. We talked about work and what each of us was doing. I thought the awkwardness from the beginning was gone.

After paying, we headed to the truck and started our drive back home. April leaned against the window. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Would you have asked me to stay if you weren't friends with my brother?"

I glanced at her and thought about it. I probably wouldn't have. I did it because I could see the desperation in her eyes and the worry in his. I wouldn't have just offered my space up to anyone.

"No, probably not."

She fell quiet for a moment when her voice dropped. "Do you want to end this? Do you want me to move back to my old apartment?"

"What?" I looked at her, shocked. "Why would you ask that? Where is that even coming from?"

She shrugged. "You hardly ate your dinner, and you've been yawning all night. You said the only reason we went out was pretty much to hold up appearances, which sounds like it's been a hassle for you."

I scowled. "I'm just a little tired, April. I'm not asking for a separation."

"Well, it sure seems like you would like one. After all, you only agreed to any of this because you were trying to help my brother. You don't have to suffer if this isn't what you wanted."

I frowned, looking at her, shocked. While it was a part of the reason, it wasn't the entire reason.

"If you want to end this, just tell me." She sighed, leaning back in her seat. "I don't need you to walk around eggshells. I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself."

I stopped the car at the light and looked at her. "Do you really think I would have just opened up my home, my bed, to just anyone?"

"You said.."

"I wouldn't have offered it up to anyone because you're not just anyone, April! We have history. We were in a relationship before. You're not just anyone, and Jesus, I'm not just anyone to you. This may be fake for everyone else, but we both know there are real emotions involved. I'm doing this to keep you safe because I care."

She fell quiet.

I started the car forward again and took a breath in to calm myself. "Where is this even coming from?"

"You've been avoiding me...you took me out to a nice restaurant and yawned the entire night. You've got bags under your eyes and don't want to sleep with me. So, I feel like I'm just a burden that you only took in because of my brother. Another girl you're tired of."

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