Page 63 of The Romance Rivalry

“This is such a bad idea. I can’t believe you’re making me do this. Oh god, I look a wreck. Everyone’s gonna...”

The red light comes on.

“Hello, everyone! And welcome to our very first combined Live event. I’m Irene from irene.loves.love.books and this is Aiden from aidentheguyreadsromance,” I say energetically to the screen, practiced smile perfectly in place, voice modulated to sound comfortable and approachable.

I sense Aiden’s eyes on me, so I turn a few degrees with a smile, give him a piece of mind with my eyes, and kick him under the desk for good measure, encouraging him to get it together.

He laughs at me. The nerve. He laughs like we’re not about to embark on an hour-long Live where anything can happen.

The questions and comments start pouring in so quickly I can barely read them. My eyes scan the words.

What are you reading?

What do you think of the new dragon book?

What do you recommend for a new historical romance reader?

I knew I could count on my followers to bring some good questions.

It’s so weird you two are doing a Live together.

Are you guys dating?

Do you live together?

You look like you just got out of bed.

Those must be Aiden’s followers.

I start answering some of the easier questions, focusingon books and keeping the conversation flowing. To Aiden’s credit, he also jumps in with opinions and recommendations. Unsurprisingly, we disagree on most everything, and Aiden laughs like it’s the funniest thing ever. I come across like an exasperated kindergarten teacher.

“Okay, so to answer the most-asked question tonight...” Aiden says.

I immediately straighten my back and clench my jaw. What is he up to?

“What are we doing here, together, on this Live? Well, Irene and I attend the same university, if you can believe it. We didn’t even know we’d both end up here. And not only that, but we’re in the same class, and to make it even juicier, we’re now dating,” he says with an exaggerated wink to the camera, “to spice up our freshman year. Thoughts?”

My nostrils could fit quarters the way they’ve expanded with my rage.

“Now, now, let’s not just jump right in with all our personal business, Aiden.” I say his name through gritted teeth. I look back into the camera, putting on my most earnest expression. “It’s all very new.”

“New, yes, but when it’s inevitable like we are, it gets serious quick,” he says again, with another over-the-top wink.

The comments are flying by so quickly I can’t read them all.

I knew it!

Awww, you two are cute!

Is this for real or are you guys fake dating (which no shade... it’s my favorite trope)

Get it, Aiden. Yeah

Technically, I knew what we were agreeing to and why. But I wasn’t quite prepared for the frenzied reaction online.

It’s at this point I know I have to come clean so as not to be misunderstood. I don’t want people assuming things about me and Aiden, despite the fact that we were making out on his bed just a little while ago and I’m trying desperately to hide the hickey he’s left me with.

“Well, let me explain. Aiden and I are engaged in a little friendly competition. A dating challenge, if you will. We’ve each selected a list of tropes that we will use to guide us on our dating journey. And the first one of us to fall in love wins. Isn’t that fun?” Even I can feel my facade slipping. My expression is much more panicked than fun. So not fun.

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