Page 128 of Fake Married to the Grumps

“It’s not going to work,” I murmur, holding my breath because of the dizziness coursing through me.

“But what would it hurt to try?” He looks at me solemnly, and I almost feel pity for him.

I mean, if he’s this desperate to change how people see him, then it means he really needs me, right?

He touches my arm, and I sigh before shifting out of his reach a little. “This could be your chance to leave Golden Bay, Gracie. There’s a whole new world outside of this town, and you could explore all of that—I could show you all of that if you give this a chance. You’d meet lots of new people, publishers, celebrities … people who can make your dreams come true, Gracie.”

It's not just his words that draw me in. It’s his soft tone and the sweetness of his scent lingering around me.

Jace interrupts, putting his hand on Trevor’s arm to stop him from coming closer to me.

“Back away, Trevor,” Jace warns in a sterner tone. “I mean it this time.”

Trevor only shakes his head as he walks to the door. “Think about it, Gracie. This is your decision, not his.”

When he finally walks away, I let out the pent-up breath I didn’t realize I had been holding and nearly sink to the ground because of my weak knees.

I’ve always been content here in Golden Bay, but I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit that I’ve wondered what the rest of the world was like. Reading books opens my mind to the prospects of a different life.

A life away from this small town, in some large city bustling with similar minds and talents.

I’ve dreamed of one day finding my own way in the world, regardless of whatever town it might be. Writing, publishing my own books, and traveling the world. These are the dreams I’ve shared with Trevor in the past.

He knows my passion.

“Gracie …”

“I need to think about this for myself,” I say to Jace before he gets the chance to discourage me again. “This has to be my choice, Jace, not yours.”

Jace stares at me, grimly. “Trevor’s hurt you once, Gracie, and I watched you withdraw into a shell, not willing to risk your heartwith anyone for a long time. If you do this … if you play this game with him, then you risk getting hurt all over again. I forgave him once before. I don’t think I can do that again.”

When Jace finally leaves the office, too, I sink to the ground and burrow my face in my hands.

What do I do?

***

Trevor’s house has always been the biggest in Golden Bay. Back in high school, a lot of us referred to it as “The White House” because of its aristocratic design and its majestic view of the beach.

I didn’t expect Trevor to move back in there when he returned to town. The house had been empty long before he left Golden Bay to follow his passion for basketball.

Trevor is sitting on the front porch with a can of soda when I arrive, and he shakes his head while staring at his phone’s screen. He doesn’t notice my presence as I walk up. The wind ruffles my hair, and I struggle to keep it in place with both hands.

I clear my throat to get Trevor’s attention. There’s a deep frown furrowed into his face when he finally looks up, and he murmurs my name with ease.

“Three months,” I say to him, folding my arms across my chest. I had time to think about Trevor’s proposal, and even though it’s a crazy one, this is my one chance to experience the world outside of Golden Bay.

“You’re saying yes?” he asks, his eyes lighting up as he stands and bursts into a light chuckle.

“Three months and it’s over. We make it like a clean break, no drama in the media or whatever. We can say I dumped you, if that helps.”

He chuckles, and the sound draws a smile to my lips.

“I want my privacy always. I get to choose if or when I want to show up for any interviews with the press of any sort. No physical contact when we’re alone, no flirting, and definitely no falling in love!”

Not falling in love is the most important part.

I can’t have my heart doing crazy things while Trevor is close because I know fully well that he’s not the kind of guy I should fall for. He has hurt me once before, and I’ve not forgotten the sting of his rejection.

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