Page 16 of Faking It with My Bossy Ex

Yeah, that’s right. We haven’t exactly been acting like a couple since we walked in.

“That’s the idea,” I quip. “It’s last minute, but also perfect, isn’t it, sweetheart?” I squeeze Amy’s shoulder.

“Perfect,” she bites out.

“How long have the two of you been together?” Mrs. Parker asks, her eyes narrowing further. Looks like her glasses work better than I anticipated.

“We were together for the last year of high school and a few years in college. Life got in the way, and then we sort of fell back in love unexpectedly.” I wink at Amy and her glare deepens. Any minute, she’s going to dismantle this little charade.

“Awww,” Mrs. Parker melts. “I just love a good love story. That’s why I run the Couples Contest.” Her face lights up.

“Hold on one second. Let me get your keys and the guest book, then I’ll finish signing you up.” She hurries from the room. As soon as she’s gone, the temperature in the room plummets. Amy spins toward me.

“What on earth are you thinking?” she hisses. I chuckle. There’s the feisty woman I know and love. The one I miss every day.

Man, I just want to come clean, tell her I screwed up, that this whole plan was stupid, and that I've missed her like crazy every single day.

But it’s not justmysecret to spill, it involves people she cares about, and I don’t want to break her heart again.

“Stop looking at me like that,” she demands, an adorable glare creasing her brows.

“Come on, darling, we’re in love, remember?” She splutters and shakes her head, and I try not to lose all control right then and there.

Chapter 7

Amy

“You can’t possibly think that I’d stay in a room, alone, with you.” I stare Dylan down.

If I’m honest, the doghouse out front is looking more welcoming by the second. I bet Pepper would be easier to share with than Dylan.

“It won’t be so bad. I promise I don’t bite.” Dylan is having fun, way too much fun. If I could wipe that conceited smirk off his face …

“I won’t do it. When she comes back in here, I’m telling Mrs. Parker that you made all this up.” This was reckless, absolutely ridiculous. Agreeing to be a pretend couple with Dylan was like lighting a match in a room full of gasoline.

He probably still has that same peaceful expression when he sleeps. But I don't remember how cute he used to look asleep at all. And my brain is absolutely not still infatuated.

He steps closer, removing any distance between us. I can feel his chest moving up and down.

“Look outside, Amy. Snow is pouring down out there. There's not a hotel in town that has an empty room, not with all the travelers coming in for the fundraiser, not to mention all of those travelers are now snowed in with the rest of us. We either share a cabin, or we're going to be sharing this lobby.” He pauses. “I'm not particular about either option.”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. “I'll work with you on the fundraiser, Dylan, but we are definitely not sharing a room. I'll call Laura and see if I can stay with her.” Because Laura's tiny apartment can totally accommodate me and my emotional baggage.

Dylan puts his hand over mine, his touch sending an unwelcome jolt through me. “Ames, I know this isn't ideal, but have you looked outside? The snow's coming down hard. Even if Laura can take you in, it's not safe to drive in this weather. You might not even be able to make it to her place.”

I glance towards the window, seeing the thick curtain of snow falling. It's like a blizzard out there. My heart sinks as I realize he's right.

“Please, just for tonight, let me make sure you're safe. Tomorrow, when the weather clears, we can figure something else out.”

Why does he even care? He moved on easily enough, didn’t he? So why does he sound so genuine, so concerned?

It doesn’t make sense. Part of me wants to let him keep me safe tonight, like he used to. But another part knows better. Letting my guard down with Dylan is like letting my heart wander back into dangerous territory, and I’m not sure I’d survive another heartbreak.

“Here we are.” Mrs. Parker bustles back into the room, carrying a small guest book and a pair of keys. “You can fill out the details here while I get the room set up. How would you like to pay?”

Dylan extends his card, his arm touching mine. Little tingles make trails down my arm. My body still fits perfectly against his. His hugs are one of the things I’ve missed the most since we broke things off.

There’s a familiarness about being up against Dylan but also a strangeness, and I’m not sure how to mash the two together. Things are a blur as I scribble our names in the guest book and answer a little questionnaire. By the time I’m done, Dylan is getting his receipt, a triumphant smile on his handsome face.

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