Page 5 of Faking It with My Bossy Ex

“Would you believe me if I said this is where I chose to vacation this year?” My grin widens and I watch her squirm in her seat.

“No,” her eyes narrow and she shakes her head. “Really, why are you here?”

Helping Snowfall Springs to get their own convention center, elevate the town, and create opportunities. That’s why I’m supposed to be here.

Or maybe it’s because I miss what I had with her last time I was here.

No, Amy hasn’t driven what I do for a long time.

You’re the reason you’re not together anymore.

“I'm here for the fundraiser. It's kind of a big thing, you know?” Fundraisers aren’t really my scene. My advisers recommended it be a hands-on sort of thing instead of me throwing a check at the problem. It took some time, but the idea grew on me. Now that Amy’s in the picture, it’s growing on me more.

“It is a big thing, but not something you would be interested in.” She looks me up and down, waiting for an answer, her eyes still narrowed in suspicion.

“Usually, no, I wouldn’t be, but I didn’t have anything better to do.” I grin. “How was Europe?”

She draws in a sharp breath. Her slender fingers fidget with a silver ring I don’t recognize. My eyes bore into it. If they were lasers, it would have melted away. The ring I gave her on our third anniversary is nowhere to be seen.

“It was the best year of my life.” Her chin is still held high, her fiery gaze challenging me to question her statement. I find her standing up for herself incredibly enticing.

I clench my jaw. It’s a good thing it was the best year of her life. She deserves to be happy.

“How long will you be in town?” Her gaze darts over, a cute pout making a brief appearance. Goodness, I miss those expressions.

“Trying to get rid of me already?” I shoot her a dazzling grin.

“You could have picked anywhere else to visit for the holidays. Didn't you think I might be here?” Amy's voice pitches higher.

My throat tightens. Of course, I'd thought about it. I’d imagined running into her, finding her in the town square and picking up right where we left off.

I meet her gaze, drinking in the sight of her. Her eyes remind me of emeralds, now sparking with irritation. If anything, she’s only gotten more beautiful in the last eight years.

“Believe it or not, Ames, I don't live my life trying to avoid you.” The old endearment slips out before I can stop it. She remindsme of fire, so full of life and vibrant colors. I quirk an eyebrow, a hint of challenge creeping into my voice. “Do you live yours trying to avoid me?”

Amy's cheeks flush, and for a split second, something flickers in her eyes. Longing? It's gone too fast for me to be sure.

“Don’t call me that,” she snaps, eyebrows snapping into a glare. “And, no, I most certainly don’t.” She leans back into the seat, crossing her arms and gritting her teeth.

My heart thuds against my ribs. There was a time when one look from her made me feel ten feet tall, invincible. Now? It's like I've committed a cardinal sin just by existing in her space.

I flash her my best roguish grin, the one that used to make her roll her eyes and smile.

“Come on, Ames. Snowfall Springs isn't big enough for mortal enemies. Think we can be civil? For old times' sake?” I've missed this. Missed her. And no matter how much she might wish otherwise, we’re stuck with each other, at least as long as we’re in Snowfall Springs.

“No, I don’t. I’ve heard stories of enemies making it work in much smaller towns than Snowfall Springs.” She shrugs, a mask of indifference sliding over her features. It only makes me more determined to poke at her walls.

“What should we do, split the town down the middle?” I lift an eyebrow, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

She glares at me.

“You’re going to make this difficult, aren’t you?” She’s back at it, her breaths coming out in little chilly puffs of air.

“That’s what I’m good at. Making you angry has its advantages, like how beautiful you are when you look like you want to kill me.”

Her cheeks flush crimson, and my eyes drop to her lips. I can almost feel them on mine. She still has that effect on me. Eight years, and all it takes is one look to send me hurtling back to that park bench in Snowfall Springs. I can almost taste the strawberry ice cream melting on my tongue, feel the warmth of her hand in mine as we celebrate another year together.

I swallow hard, trying to shake off the memory.

---