Page 27 of Faking It with My Bossy Ex

“For you maybe, but we can’t …” Kissing Dylan is too dangerous for my hopelessly traitorous heart. Even if it is to keep up appearances. I know better than to fall for himagain.

Dylan pulls out a star from the box and reaches up to the top of the tree.

“All done,” he turns toward me. I’m about to take a step back when he wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close.

“Dylan …”

The familiar scent of pine and leather swirls around me. His jaw clenches, and I can't look away from the shadow crossing his face. My heart thuds in my chest, each beat louder than the last.

My lungs forget how to work, stolen by his nearness. Butterflies erupt in my stomach.

I shouldn't want this, but oh, how I do.

His focused gaze drops to my mouth, heavy with intent. For a fleeting moment, uncertainty flickers in those eyes. Dylan, unsure? Impossible. I must be imagining things.

My eyes drop to his lips. So close. His breath tickles my chin. Then he presses a kiss on my forehead. It’s as light as a feather, sending tingles down my spine in all the right ways. I draw in a sharp breath, then pull back, my hands shaking slightly.

“Expecting something else?” His eyes twinkle. Even though I’ve stepped back, his arms are still around my waist. My heart is stuck in my throat.

“No.” I manage. Mrs. Parker is calling everyone into a circle and saying something, but I don’t hear any of it because my head is spinning so fast from what just happened, from the feelings flooding my body right now.

I shouldn't wish he'd finished what he started.

Chapter 12

Dylan

I can’t get Amy’s look out of my head.

Those careful eyes. The way she trembled, close enough to touch. I wanted to kiss her, really kiss her.

It took me too long to realize that I was playing for keeps. I didn’t want to risk kissing her with a secret between us.

It’s been eating away at me for a while, and looking into her eyes brings up all the guilt I have. I can’t kiss her without her knowing the truth.

My phone dings, and I dig it out of my pocket, reading the headline.

Oh my goodness, you'll never believe what just happened,flashes across the screen. My stomach sinks at the same time as butterflies explode in my chest.

Amy's probably going to write to Leo … about me.

She doesn't know Leo is me since we only contact through email. Otherwise, she'd have blocked me.

I never intended to fall into a friendship with Amy like this. I held myself back from even looking her up until two years ago, when I came across one of her paintings at an auction site. It took my breath away, and I bought it. Next thing I knew, she sent me a thank-you email, and it all started from there.

I’m sitting on the little couch in the lobby of the Cozy Haven Inn. I thought she went to the bathroom, but it seems she wanted a moment away from me to write to Leo, well, me.

Leo, can I ask you something crazy? I kind of need a guy’s perspective on something a little weird.

Her email makes me smile. I can almost hear her saying it in my head.

Sure, what’s up? Ask me anything.

There have been times in the past when we’ll email back and forth, almost like a chat. I used to lie in my bed, under my blanket, waiting for her next email like a teenager with a crush.

So, remember my ex? Dylan? He kissed me on the forehead. Can you believe that? Not on the lips. Why would he do that? I mean, if he was going to kiss me, wouldn’t he just go for it? But instead, it’s a forehead kiss. Do you think that’s, I don’t know…weird?

I know this is dumb, and you probably have way more important stuff to do than worry about what’s happening to me over here. Please write me back and give me the guy’s perspective.

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