Page 111 of Fake Dating My Best Friend

“I’d love that.” Diane nods. “I don’t know why Kyle told me you weren’t good at matchmaking. It’s just that our methods are different.” She waves a hand vaguely. “I might even reconsider the contract—”

She pauses, then shakes her head. “Anyway, speaking of matches . . . I have to say, you and Asher Collymore make quite the striking couple.” Her expression shifts to something more playful.

My water goes down the wrong pipe, and I spend the next few seconds trying not to choke.

“I saw you both at the Couples’ Bingo Night. The chemistry was noticeable.”

“Oh, um, thanks,” I stammer, feeling heat creep up my neck. “It’s still pretty new.”

“Well, congratulations,” she says. “It’s refreshing to see a matchmaker who finds her own perfect match.”

Before I can formulate a coherent response, a knock sounds at the door. Diane glances over my shoulder, and her smile widens.

“Speaking of your perfect match . . .”

I turn to see Asher leaning against the doorframe, looking unfairly handsome in a navy Henley. His gaze finds mine, and the corner of his mouth lifts.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he says. “Just thought I’d see if my girlfriend needs some tea.”

My girlfriend.

Huh. How does he say that so naturally? I might believe it if I didn’t know this whole thing was fake.

“We were just finishing up,” Diane says before I can answer.

I gather my notes, feeling flustered as I stand. Asher crosses the room and takes my hand in his, his thumb brushing across my knuckles. The weight of his palm against mine feels almost too natural now. It’s only been a few days since we started our fake dating, but already, my hand seems to recognize his hand.

“You two are the sweetest,” Diane smiles, glancing between us with undisguised approval. “I’m so glad you figured things out.”

If only she knew.

“It was good working with you, Diane,” I try to sound professional despite Asher’s thumb now tracing small circles on the back of my hand. “I’ll email you the updated budget later today.”

“Looking forward to it,” Diane says, her smile tilting slyly. “But don’t let me get in the way of whatever adorable thing you two have going on.”

Heat creeps up my neck, races to my cheeks, probably even my elbows.

“Ready?” Asher asks, his voice soft.

I nod, words temporarily deserting me. We walk out together, his fingers sliding between mine, interlocking in a way that feels more intimate than it should.

“Why are you here?” I whisper, leaning slightly toward him. “I thought you had meetings all morning.”

I wasn’t expecting to see him again so soon. Not after this awkward morning.

“Rescheduled,” he says with a casual shrug. “Just thinking we should go around and be like a couple. To be convincing.”

He lifts our joined hands and presses a gentle kiss to my knuckles. His lips are warm, slightly rough, and linger just a heartbeat longer than necessary. When he looks up, his eyes hold mine with an intensity that makes my chest tighten.

It’s that look again. That Asher look. The one that makes me feel like I’m the only thing in the room that matters.

I glance sideways. Is anyone watching us? Is Diane peeking through the blinds? Is Mrs. Henderson lurking with her camera?

Anyway—this is my one chance to date my best friend without consequence. Safely. Temporarily.

“Right.” I let my thumb trace over the edge of his hand. “So, where are we going now?”

He leans in and presses a kiss on my forehead. “How about I treat my girlfriend to those mochi donuts you’re always craving, and then we can lose track of time together at the bookstore?”

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