Page 23 of Fake Dating My Best Friend

“Can you stop brushing it off? It’s not fine. And I heard you hauled those speakers across the square like some kind of hero. You could’ve called me, Peachie. You know that stuff’s not helping, right? Probably making it worse.”

My mouth goes dry. Something warm blooms in my chest, curling up beneath my ribs. Why does he have to say things that make me feel like I matter more than I should?

His hands slow their movement. They shift to work in a different spot. “So, what’s this urgent business that had you pounding on my door?”

“I wasn’t pounding . . .” I mumble, then clear my throat. “I mean, sorry if I worried you. It’s not an emergency or anything.”

“Could’ve fooled me. You looked ready to break the door down.”

“Okay, maybe I was a little . . . enthusiastic.”

I take a deep breath. The words I’d practiced vanish like ice cream on a hot day.

“I have a proposition for you.”

Asher’s hands slow, then stop. He moves back around to sit beside me. My shoulder immediately protests the loss of his touch.

“Oh?” He tilts his head down, his eyes locking with mine. “This should be good.”

“So . . . you know things have been a little rough with my business lately. I don’t want you covering my rent or giving me anything for free, but I think I’ve come up with the perfect solution.”

“Yes?”

“I can help you find your ideal match!”

“You’re matching me withotherwomen?” His words grind out like chewing on shards of glass.

I’m not sure why his voice is getting rough. I’m the one who should be bitter here. Matching my childhood crush and best friend feels like setting up your dream vacation for someone else and then staying home to do their laundry.

I’ve buried my feelings, mostly. But it still stings to imagine him holding hands with other women.

Especially withmyhelp.

“Think about it!” I say, warming to my topic. “You’re Frosthaven’s most eligible bachelor! If anyone deserves a perfect match, it’s you. And I’m not charging you a dime. I just need to rebuild my reputation. So really, it’s a win-win!”

I flip open my notebook, ready to dazzle him with my meticulous planning. “I’ve already started brainstorming your perfect woman. She’ll be—”

“Sounds like you’ve given this a lot of thought,” Asher interrupts, a smirk playing on his lips. “And what makes you think I need help finding a match?”

“Please. When was the last time you went on a real date? Face it, Collymore, you’re hopeless without me.”

Asher’s lips twitch. “Maybe I’m just waiting for the right person.”

Ouch. And I’d really love to know who that is. Or help him find her, apparently.

“Exactly!” I tug my smile wider. “That’s where I come in. Trust me, Asher. By the time I’m done, you’ll be head over heels in love.”

“And what kind of woman do you think I’d like?” Asher leans in, bracing one hand on the couch behind me. Butterflies riot in my stomach like they’ve had too much caffeine.

It’s probably just indigestion from dinner.

“Oh, you know.” I shift to my side, needing distance before I do something wild like trace the curve of his perfect jawline. “Someone kind, loyal . . . Caring, too. Oh, and she should love the outdoors as much as you do. Maybe we could set up a hiking date!”

“Interesting.”

His hand settles at the back of my head, fingers slipping into my hair. He gathers a section, gentle but sure, and runs his fingers down through the length before letting it fall.

“Don’t you think you might be missing a few key traits?”

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