Page 27 of Fake Dating My Best Friend

“Don’t just agree to be her client. Make it a deal.” Roxanne crosses her arms, a glint in her eye. “I’ve got agreatidea.”

ASHER

What’s your plan for dinner?

ISLA

Unclear. Currently eyeing a bag of baby carrots and a can of soup I may or may not have burned last week.

ASHER

So, flaming soup is on the menu. Got it.

ISLA

Don’t judge me. You know I peaked at grilled cheese.

ASHER

And somehow still managed to burn half of it.

ISLA

That was one time.

ASHER

Uh-huh. Get your fork ready. I’m making pesto pasta.

ISLA

Really?

ASHER

Have I everlet you starve?

ISLA

No . . . but you havemade me laugh mid-noodle and nearly choke.

ASHER

A proud moment. Also, we’ll talk about your brilliant offer to find me love.

ISLA

Are you accepting my brilliant offer?

ASHER

Not sure. Depends on you.

“Well, well, look who’s got that just-texted-my-favorite-girl face.”

Gavin, my head trainer and partner-in-crime since high school, calls out when I step inside Collymore Fitness. His booming voice carries across the gym floor, and that lopsided grin tells me he’s up to no good.

Across the gym, golden sunlight pours through the massive windows Dad insisted on back when he turned this place from an empty warehouse into the heart of Frosthaven’s fitness community. The sunlight lights up both the latest equipment and the classic weights he’d never let me replace. Something about building character, he’d say.

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