Page 39 of Fake Dating My Best Friend

“Oh, depends on whose pancakes he likes better,” Asher says as he gives the puppy a little bounce, then carefully places him in my arms.

I hug the little fluff ball to my chest, and he immediately snuggles in, letting out a soft, content sigh. I glance up at Asher. “Just so you know, mine comes with shaped fruit on top and a heartfelt birthday song.”

“So,” he chuckles, brushing his hand gently through the puppy’s fur where it peeks out from the crook of my elbow, “what should we name him?”

The motion is so gentle, so familiar, it makes something in my chest ache. He’s standing close, his shoulder warm against mine, his fingers tangled lightly in the puppy’s fur like we’re . . . a team. A unit.

Just like we were when we were eleven, huddled behind the library with a shivering stray and half a mochi donut between us. Asher crouched beside me, knees scraped, hoodie sleeves pulled over his hands as he fed the puppy tiny bites and told me we’d figure it out.

I knew Mom wouldn’t let me keep the puppy So we spent our allowance on kibble and made it our secret for a week. Until we found him a real home.

“What about Mochi?” I ask.

We both love mochi donuts. His favorite is chocolate, mine is strawberry. We always share them, like so many little things in life we’ve shared as friends. Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like if we weren’t just friends. Maybe we could raise a child together someday.

Oh no. Nope. Too far.

We can’t be a couple raising our child together, but at least we can raise a puppy together.

“Mochi,” he repeats softly, like he’s trying it out. “I like it.”

The puppy, as if recognizing his new name, lets out a happy yip and wags his tail.

Asher grabs a towel from the rack, running it through his dark hair before draping it around his neck. He grabs another one and hands it to me. “Here. Can’t have my matchmaker catching a cold.”

He pushes off from where he’s been leaning against the tub and stretches, and those abs of his go full calendar-ready with zero warning. A droplet trails down his chest and disappears beneath the waistband of his pants.

I’m sure he could win Sexiest Man Alive: Puppy Dad Edition. The whole town would probably vote unanimously. Maybe we’ll just accidentally get engaged right here in the bathroom while a dog watches.

That’s ridiculous. What would I even wear to a bathtub proposal? Why am I eventhinkingabout being engaged?

His eyes catch mine, a slight crinkle at the corners when he smiles. “So, are you ready for tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?” A sinking feeling twists in my gut.

His grin widens. “Our gym session, remember? Part of our deal?”

Chapter 11

Isla

CONNER

Hey, little sis. I’m in town. Surprise?

ISLA

Surprise? What did Frosthaven ever do to deserve this?

CONNER

Heard what Kyle pulled. Say the word. I’ll make him regret it.

ISLA

No, please stay out of trouble.

CONNER

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