Page 85 of Fake Dating My Best Friend

She wets her lips, the tip of her tongue tracing a slow path across her upper lip.

My heart stutters, slamming against my ribs.

“Oh!” The door bursts open, and Mayor Parker sweeps in, her hot pink suit practically glowing. “Don’t let me interrupt the happy couple!”

Isla startles like a cat caught stealing food off the counter. I hold on to her hand, mostly to keep her from making a run for it.

“Mayor Parker,” I greet with my best smile. “What brings you here?”

The mayor beams, her eyes darting between us like she’s watching a tennis match. “Well, if it isn’t Frosthaven’s favorite couple! I couldn’t resist popping in to see our town’s latest lovebirds.”

Isla makes a strangled sound that could be a laugh or a groan. I squeeze her hand, making sure she’s not about to bolt or faint.

“What can we do for you, Mayor?” I ask.

“Oh, I’m so glad you asked!” Mayor Parker claps her hands together. “As you know, our monthly Couples’ Bingo Night is coming up, and we simply must have our newest sweethearts there!”

Couples’ Bingo. The third Tuesday of every month. Because in Frosthaven, celebrating romance isn’t optional. It’s practically a civic duty.

But I don’t complain. This actually comes at a great time for us.

Isla’s eyes go wide. “Oh, we’re not really—”

I cut her off smoothly. “We’d be honored, Mayor. Wouldn’t we, babe?”

The word feels both foreign and yet so right on my tongue. Like trying a new protein powder flavor and realizing it’s actually the one you’ve been looking for all along.

Isla stiffens beside me, her fingers curling tighter around mine.

Maybe she likes the nickname. I know I do.

“Wonderful!” Mayor Parker claps again. “The town loves a good love story. And you two . . .” She sighs dreamily. “Well, let’s just say you’re the talk of Frosthaven!”

I bite back a laugh. “We’re just happy to be part of the community, Mayor.”

“Oh, you’re more than that, dear,” the mayor gushes. “You’re our very own fairytale come to life! Friends to lovers? It’s like something out of a movie!”

Isla’s face is turning an impressive shade of red.

“We appreciate the invitation, Mayor. We’ll be there with bells on.” I grin.

“Excellent!” Mayor Parker heads for the door, then pauses. “Oh, and don’t forget, there’s a prize for the winning couple!”

Chapter 22

Isla

CONNER

So . . . you and Asher, huh?

ISLA

Not you too.

CONNER

What? I’m just asking as your loving, supportive brother.

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