Page 92 of Fake Dating My Best Friend

“So do you . . .” I stare at him, then at the dress, then back at him. “Do you like this dress?”

“Doyou?”

“Yes.” I grab my pillow and hide my face behind it.

“So wear it.” He pulls the pillow away and looks at me, really looks at me, like I’m something worth studying. “It makes you happy.”

“But don’t you think—”

“You make anything look beautiful.” His fingers skim lightly along my jaw. “But you are brightest when you’re happy.And that’s my favorite version of you.”

I slap my hands over my burning face and spin around, unable to look at him. “Oh my goodness, Asher. Are you practicing for tonight already?”

There’s a long pause.

A creak of floorboards behind me. The scent of cedar and something uniquely him fills my senses. Heat radiates on my back, like standing too close to a fireplace in winter.

His warm breath ghosts across my ear, his lips so close I can almost feel them brushing against my skin.

“I’m just getting started.”

My spine snaps straight like I’ve just been zapped by lightning in the shape of a very inconveniently attractive man. A rush of tingles shoots from my spine to my fingertips.

I hold my breath, afraid to even blink. Moving feels like a terrible idea.

Asher laughs, resting both hands on my shoulders and turning me back to face him. “Besides, you could wear a paper bag and still be the most beautiful woman in the room.”

“I might just wear a paper bag, and then you’ll have to reconsider what you just said.” I swat his chest—ouch. Hard.

“And on that note,” Asher says, backing toward the door. “I’ll let you finish getting ready. Hope they haven’t left you alone.”

“Yes, we’re here!” Elaine pops her head in from the hallway, looking entirely not guilty for someone who’s clearly been eavesdropping.

I take a few deep breaths, trying to cool down and hide the fact that my cheeks are on fire.

“Can’t see the finished product until tonight, right?” Asher says, giving my friends a playful wink. “Pretty sure that’s like a wedding rule or something.”

“Yep! Remember the ring and everything,” Elaine winks back at him.

“I’ll try my best,” Asher says, way too amused. “See you at six.”

The door clicks shut behind him, but the warmth of his words lingers. I look at the dress he just picked, remembering how much I loved it before I let someone else’s opinion dim that joy.

“Well,” Elaine says after a moment, “I think we found your dress.”

“And your man,” Roxanne mutters under her breath.

“I will make you pay, Ellie.” I whip my head toward her. “Wait for me.”

“Don’t forget about Roxy.”

“Oh, trust me, I won’t.”

“Okay, time to make you gorgeous.” Roxanne grins before grabbing my arm and yanking me upright.

Chapter 24

Asher

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