Page 120 of Bookworm

"What else do you need?"

"What don't we need?" I laughed then pulledout the list that Casey, Natalia, and I came upwith. "These are all the things yet to be done. We have to figure out how to keep spreading the word, get more donations—we've already surpassed last year's goal, thanks to a big bump we received because of our kissing video—"

Bo lifted a brow, and I coughed.

"—but we're shooting for more, so we can give more books this year. Anyway, we need to check in with the businesses who are donating andmake sure everything will be ready. We need more volunteers to dress up as regency characters, preferably guys. We're always short on guys. Wealso need help moving the tables, chairs, flowers, props, stereo equipment…should I go on?"

Bo shook his head. "If you need me, I'm here."

"Yeah"—I nodded to his brace-less wrist—"and almost completelyhealed too. I'm glad you're getting better."

"Told you I heal fast."

"You did, and it's just in time for us to stop fake dating."

He frowned as I smiled brighter.

"Do you think we need to have a public break-up?"

"No."

"Just think, Stryker. After tomorrow, you'll be a free agent again," I said, stomach churning at the words. "Able to hook up with anyone."

Bo shook his head. "Already told you. There's only one person I want."

My pulse beat harder, but I ignored it.

"We should keep pretending for a while," he said suddenly.

"Why?" I asked.

He shrugged. "You're going to need help with the charity event."

I didn't know where he was going with this. "True…and?"

"Who better to ask than your fake boyfriend?"

Bo'salmost smile told me he was joking. He had to be. Right?

"Funny, Stryker," I said. "I almost thought you were serious."

Bo mumbled under his breath, but I couldn't make it out.

"Sorry, I missed that," I said.

"You need a ride a home?"

I blinked.

"Scarlett saidsomething about needing to stay behind and make sure all the kids get picked up. Since we live next door, I figured we're going to the same place. So?"

"Oh," I said, "then, yeah. Thanks, Stryker."

"No problem."

I said goodbye to my sister and Viola and then got into the car with him. The space was smaller than the flower shop van. It made me that much more aware of Bo's presence.

"So it's Stryker again," he commented.

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