Page 105 of The Faking Game

“Good. You did so well tonight. Dinner, sex shop, making out… and then arguing with me. And now making up. Almost like you’re in a relationship.”

Her eyes glitter. “I did, didn’t I?”

“The perfect fake girlfriend,” I say.

A shiver racks through her. I want to warm her. Should bring her inside, but first…

“I want to kiss you.”

Her eyes dip to my mouth for a second. “Why?”

“Because sometimes,” I say, “it’s an easier way to talk.”

Her lips part, and she sways forward another inch.

I touch my lips to hers. She’s warm and soft, and the thought that she’s been fearing she’s bad at this, that something is wrong with her, is devastating. Her mouth relaxes against mine, and she sighs a little when I deepen the kiss.

Beneath us, the waves continue to softly break against the dock. The same way they always do. The same way they always have.

But everything has changed.

GROUP CHAT

Alex

Costa Rica next week. I’ve finalized the list of challenges. Who’s ready?

James

Not you, because you’ll write that list on the plane over.

Alex

Can you let me lie for once, please?

James

No.

Rafe

I’m winning again this time. Sorry to call it.

West

You say that before every trip. Also, I’m sitting this one out.

James

Because you’re wining and dining a potential wife? That’s the only excuse I might accept. We book these trips months in advance.

Alex

Absolutely not, Weston Maude Calloway. You’re going.

West

Not my middle name. Not courting a wife either. With Nora’s stalker ramping things up, I’m not leaving New York. This is too important.

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