Page 142 of The Fake Date Agreement

“It will.”

I silently agree with Jay’s confidence.

Tobie is incredible. She’s beautiful, smart, generous, and sex with her has been the best it’s ever been. If the ex has two brain cells to rub together, and he must if Tobie says he’s headed to law school, he’s going to realize his mistake and want her back.

He’s had six years with her. Why would she choose guys she’s barely known for a few weeks over a guy she loved for years?

I told Javier and Caleb about our run-in with Marc, though I’d kept silent about my fear as I’d watched them talk. I couldn’t hear what they’d been saying, but I’d seen the way Marc had been looking at her. No matter what happens, I can’t force her to stay with any of us. That decision is hers alone, and if she still loves him…

When Jay’s eyes settle on the suspicious bulge under my covers, I scratch my hair as I turn to my closet, deliberately blocking his view. “I’ll get ready and see you at the party.”

“It starts in thirty minutes,” he warns.

“And I’ll be there.” Even though I should be right here finishing my paper.

I agreed to this fake-date thing. Hell, I initiated it. So, if Tobie needs me, I’ll be there.

He’s frowning when my phone vibrates.

I pick up the phone from my desk. Ryder.

“Go. I need to talk to my brother,” I tell Jay.

Still looking like he wants to argue, he leaves, and I answer the call.

“Who’s the girl?” Ryder asks.

I pause on my way to lock my door, something I should have done before I started working on my paper. “What girl?”

“The girl your coach was chewing you out for kissing mid-game.”

“You watched it.”

“Damn right I watched it. When have I ever missed you play?”

He hasn’t. That’s what.

“It’s complicated.” I pull back my comforter and return my books and laptop to my desk.

“Doesn’t seem that way to me. I haven’t seen you look at a girl like that since Ivy Stevens pushed you over in the sandpit, and you threw sand in her face in retaliation.”

I grin. “Ah, puppy love. You didn’t mention this before.”

“I was waiting for you to bring it up. You haven’t, so I’m bringing it up. Who is she?”

I drop into my seat. “Like I said, it’s complicated.”

“The big game is right around the corner, little brother. Is now really the time to lose your focus on a complication?”

I grin. “You sound like Caleb.”

“About that…”

“About what?”

“After he scored at the last game, he looked right at her. That guy never looks at anything but the other side, his teammates, the coach, and the puck.”

I should’ve known he’d pick up on that. He watches all my televised games since he can’t come to them, and when he isn’t working nights at the factory, he’ll call me up and give me pointers. His eyes are as sharp as any coach.

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