Page 23 of Boyfriend Maintenance

“Well, I asked him what you were doing over here in the corner and on your phone. It kinda pissed him off.”

My face flushes when I realize that, to Jake—and anyone else, for that matter—I probably looked like a crazy person.

“What were you doing?”

I bite my lip at his question. “I was playing Digibot Go.”

He studies me while I wait for him to get all judgy on me. I don’t know why I’ve hidden it from him. I’m a proud nerd, I don’t hide my nerd flag. Normally. But Jake has been so damn judgmental of me from the start, I just didn’t want to hear his snarky comments on it.

He smiles. I wait for it.

“If you’re anything other than Team Intuition then we can’t be friends.”

It takes everything in me to keep my jaw attached to my face and not falling to the floor. He knows Digibots. If so, why didn’t he know what I was doing? The confusion must show on my face.

“I don’t play Digibot Go, but I grew up as a Digibot handler.”

If this wasn’t a fake relationship, I would say I might have fallen for him a little bit just now.

I clear my throat and find my voice. “Yes, I’m Team Intuition. Yellow is my favorite color.” He smiles at me and I know I’m doing the same. It’s like we just realized we are in on a great inside joke. The moment is broken when the music from the speakers seems to get louder. Looking around, I notice that several couples are now dancing.

“Look, I’m sure Levi was just caught off guard. He’s your typical protective big brother, so some of it might have just been to size you up.”

“Maybe, but I think he’s either onto us or suspects me of being a total douchecan who’s treating you poorly.”

“I’ll talk to him.” I pat his chest with assurance. A zing of heat shoots through me and up my arm. I can see he feels it too because his eyes fill with heat and he stares at my mouth. Then it’s his turn to clear his throat.

“Let me get you a drink. I saw some new appetizers out, I’ll grab us a plate.”

I nod and watch him walk away. Lost in staring at Jake’s fine backside, I’m caught off guard by Craig. And to my disdain, Kitty.Great.

“Baby doll, it’s so good to see you. I’ve been looking for you all night.” Craig opens his arms to me, expecting a hug. When I don’t fall into him, he drops his arms, leans in, and kisses me on the cheek.

“Craig. I see you are doing well.”

“Life is wonderful. I’m at the top of my career. I’ve finally moved on past the god-forsaken apartment living and bought a townhouse upstate. Near your parents actually.” He smiles lovingly at Kitty and I want to gag.

“Sounds like life is just perfect.” I play along.

“It would be, but I just need to check one last thing off my list.”

Oh god, his fucking list. Really, the list is why we broke up. He had wanted me to fill the role of “beautiful wife” so he could check that off his “Must Have by Thirty” list.

I don’t appease him by asking what he wants me to. Instead, I turn to Kitty. “I have not seen Levi all night. Is he sneaking off somewhere?” Kitty rolls her eyes at my question, but I needed to change the subject.

“It is an engagement party, Emmy. What do you expect?” I knew that was coming. “Why don’t the two of you dance? Catch up.” She nudges me toward Craig.

“That’s a wonderful idea, Kitty.” He holds out his hand to me.

“Eh, no, thank you. I’m here with my boyfriend.” I slide a glare at Kitty. Why is she forcing this?

“Surely your date wouldn’t mind a friendly dance between you and a lifelong friend. Go on.” She all but pushes me this time.

“Fine. One dance, as friends. Do you understand me, Craig?” I stare him down, I hope he feels my warning deep in his arrogant soul.

He chuckles and looks at me like he would a silly dog before patting it on the head and saying, “good girl.”

He pulls me on to the dance floor, once there, he surprises me by keeping a respectful distance between us.

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