Page 94 of That Kind of Guy

Anxiety rose and dipped in my gut. Despite my protests and grabby hands, Emmett slid out of bed early this morning. At one point, I heard the shower running, and then after a quick kiss on my forehead, he left, and I had the house to myself.

In the bookstore, I smiled at Hannah as I slipped my new earrings, the ones Emmett had given me yesterday, into my ears. “I had lunch. I’m okay.” I gestured at her dress. “You look lovely.”

She wore an ice blue silk dress with tiny flowers and a cinched waist. She waved a hand, embarrassed at the compliment.

“Thanks.” She shrugged. “Just wanted to look great for your big day. Even if the whole wedding is fake.” She tilted her head and looked thoughtful. “Emmett might be a genius. As soon as you two started the whole thing, the town went nuts with excitement. And all he has to do is sign on your loan. Who’s officiating?”

I selected a lip liner from the table. “Wyatt.”

Beside the nearest bookshelf, someone cleared their throat and both our heads snapped in that direction.

It was Cynthia, Chuck’s wife, standing there, holding a book about Italy. Her eyes held a funny gleam.

My stomach dropped through the floor. How much did she hear?

Hannah blinked furiously. “Hi, Cynthia, we’re closed.” She glanced at me and swallowed. “For the wedding.”

Cynthia glanced between the two of us, but the expression gave nothing away. “My mistake. The door was unlocked.”

“It’s okay.” Hannah stood. “I’ll ring you up.”

Hannah led her to the desk and after a few moments, I heard the front door lock click.

“I thought I locked it,” she murmured, sitting down.

I chewed my lip. “Do you think she heard us?”

Hannah shook her head. “I don’t know. She didn’t say anything.” She swallowed. “She creeps me out. Her hair is so spiky.”

I stared at the spot on the floor where Cynthia had stood. Even if she had heard, no one would believe her. Right? Emmett and I were too convincing. “Yeah, she creeps me out, too. Whatever.” I rolled my shoulders. “Let’s not let her ruin my fake wedding.”

That cracked a smile from Hannah. “Agreed. Now, eat that granola bar.” She watched me as I unwrapped the bar and took a bite. “Is it, though?”

“Is it what?”

“Fake.”

My gaze cut to her, and my stomach dropped. Guilty. She knew. She had found me out. I couldn’t admit it out loud, though. I wasn’t there yet. I rolled my lips between my teeth, choosing my words carefully.

She tilted her head. “It’s hard to tell.”

The corner of my mouth lifted but I knew the smile didn’t reach my eyes. What was I going to say?Yes, Hannah, I’ve fallen in love with Emmett Rhodes, the most unavailable guy in town. So unavailable he’d rather have a fake relationship than a real one.The reality was clear—any real feelings were one-sided, and getting my hopes up was a quick way to disappointment.

At least I was right, and Emmett and Iwereconvincing as a couple.

I swallowed and dipped my brush in powder before fluffing it over my face. “Then we’re doing a good job.”

Hannah watched me for a moment, and I met her gaze, silently begging her to drop the subject. My heart teetered on the brink of a cliff and if I said the things out loud, I’d fall.

She pointed beside me. “Pass me the sharpener, please.”

I breathed a sigh of relief, and we put the finishing touches on our hair and makeup before she helped me into my dress in the storeroom.

“Beautiful,” she breathed when it was zipped up.

I looked in the mirror. Wearing this dress was like a dream. After a few alterations by Elizabeth, it fit me perfectly. It felt like the universe had sent this dress specifically for me, just to make me feel special and beautiful on my big day.

My big fake day.

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