Page 64 of My Totally Unfair Deal

“No, it’s not. Because it’s not happening…”

“Your cheeks are pink as hell,” he says. “And I saw him kiss you outside before you walked in.”

I gasp, and feel my face heat up even more.

“Exactly. Thanks for confirming.” He grins. “He looks like he really likes you, though. That’s a good thing.”

“How would you know?”

“I’m a guy,” he says simply. “We know.”

I glance down at my lap. “Can you tell that I want you to come home?”

He sighs, softer now. “I’ve told you again and again—there’s nothing back home for me. Nothing but you.”

“You don’t even visit for holidays.”

“The farm’s not big enough for me and Harrison anymore.” His expression shifts, something weighted pressing between us. “You know how he is.”

I know howyou bothare.

I set my napkin down gently and decide not to push. Their rift is between them. Nothing I say will sew it together.

Even if part of me still resents the fact that he left—left me—to chase something else.

“It looks like you’re doing great,” I say instead. “I watch your stuff on my breaks when I can. I’m really excited about your book.”

“My publisher is too.” He nods. “We’ve got half a million pre-orders already.”

“Are you serious?”

“Dead-ass.”

“How much of the royalties will you be sending to your favorite sister?”

He laughs. “I think you’ll be richer than me soon. I saw that the farm got theMost Anticipated Presentationaward after registration, so walk me through one of your pitches.”

“Wait—you really want to hear it?”

“Absolutely.” He motions for the server to lower the music, and I stand up like he’s a potential investor.

I pretend he’s a flower vendor in need of premium soil, and I run through every reason why our land and experience are worth the investment.

When I finish, Lance stands and claps, loud and proud. Then he pulls me into another hug.

“Mom would be so damn proud of you, Eliza. So damn proud.”

“You really believe that?”

“Iknowthat.” He kisses my forehead. “For a second, I thought I was watching her instead of you.”

My heart squeezes at that, fluttering with emotion as he finally lets me go.

“How much time do I have left before your ‘boyfriend’ comes back for you?”

“There’s no limit.” I stop fighting the word, even if I’m still not convinced that’s what we are.

“In that case, let me drive you around the city a bit. Show you my favorite spots before dropping you off at…where are you staying?”

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