Page 45 of Wish I Didn't Want You Back

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb.”

I pulled my wallet out and handed the bartender some cash. “I’m only playing the part of the attentive fiancé.”

Finn and Molly were the only ones besides my brothers who knew it was fake, but they still didn’t know the whole truth.

He leaned forward. “It looks like more than just an act to me.”

“Maybe I’m really good at playing my part.”

He rolled his eyes. “You’re more worked up than usual. You’re supposed to be having fun instead of glaring at every guy who looks her way.”

My head was starting to hurt. “I am having fun, and I’m not glaring.”

He laughed and held his hands up. “Okay, sure, and I’m Lebron James.”

I leaned my elbow on the bar and glanced over to check on the girls. “It’s all an act. Don’t read too much into it.”

Have I been tempted to touch her? Hell, yes. But I’ve reminded myself daily that this was nothing more than an arrangement, even though a growing part of me wished it were real.

“You’re a terrible liar. And let’s talk about that ring on her finger. That doesn’t look fake to me.”

I shifted uncomfortably. The weight of his stare was making it hard to stand still. “Good, then we’re doing a fine job of convincing people it’s real.”

“You are such a moron sometimes. You’re fake-engaged to Harlow Bennett, of all people. That ring is not just for show.”

“She picked it out.”

His eyebrows shot up. “You took her ring shopping and let her pick out her ring?”

I grabbed the drinks off the bar. “Yeah, what’s the big deal?”

He rubbed his jaw. “Are you serious? You’re walking around town with her on your arm, pretending to be head over heels in love with a girl you claim to hate, all so she can get her house. What’s in this for you?”

I looked around the bar, making sure no one else was listening. “I have my reasons. Trust me, okay?”

Finn raised an eyebrow. “Does this have anything to do with the investment banker you’re talking with?”

Finn knew that I was looking to expand my business and invest in some new equipment so I could compete on bigger jobs. I didn’t even deny it. We both knew how the game was played. I’d put too much work into bringing Dawson Construction to the next level. I would not let something as stupid as my relationship status get in the way.

My hand tightened around Harlow’s drink. “I need the deal locked in.”

He whistled. “Wow. I get it, man, I do, but it feels like you're playing with fire. I’m worried this whole thing will blow up in your face.”

I ignored his piece of advice. I spent the last ten years busting my ass and proving to my dad that I could take over for him. Tuck didn’t want anything to do with construction and was happy being the town hero. Hayes was too young and lacked experience. So, that left me. If marrying Harlow gave the investor the picture he wanted to see, I would play along and secure the deal.

I started pushing away from the bar. “I’m not an idiot. I know what I’m walking into.”

He pulled on my elbow, stopping me. “I know you’re trying to do what’s best for the business. I don’t want you to get too comfortable. Tread carefully. Things could get even messier than they are now. If things go south, your business will not be the only one to suffer.”

I sighed while balancing the drinks in my hand. “This isn’t solely about the investors. Marty isn’t doing so great.”

His eyes squinted. “How bad?”

I lowered my voice while trying to keep it loud enough for him to hear me over the noise. “The doctors said he has a year,if he’s lucky. He’s always loved Harlow and thought she was the one for me. I want to give him something to look forward to.”

Finn clucked his tongue. “Damn, that’s heavy, dude.”

---