Page 27 of Broken Dreams
“You’re going to have to pretend you really like me.”
Yeah, that was my fear. We’re going to have to look like a real couple. One that holds hands, kisses, dates . . .
I groan and swallow the rest of my drink in one gulp. “I need one reassurance.”
“Name it.”
“No matter if we break up here or this doesn’t work because people figure it out, whatever it is, you agree to go with me to Oregon for the three days and be doting and completely in love with me.”
If I’m doing this, I want to know it wasn’t just for his benefit.
He holds out his hand. “Deal.”
I shake it and then Grady rubs his thumb across my hand. “Dance with me?”
“What?”
“Dance with me. We need to get the town talking...unless you want me to kiss you in front of everyone.”
“Dancing is good,” I say immediately.
He chuckles and then helps me down, guiding me out to the dance floor. Sometime during our conversation, the lights dimmed and the music changed to a slow song. Grady guides me to a spot where we can be seen by anyone and pulls me into his arms.
His arms are around me, and mine rest on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart as my mind is jumbled.
This is crazy, right?
I can’t decide if this is brilliant or just stupid. I’m not sure yet. On one hand, this is great, I can stop dating these really awful guys and start up again once the weight of this wedding is over. Plus, it’s helping Grady and also myself. On the other hand, this could all fall apart and I walk away with egg on my face and hurt my friends by lying.
Then I think...they’d understand.
“Hey,” his voice is deep and raspy against my ear. I lean back to meet his eyes. “You’re trembling.”
I am. “I’m just nervous about all this.”
He pulls me tighter. “We’re not doing anything wrong, Addy. We’re two friends, stuck in shitty situations, and we found a temporary solution.”
“I know, and honestly, this works well for me too. I just suck at acting.”
“I’m not excited either, but we will be dating. I’m going to take you to dinner, we’ll hang out, see each other in the mornings, we just will be...pretending like it’s more than just our growing friendship. Now, put your head on my chest and relax.”
I sigh and do that, letting the music and Grady move me. His hands move up my back as he keeps me close and I really hope I remember that he doesn’t want more than a pretend girlfriend, no matter how real it feels.
* * *
“Holy fucking shit, tell me it’s true!” Chloe says as she enters Run to Me, wide eyed and practically screaming. “You’re dating Grady Whitlock? And you didn’t tell me!”
I get up and walk toward her, grateful we didn’t have anyone here needing help.
“Please do not come in here like that again.” I sigh. “You would’ve scared any people seeking refuge away.”
“Well, please don’t keep secrets like that again! You’re dating Grady? Say it ain’t so.”
Here is my first test. “It’s so.”
“Oh my God. How? What? Details!”
“Will you stop shouting if I tell you?” I ask with a brow raised.
