Page 59 of Girls Will Be Girls

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“So,” I decide to voice it. “The fiancée thing?”

He smiles a little bashfully. “Yeah. That.” He scrunches up his face, looking completely adorable. “Sorry, again.”

“It’s okay,” I say. “It’s what we do.”

He chuckles. “Is this the third time now?”

I laugh a little, too.

“A fourth, and I should probably get you a ring.”

“I’m a ring size six.”

He laughs louder now.

“Why exactly did we pretend this time, though?” I ask.

“Mm.” He hums. “That.”

“That.” I smile.

“I saw the way he looked at you.”

I quirk an eyebrow at him like he’s being ridiculous. “And how was he looking at me?”

“Like he was angry I met you first.”

I huff a laugh through my nose, fighting a blush. “Oh really?”

“Really.”

“And you recognize this look how?”

He clears his throat and lifts the glass to his mouth. “Because he’s my brother.”

I almost choke on nothing. “He’s your brother?”

He nods.

“Your brother is trying to steal your work?”

“Yes.”

“You pretended we were engaged in front of your brother?”

“I did.”

I take a swig of my wine. “Not to sound harsh, but what’s your family like?”

He laughs. “The worst.”

“Noted.” I nod. “So why exactly didn’t you correct him?”

“Honestly.” He sighs, leaning back in his seat and wiping condensation off his glass. “I liked how jealous he was.”

“That’s a little fucked up.” I laugh.

“No one’s denying that.” He grins.

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