Page 5 of Fake Dating Adrian Hunter
Knew that already. “Look at you, big shot. Let me guess, married with kids?”
“I’m in the same boat as you, actually. Newly single.”
“She cheated on you, too? Can’t say I blame her.”
“There was no cheating.”
My bungalow comes into view as we turn a corner. Part of me wonders if I should walk in a different direction so Adrian doesn’t know where I’m living for the next seven days. But I can’t tug at these bags for much longer, and there’s still five back at the lobby.
I stop for a breather, refusing to look straight at Adrian because I’m too afraid for my ovaries. “Why are you telling me about your love life? And what makes you think I care?”
“Just trying to bond with my childhood bestie.”
“I’m not interested in hearing about your sad life.”
Adrian leans one shoulder against a palm tree and grins at me. He pauses for a moment, deep in thought, then licks his lips. “I’ve got an offer for you.”
“I don’t want to hear it.”
“Verena…” He sighs, running a hand through his hair. That stupid lock of hair falls back out of place, hanging over his forehead. “Can’t we just…put the past behind us and start fresh? After all, our sisters are getting married. We’ll be as good as family. You can’t escape me for another seven years.”
“Don’t flatter yourself. I’ve been living my life, not scheming ways to avoid you.”
“You honestly didn’t come to the engagement party because of work?”
“Yes. You had nothing to do with the decision.”
He smirks, knowing me too well to believe the lie. “Regardless, I want to move on. You and I can be friends again, right?”
“You’re serious? You’re not trying to trick me?” I glance at the palm trees around us. “Where are the cameras? Is this some kind of prank?”
Adrian places a hand over his heart. “Honest to God. You’re forgiven for switching my biology paper to a bunch of swear words and getting me suspended from school.”
I scowl at him. “You’re still not forgiven for all the crap you put me through, but if it makes this week slightly less miserable, I guess we can have a truce.”
“That’s a start. So, about this offer—”
“Being civil to each other wasn’t the offer?”
“Of course not,” he laughs. “I need your help.”
“Adrian, you are unbelievable. This is why you want to clear the air, so you can get something from me? I should have known this was too good to be true.”
I grab my luggage and make a move for my bungalow, but Adrian steps in front of me and my breasts bump into those perfect muscles in his chest. Heat rushes to my cheeks, because now all I can think about is seeing him with his shirt off. He laughs again, and I’m beginning to think he’s a frickin’ mind reader.
“Verena, I’m being genuine. Hear me out. I would think you of all people could sympathize with me, given the disaster of your last relationship.”
The blush in my cheeks turns into hot rage. “What doesthathave to do with anything?”
“If you’ll be quiet for one moment, I can explain. Here’s my current dilemma. Phoebe is friends with my ex and has invited her to the wedding. So, as you might guess, this week will be awkward for me.”
My face perks up. “Your week will be a nightmare? Fantastic.”
“A complete nightmare. But your situation is more pathetic. You got dumped by some dude a few months ago.Andhe cheated on you.”
My teeth grind together. “Adrian, I could hit you right now. What is your problem with me? I told my sister I would be civil toward you, but you’re even more of a jerk than the last time I saw you.”
“Calm down. All I’m saying is, won’t it look pathetic for Verena Valentine to be riding solo at a wedding, especially after the cheating scandal? Everyone will pity you. I’ve had people offer their sympathies toward my situation, and I’m a boring nobody. I have to watch my ex be happy with her date, when all I want is for her to be here with me instead. We already had an awkward encounter at the pool where I saw her kissing her new guy. There’s no way I can survive an entire week of this.”
