Page 67 of Fake Dating Adrian Hunter
“Ah… Isabelle. She’ll be here in a moment.”
The triumph is suddenly kicked out of me. My hands want to clench into fists. Up until this text message, I was sure Adrian would disappear down the beach for an hour to make it look like he was off somewhere with Isabelle. Now, I’m questioning everything again, just like earlier this morning. Maybe hedoeswant her back?
“How are things between you and Isabelle?” I ask, quietly enough for only him to hear.
He grins at me. “Really good. Today could be the day that we get back together.”
“Oh… great.”
“The food is here.” Darius interrupts our private conversation once the waiter has placed each of our meals on the table. “Guess this is your cue to leave, Adrian. Don’t want to keep thatdateof yours waiting.”
Adrian holds his temper and turns to me. “I’ll see you later, okay?”
He stands from the daybed, and I think I’m about to punch the mattress, until he leans down and presses his mouth to mine in front of everyone. Hisopenmouth, kissing me long and hard. His hands cup my face. His breath is so intoxicating that I can’t think straight, only melt into his touch.
None of us say a word as he walks to the restaurant, too stunned to comprehend what just happened. I’m too busy trying to decipher if that kiss was Adrian’s way of signaling that he likes me, a means to flex his masculinity in front of Darius, or an effort to make Isabelle jealous if she’s watching.
Nia breaks the silence, fanning herself with her hand. “That was hot. I need to find me a man who kisses like that.”
Stacy’s gaze is bouncing between Darius and the direction Adrian left in, not sure what’s going on. Tory and Darius both have their heads down, texting something beneath the table. A few seconds later, my phone buzzes with multiple messages.
Tory:Explain that kiss immediately!!! I thought you guys were only pretending to be a couple?
Darius:You need to have sex with him again so I can live vicariously through you.
Tory:Do you still hate Adrian? Please say no. I think he’s in love with you.
I glance in Adrian’s direction, hoping to see him one last time before he disappears. He’s waiting by the restaurant entrance with hatred in his eyes, staring down Darius. I cover my mouth to hide a laugh. All of my Isabelle doubts leave me once again. I can’t believe I started falling for Adrian’s tricks.
I’m not pleased when I see Isabelle does actually arrive to have lunch with Adrian. But her forced smile tells me I have nothing to worry about. That is definitely not the face of someone who’s about to take back her ex-boyfriend. Adrian’s greeting for her is just as awkward. He wraps an arm around her shoulder and they engage in a stiff hug. I’m willing to bet that text message he read beside me wasn’t from Isabelle at all. It wouldn’t surprise me if there was neveranytext message and he made the whole thing up to get a rise out of me.
I’m even more confident in my theory of Adrian’s game when he sits down to dine with Isabelle. He’s made sure I have a perfect view of them from my position at the pool. They’re dining at an intimate setting for two, sitting face to face, and engaged in deep conversation. Yet there’s no laughing or smiling taking place. The interaction looks strained. He probably thinks I’m raging over them sharing a romantic lunch, but it’s really quite entertaining to watch. I just hope Isabelle is smart enough to not get hurt at the end of all of this.
After everyone at my table has finished eating, I follow Tory and the bridesmaids to the beach for the wedding ceremony rehearsal. I also help Darius check into his own bungalow. When it’s time to attend Phoebe’s dress fitting in her parents’ bungalow, I’m on autopilot the entire time, silently laughing to myself that I’m one step ahead of Adrian. But I’m not far enough in the lead. I need something beautiful to take the winning prize—that moment where Adrian is so overcome with jealousy at the sight of me and Darius together that he caves in and confesses his feelings.
"All right. You ready for this board game rematch?” Phoebe says once I’ve finished the alterations on her dress.
“What are you talking about?”
“No one told you?” she asks, smiling at her wedding dress on its coat hanger. “Our families are meeting again for another board game. Everyone says the other night was unfair because you and Adrian got all the easy words to guess.”
“Our words weren’t easy. We’re just in tune with each other.”
“That’s what I said, but you know how competitive everyone is. So, are you ready to go to your parents’ bungalow for the game?”
“We’re having a rematch right now?” I ask.
“Yeah, that’s the plan.”
“Uh… Sure. I guess I can make now work—”
“Actually,” Darius interrupts, stepping up behind me, “Verena has to help me check into my new bungalow. She might be a bit late.”
"What are you talking about? We already—”
Darius squeezes my shoulder and whispers, “Play along.”
“No problem.” Phoebe grabs her phone. “I’ll let everyone know where you are. We won’t start the game without you.”
