Page 20 of Booked for the Holidays
“Pretend we’re on a date,” I rush out, knowing Liam isn’t far behind.
Wiley scrunches his nose. “Really? I was hoping to get that blonde’s number.” He gestures to a woman near the bar.
“Pretend now and I’ll be your wing woman later.”
He quirks his lips and bobs his head side to side like he’s really thinking about it.
“I’m the best wing woman and you know it.” I press a finger into his chest for emphasis.
“Fine,” he sighs. “What do I have to do?”
I glance around, relieved that Liam didn’t follow me. Instead, I find him talking nearby with Jasper and Stella. They’re surrounded by a group of people congratulating them on theirengagement. I should go over and talk to them, but I desperately want to keep my distance from Liam.
“Pretend I’m irresistible. Especially when the man in the burgundy sweater is around.”
Wiley glances in Liam’s direction, then awkwardly puts an arm over my shoulders. Trying to appear flirtatious, I start laughing loudly.
“Why are you laughing?” Wiley asks.
“Because you told a joke.”
“No, I didn’t.”
I groan but do my best to keep a smile on my face. “Wiley, you are so bad at this.”
“Pretending is not my strong suit.”
“Is that why the women you sleep with hate you the next morning? You can’t even pretend to care about them?”
“Ouch.”
“The truth hurts. Ask Lizzo.” I shrug, then glance around. “Where’s Cass?”
“Playing some tourist at darts.”
That sounds about right.
“I’m going to get a drink,” I say, turning to head toward the bar. Then I pause, glancing back at Wiley. “Hey, I need you fully committed to this. Are you in?”
He takes a sip of his beer casually. “Yeah, definitely.” His eyes flick to the basketball game on the screen. “Also, grab me another beer?”
I narrow my eyes. “Wiley.”
He finally looks at me, and I step forward, rising on my toes to press a quick kiss to his cheek. At the contact of my lips, he flinches.
“I didn’t think kissing was part of the deal.”
I shoot him a pointed look. “Play the part.”
His shoulders straighten. “Right. Got it.”
Then, loudly enough for half the bar to hear: “All right, baby, see you in a few.”
I sigh, biting back a groan, but then I offer him a quick smile. This is Wiley trying.
FOUR
LIAM
