Page 89 of Love ad Lib
Libby turned off her phone and took a deep breath, fighting to keep her nausea at bay.
‘Henry, I need to tell you something.’
His head appeared over the top of the pillow wall. ‘Are you okay?’
She turned on her side, hugging her knees into her chest as she gazed up at him. He looked worried.
‘Lucas isn’t my boyfriend.’
He frowned. ‘But—’
She sat up. ‘I’m sorry. You assumed I had a boyfriend and I panicked and didn’t correct you.’
‘But, when we met, he kiss—’
‘I know. It wasn’t real. I told him about your, erm, proposal and that you thought I had a boyfriend. He said he would pretend to be one and check you out.’
Silence.
‘I’m so sorry. I didn’t know how to tell you.’
Henry sat up. ‘So, who is he?’
‘He’s just a… a friend.’
She could feel his eyes on her. ‘Are you in… do you like him?’
Libby’s face was suddenly far too hot. She nodded, her focus on the bedcovers. ‘I did. For a long time.’
More silence.
‘Did?’
She nodded again. ‘A lot of things have changed,’ she said quietly. ‘I don’t think I even like him as a friend anymore.’
‘So, that kiss…’
‘The one with a bonus injury?’
He huffed out a short laugh. ‘Yes, that one. It wasn’t real?’
‘Oh, it was real, alright.’ She rubbed the back of her head. ‘I think I’ve still got the bruise.’
He laughed again and she risked glancing up.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.’
Henry grinned. ‘Frankly, I’m shocked and appalled you didn’t inform your fake boyfriend about your other fake boyfriend.’
Libby’s heart lifted. ‘Thank you for being so cool about it.’
He shrugged. ‘That’s me. Cool as a cucumber.’
The light dimmed from his smile slightly and he stared intently at her.
Oh no. What now?
‘Libby.’
