Page 50 of Great Pretender
“Yes, that’s it, really.”
“But it’s been a little over two months. There were pictures of you guys kissing, and it looked hot.That has to stir some feelings.There’s no way you can tell me you feel nothing when you kiss him.”
“No… there’s no way I’m going to tell you that.” It feels good to confess such a thing I would have normally kept secret.“I feel everything when we kiss.”
She brings her hands together with excitement. “My God, this is so cool. I’m so glad that dirtbag Heath revealed himself. This is way better.”
I know what she means, but I feel like in a catch-twenty-two situation where things are neither good nor bad.
I can’t see how they could be good if I make the mistake and confuse fake feelings Chad and I concocted and fall for him.
It wouldn’t exactly be that hard since I was already at the precipice waiting to be pushed.
Every time I’m with him, I inch closer to the edge.
My worry is stopping myself from falling.
“I can’t fall for him, Elodie,” I tell her, and the smile recedes from her face.
“I know the whole situation is bizarre, but would it be such a terrible thing?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Butthere was more to this story even before this crazy plot.”
I sigh and bring a weary hand to my head.“I don’t know, Elodie. I don’t think it’s the same for him, andI think I’d be foolish to think we could be anything more than what we are. I know how we’re supposed to end. What sort of hope is that? Yeah. I don’t want to get hurt.Things are very clear, and I have no business wanting more out of this when it’s not going to happen.”
“But it sounds like you’re already there, sweetie.”
I sigh and really hope not. “I can’t be. It’s clear we’re an act, but it’s confusing sometimes. The way he touches me and looks at me is confusing, even when we’re not in front of other people. Then, when we kiss, it’s explosive, and I find myself looking forward to that part of the evening. And sometimes I want…” My voice trails off, but the salacious smile that inches across her face told me she knows exactly what I want.
“You want more,” she supplies. “More as in bedroom action. Actual sex, not just this kissing business.”
I chuckle. “Maybe.”
Elodie makes a show of holding up her hands first, then making them hover before us with her palms flat.
“This is a safe place. You may talk here freely. All secrets stay within these four off-white walls.”
I burst out laughing. “Okay, yes. Sometimes I find myself thinking about it.”
“I told you this would happen.”
“You said I could use this arrangement as a chance for great sex.”
“Same difference. Anyway, Piper, come on. It’s not like it’s bad advice. When was the last time you had sex?” Only she could ask me such a thing.
Embarrassment tickles my cheeks. “More than a year ago.”
“What?” She wrinkles her nose like she’s just stepped in something bad. “Are you kidding me? But you just broke up with Heath four months ago.”
“Yeah, I know. I was busy, and when I could, he was busy or not home, getting it from Sheila.”
“There are no words for that man.” She shakes her head with dismay. “Alright, back to the point of focus. Chad asked you for this fake relationship. It’s basically supposed to span over the course of two years. Are you telling me you’re not going to have sex for another two years? Because that’s just crazy. As crazy as you never crossing the line of friendship until recently.”
I wince. “That’s not entirely true.”
Her mouth drops. “Oh my God, what? Please tell me you already slept with him.”
