Page 10 of Curve Ahead: Fake Boyfriend

TUCKER

I waited as long as I could before following her. She’d said she’d be right back, but I saw her head out of the building instead of to the restroom. I can respect her needing a moment, but I need to make sure she’s all right.

The cool night air hits me before I spot her to the left of the entrance near the edge of the building. As I approach, I’m relieved to see a relaxed expression on her face as she says, “I just needed a minute.”

“We can head out if it’s too much.”

Her eyes drop to the ground as her arms fold across her chest, and she grasps her forearms, her chest rising and falling beneath. I need to stop ogling her assets and be the man she deserves. Pulling my jacket off, I drape it over her shoulder, tugging it closed around her. Hazel eyes meet mine as she says, “Being here isn’t too much. Seeing my fake date fit in so perfect is.”

“There’s nothing fake about tonight for me.”

“Me either.” Her eyes dart away. “But I’m scared. I don’t want to get hurt again.”

“Not a chance in hell I’d ever hurt you. And I’ll make sure no one ever makes you feel anything but amazing like you deserve.”

“He apologized. When I went to the bathroom before the ceremony. He apologized and said it was a mistake.”

“As he should.” It’s the levelheaded, mature response, but it still yanks at my insides because I don’t want her to be torn.

Thankfully, she extinguishes that notion quickly when she adds, “But all I wanted was to get back to you. I don’t need his apology, or for her to think I’m okay. Because I know I am.”

“I’m not,” I admit.

“Why not?”

“Because I haven’t had a chance to dance with you all night.” I hold my hand out to her, and she places hers in mine. I remove the little distance between us, my arms wrapping around her as we sway to the sounds of music off in the distance. Just the two of us. Enjoying being in each other’s arms as all the other bullshit of what brought us together slips away.

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