Page 18 of One Week Wingman

Holy shit! He’s doing it!

“Mom,” I say, trying to calm my fluster. “This is… Stefano.”

She beams. “Well, I pretty much guessed, unless you have random strangers greet you that way,” she giggles, and Seb chuckles right along with her.

Random stranger? Not quite. But Sebastian definitely just got more intimately acquainted than we’ve ever been before.

“I’d have a few things to say about that,” he smirks. “But where are my manners? Thank you so much for inviting me, you have a stunning home.”

“Aren’t you sweet?” Mom smiles wider. And is that…?

Yup. A blush. Even she’s not immune to Sebastian Wainwright’s famous charm routine. But for the first time since we met, I’m actually glad that the man leaves every woman in the tri-state area swooning.

Because he’ll have to, if I’m going to pull off this ‘fake boyfriend’ gambit.

“Was the drive out OK?”

“Clear sailing,” Sebastian is all charm, letting her lead him through the house. “Nothing but green lights.”

We arrive out back, where Phil and Jason are minding the grill, and Daisy is setting the table for the perfect food pics. Mom presents Seb like a prize to them all. “Look who made it!” she announces. “Stefano’s here!”

Daisy squeals. “Oh my goodness!” she gushes, rushing up to greet him. “We’re all so happy to finally meet you.”

“We were starting to think Roxy had made you up,” Phil jokes, warmly shaking Sebastian’s hand.

I cringe.

“That’s me,” Seb says with a wink. “The great fictional boyfriend.”

I elbow him in the ribs.

“But then again, our relationship does have the feel of a literary epic,” Seb continues. “Or maybe great poetry. Isn’t that right, darling?”

He gives me a mischievous grin. And that’s when it hits me: Maybe roping Seb into this whole charade might turn out to be trouble.

“I’m sure Stefano wants to clean up before dinner,” I announce brightly. “Come on, darling, let me show you where you can wash up.”

I grab his arm and drag him back into the house.

“Look at them,” I hear Mom coo as we leave. “Can’t wait a minute to be alone.”

The minute we’re inside, I turn to Seb. “What are you doing here?” I hiss, half-relieved to see him…

… And half freaking the hell out.

And then there’s the half—the lower half of me—that’s still tingling from our hot make-out action.

I never was the best at math.

“Isn’t this what you wanted?” he asks, grinning. “The great Stefano to stride in and rescue you. I thought I’d do you a favor. You sounded so pathetic on the phone,” he adds with a smirk.

I take a deep breath. He’s here now, which means I won’t have to sit through dinner across the table from Daisy and Jason, all alone. “Thank you,” I say quietly. “But… A little advance warning would’ve been nice.”

“But much less fun.” Seb says with a grin. “Your family seems lovely. I don’t know why you’ve got your knickers in a twist.”

“Never mind what my knickers are doing,” I say, my cheeks flushing hotly. I’m about to fill him in on what, exactly, I’ve told them all about my amazing boyfriend, but before I get the chance, Mom calls.

“Dinner’s ready!”

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