Page 108 of Real Fake Husband

“Justpeachy.”

“Uh-oh, what happened?”

My voice is short and clipped. “She packed.”

“Bullshit.”

“Seriously, Theo, she fucking packed.” I try to stay calm. “But she’s not going to leave.”

He grins and claps me on the back. “Fucking-A. I’m glad you two worked it out. But if it’s all cool, why the brooding?”

I brush his hand off and give him a dark look.

“Ohhh, I get it,” Theo says, realization dawning. “Josie’s not officially staying, is she?”

With a heavy exhale, I grab a rag to clean my hands. “We’re going to talk about it after she gets off work. I texted her that I’ll pick her up at 7.30.”

“What about your romantic dinner plans?”

“Scratch that. Not happening.”

“What’s the problem? She’s not attracted to you?”

I glare at him. “Sheisattracted to me, for fuck’s sake. Stop pestering me about the same shit.”

“What the fuck is the fucking problem then?”

The million-dollar question. “The fucking problem is that she’s pushing me away, that’s the fucking problem. She’s too scared to acknowledge that our relationship means much more now than when this whole thing started.”

“Dude, I’m your best friend and you know I’m on your side, but, bro, if she wants to leave, there’s nothing you can do to stop her. She’s headstrong as fuck.”

“I know. That’s the thing. I also know for a fact shedoesn’twant to leave. I know she feels what I do. She’s just too scared.”

“Oh, in that case, it’s easy, bro.”

“Huh?”

“Remind her that there’s nothing to be scared of.”

With those last words, he pats me on the shoulder and leaves me to my brooding. How? How can I convince her that she doesn’t need to be scared? That she can take the plunge, and I’ll be there to catch her?

Isn’t that what I’ve been fucking doing all along?

Slowly but surely, I’ve reached my wit’s end.

My cell rings.

“Yes. Hello?” I bark, annoyed as fuck.

“Oh, good morning, Mr. Ashford, my name is Jane Deets.” A chipper female voice in a heavy British accent comes through the speaker. “I’m the realtor you called yesterday to help you find another apartment. I’mmorethan happy to assist you.”

I breathe out, calming myself. Jane Deets?

“Hello, Mr. Ashford? Are you there?” the pleasant voice asks before I have a chance to respond.

“Right, Jane.” I would’ve never guessed it was her. She doesn’t sound bitchy like Theo had warned me she was. She sounds delighted. “Hey, good to hear from you.”

“Absolutely! I was wondering if you had time today to see some potential candidates. I have found a few rather smart places matching your criteria, and I think you’re going tolovethem.”

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