Page 84 of Real Fake Husband

“Deal. As much as I respect all the antiques around here, the first thing I’m going to do once the month is up, is sell that fucking couch.”

I crane my neck to look at him. “Are you going to sell everything?”

“For the most part. I’ll keep a few family heirlooms, such as the photograph of her, Theo and me, and the rolling pin, with which she threatened to beat him and me up, but never followed through on the warning. The rest will be sold once the apartment goes. My new place is going to be a hell of a lot bigger than this one.”

The reminder that our time in this apartment isn’t long for this world is not lost on me. It’s funny. When this whole thing started, I couldn’t wait for the month to be over. But now that we’re getting closer, the thought upsets me a bit.

Deep down, I’ll be a little sad to see the place go.

I tuck myself back under his chin and snuggle in. “Does this mean I don’t have to pick up my bra anymore?”

“Only if I don’t have to move my shoes.”

“Nah, you still need to move them.”

“Then you still need to pick up your bra.”

“Okay,fine.”

He laughs sleepily, burying his face in my hair. “Goodnight, sweet thing.”

“Night, Cal.”

He falls asleep almost immediately.

I listen to the sound of his breath evening out, feeling the soft rise and fall of his chest against my cheek. But I don’t sleep. Not right away, at least. A million things race through my mind. I replay every kiss, every gasp, every thrust of his hips.

More importantly, I think about how he made me feel.

Like I was the most gorgeous woman in the world.

Like he only has eyes for me.

Like I was the happiest girl alive.

30

JOSIE

FIFTEEN DAYS LEFT

I’m humming to myself as I open The Diner. Cal revs the engine of his bike, and when I turn to look, he waves before riding off. How cute. Kaylin walks up just then, watching the exchange with wide eyes.

“How was your family visit?” I ask her.

“Oh, well, the usual. Did you ride on a motorcycle this morning, Josie?” she asks.

“I sure did,” I tell her, grinning as I unlock the front door.

“That’s so cool! Did you wear a helmet? Because, safety first.”

“I did,” I chirp.

“Andyou’rein a good mood. Does it by chance have anything to do with that husband of yours who just dropped you off?”

I don’t even care that she used the H-word. “Yes, yes, it does.” I open the door, and we step inside.

“Honey,” Kaylin says, eyes wide with excitement. “Did something happen last night?”

---