Page 24 of Real Fake Husband

“Don’t call her that,” I say sharply. “I told you we’re keeping it on the down-low.” It’s one thing when I tease Josie about it in private, but Theo calling her my wife when other people are within earshot is not the same.

“Right, sorry. You want to meet us at the bar later?”

“Yeah, but first I want you to keep your eyes on Hunt and see how he wraps things up for the night. Get an update on those parts. I know he was on the phone most of the day, but over the last hour, he’s made himself scarce. Text me if there are any problems. Don’t get the showroom pieces and Hogs in until the room is painted, and the display glasses have been put in.” I’m not eager to have bikes sitting in the dirt in case there’s another delay.

Theo rubs his hands together excitedly. “Dude, I can’t wait to get my hands on those pretties.”

“You’re going to have to get in line. Get in touch with Osborn and all that shit. He already left me a message, saying he can’t wait to meet to discuss his investment.”

“As if youneededan investment.” Theo scoffs. “You’re nearly as rich as he is, and your businesses are booming.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, no, I’m nowhere near as wealthy as he is, and you know how stupid fucking corporate politics are.”

“I got this.”

I slap him on the back and head to my car.

There’s enough time to stop by the apartment for a quick shower and change of clothes before jumping back on the road. On the ride to the diner, I think about what Theo said about me and Josie wanting to kill each other, and he’s right. We’ve been at each other’s throats since she let herself into the apartment, and if we’re going to get through this month, something has to give.

Granted, when we parted this morning, it seemed like there was an understanding, albeit a shaky one. It’s probably only a matter of time before we get on each other’s nerves again.

It’s just the way we operate.

Knowing how stubborn she is, it looks like I’m going to have to be the bigger person. I don’t mind extending a truce if it means the next thirty days will be easier to handle. I’m willing to admit that it’s going to be hard.

No one gets under my skin as much as Josie does. She always has.

But I’ve been able to handle her plenty of times in the past. I’ll do my thing, she’ll do hers, and we’ll come away from this without killing each other.

I pull alongside the curb, and Josie is already waiting. She climbs in, and I immediately notice how exhausted she is. Her messy bun from earlier is sagging and loose strands frame her tired face.

She lies back against the seat with a heavy sigh. “I have to admit, it feels so good to sit down.”

“Sure does.” Glancing to my left, I pull back into traffic after ensuring it’s clear. “I helped at the construction site, and I’m ready to sit back and relax.”

“How’s the work going?”

“Good. How long have you been working at this place?”

“It’s the same place I worked at in high school,” she says.

“Damn, that’s a long time. You must really like it.”

“I do.”

Hmm. There’s something in her curt answer and tone of voice that tells me otherwise. “That doesn’t sound promising.”

Josie doesn’t answer right away. Glancing at her out of the corner of my eye, I note she’s staring out the window at the streaking rain. “No, it’s a great place to work. Really. I love being a waitress. Matilda, my boss, is cool. I get paid pretty well and have a lot of authority because I’ve been there for so long.” She pauses, almost as if she doesn’t want to voice what she’s thinking.

“But?” I ask, encouraging her to keep talking.

“But…it’s not exactly what I’m passionate about. My heart’s not totally in it, you know?”

“Then why are you still there?”

She shrugs. “It’s complicated.”

“Try me.”

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