Page 66 of Faking it with the Green Beret

“It could make things awkward.”

“Because youlikehim?”

“No. I mean as a friend, yes, but that’s all. And all it can ever be. I’m not giving up control of my life to a man again.”

“From the little I’ve seen of John, and what you told me, he might be pretty alpha with giving orders, that’s not the same as the controlling type. You’re talking about attending one event together, not any kind of commitment.” She leaned back in her chair and studied Elizabeth.

“He’s probably on his best behavior. He still needs a place to live. I didn’t see any warning signs with Adam while we were dating either. Afterward was an entirely different story. John has military training. With his size and strength, he could do what he wants and . . .”

“Not every man is like your father or your ex. John comes off much more like a protector, not an abuser.”

“I’m still not interested.” That sounded weak, even to her. “I don’t need, and am not looking for, a man in my life. Besides, he’s moving out of The Oasis soon and then to Florida in a few months. So will you go with him to the wedding?”

“No. I started seeing someone.”

“And you hadn’t told me?”

“I was going to tell you today, but you asked me to be your tenant’s fake date before I could.” Jillian laughed and broke into a huge smile. “Her name’s Cayla, and she’s beautiful, funny, and sweet. We like to do the same things. I’m not going to do anything to make her jealous, sinceIdon’t owe your friend any favors.”

“I don’t either. I took care of his dog.”

“You didn’t do that for him.” She leaned forward and drilled Elizabeth with her stare. “You adopted that dog for yourself.”

“I’m just saying that I don’t owe him. And Ariana going wouldn’t be a great idea.”

“Why not?” Jillian challenged.

“Just, you know. Her age and with what she’s been through, she may see him as her white knight saving her from J.R. If he asks her to the wedding, even explaining his circumstance, she might get the wrong idea and develop romantic feelings for him.”

“So, you’re protecting her?”

“Well, if he doesn’t reciprocate, it could be awkward with them living at The Oasis right now. It might push her into making bad choices. I can’t forbid them from dating, but I’m certainly not doing anything to encourage it while they’re both there.”

“Make the same kind of mistake you made? Isn’t that a stretch?”

She’d anticipated Jillian having reservations but being in the hot seat was not how she’d expected this to go. “I thought you were my friend.”

“I am, so quit trying to guilt trip me. If he asks, I’ll tell him yes and cancel at the last minute so you have to step in.” Jillian aimed a mischievous smile at her while she shot down Elizabeth’s fleeting moment of hope. “You might as well say yes.”

“No. He’s going to have to come up with another option or go stag and deal with her for the wedding. How bad can it be? Maybe he misinterpreted her posts.”

“Have you seen what she posted about him?”

“No.” And John could be exaggerating, though why?

“What’s her name?” Jillian pulled out her phone.

“I don’t know. He only said something about flirting with her and her posting about them singing.” She ate while Jillian searched on her phone.

“This could be her. Shelby Perkins from Nate Crenshaw’s season. Former Miss South Carolina. There are videos of her singing.”

“That was fast. You’ll make a great detective.”

“I hope so, but anyone can check the internet.”

“Do you see any posts related to John?”

“I’m checking. She posts several times a day and only one picture at a time.”

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