Page 62 of Knot your Good Girl

“Are you okay?”

“It’s just nerves.”

I’m relieved that he booked a hotel suite for us instead of us staying at his parents’ home. The idea of spending the holidays with his family is weighing on me like a stone.

“Holly.” His voice is soft. I direct my gaze towards him. “Are you okay?”

Me?

The strain in the air is palpable as he tightly grips the wheel, his knuckles turn white.

I sigh.Maybe it is me.

“Are you sure about this? I mean, your family... maybe I shouldn’t go.” That’s the only conclusion I come to. The reason for his sudden quietness. He’s had a change of heart about having a fake girlfriend for this occasion.

His jaw tightens, and he glances at me. “It’ll be fine. Just do what I ask and pretend we’re a couple so we can get back to New York without questions.”

“What do they pester you about? Settling down?” I ask.

“Something like that. If you’re with me, my mother will stop her annual moaning about me not giving her grand-kids.”

My heart sinks as I take in the weight of his words. This Christmas wasn’t just about spending time with loved ones; it was about showing his family they need to butt out of his life. And I’m the one who needs to make it happen.

Will I make a mistake?

Will I ruin everything for him?

“I can do that.” My voice trembles.

The snowy landscape outside blurs as tears well up in my eyes. “Are you still single because you still miss your ex?” I whisper, my voice breaking. “Will your family think I measure up to her?”

Aiden reaches out and places a hand on mine, offering a weak smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “You’re perfect. Don’t worry about anything.”

I don’t ask why he didn’t answer the question. I’m here for a reason. He never paid me for my well-being. I now know this is what he really paid me for. To help him hide from the past.

I touch the pendant around my neck as I realize that the only man my heart races for—is still in love with his ex.

Half an hour later, we pull off the street and head toward a gated entrance. My nerves zip with apprehension as the gates open, and he drives down the sweeping, tree-lined driveway. Up ahead I see a magnificent country manor.

The house is lit up with two enormous Christmas trees standing on either side of the grand double door entrance.

Aiden leaves his car outside on the circular gravel driveway. I don’t have time to let myself out of the car before Aiden opens the door and offers me his hand.

“Thank you.”

“Remember. Don’t go over the top. They’ll smell a rat straight away. Just act normal.”

“Do you like my normal?” I joke.

He smiles. “I love your normal.”

I love your normal.

The more I recall his words, the faster my heart beats.

The door opens, gorgeous smelling food drifts through the air as a lady rushes to us.

She has an immaculate, slick brown bob, her hair obviously professionally styled. She reminds me of my mother—perfect and smiley.

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