Page 17 of The Purest Fake
I nudge her side with my arm and she laughs. “You didn’t seem to mind the attention either.”
She shrugs. “I’m not opposed to chatting with a handsome man. But I am your girlfriend, after all, so I couldn’t let him think I was available.” She flutters her eyelashes.
I laugh, and a warmth spreads through my chest. “Well, I appreciate your loyalty. Though, I have to admit, I’m surprised at how easily you’ve slipped into this role.”
A small smile plays on her lips. “What can I say? I’m a natural born actress.”
“That you are,” I agree.
Rogan and Autumn return to the table with our drinks in their hands. “Here you go.” Rogan places the glasses in front of us.
“Thank you,” Scarlett says.
“Yeah, thanks,” I add.
Scarlett’s fingers brush against mine as she reaches for her glass. I feel a small jolt at the contact that makes me pause. My eyes swing upward, connecting with her surprised gaze.Did she feel it too?Raising my glass, I take a sip of whiskey, savoring the smooth burn.
“So, who was that guy you were talking with?” Autumn asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“Oh, that was River,” I explain. “We went to college together. He just signed with the Virginia Vipers.”
“River Hawthorne? The hockey player?” Rogan asks.
I nod, feeling a twinge of unease at his obvious excitement. “Yep, that’s the one.”
“No way!” he exclaims. “That’s incredible. Did you get a chance to catch up?”
“A little, but I’m sure we’ll connect again at some point.”
“How bizarre that you both ended up in Virginia Beach,” Autumn says.
Scarlett nods. “It seems like everyone here is connected somehow.”
“Welcome to high society, darling,” Autumn says, winking. “It’s all about who you know.”
As our friends launch into a discussion about the charity event’s guest list, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief at how smoothly things have gone so far. But I’m still slightly on edge, worried someone might see through our charade. I haven’t told Scarlett about my lack of experience, and it’s not only sexually. I’ve never had a girlfriend.
Scarlett leans in close, her breath warm against my ear. “Relax,” she whispers. “You look tense.”
I hadn’t realized how stiff my posture had become or how furrowed my brow is.
Taking a deep breath, I roll my neck. “Thanks. I guess I’m still getting used to all this.”
She gives my hand a reassuring squeeze under the table. “You’re doing great. Just remember, we’re supposed to be enjoying ourselves.”
I nod, grateful for her support. As I tune back in to the conversation, I notice Autumn eyeing us with a knowing smile.
I lean in close to Scarlett, speaking softly so only she can hear. “Thanks. This might not come so easily to me.”
She gives me a subtle nod, her eyes sparkling. “I guess you’re easier to pretend to like.”
I feel a flutter in my chest at her words, but before I can respond, Autumn cuts in.
“Oooh, secrets already?” she teases. “You two are adorable.”
Scarlett laughs and gives me a playful look. “I was just telling Cooper how handsome he looks tonight.”
Playing along, I puff out my chest dramatically. “Why, thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.”
