He laughs, shaking his head wildly. “God, no, Holly! That’s not at all what I’m trying to do.”
It’s what it feels like, buddy.
Glancing at my watch, I use the time as a method of escape. “Look, I should probably get on the road.”
Truth be told, everything feels awkward. A little unsettling.
“At least have breakfast first, and a cup of coffee.” He tips his head at the coffee cup in my hand that I haven't touched yet. It’s no longer steaming.
“I’m in theTwilight Zone,” I murmur.
“I’m so sorry. I can tell I’ve made you uncomfortable. That’s not my intention. All I wanted you to know was that if thereissomething, some sort of spark, or even just a physical attraction with my cousin, there will be no hard feelings.”
“And with your family? How on earth would we explain that?”
Lincoln shrugs. “I guess we would just need to come clean.”
“They’d hate me. Not to mention this issohypothetical it isn't even funny.”
“I know. Let’s just go inside and have some breakfast, then you can get on the road. Trust me, you don’t want to miss my mom’s famous cinnamon rolls. They’re just as good, if not better, as that Julian caramel apple pie we had last night.” He playfully pokes his elbow into the side of my ribs.
“I don’t know,” I muse sarcastically. “I believe you, but that apple pie was something else. I’m kind of sad all the shops will be closed, and that I can’t take one home.”
“I’m staying up here another day—I found coverage for my shift. Do you want me to bring you one when I get back into the city?”
For a split second, I contemplate his offer. The pie wasthatgood. “No, that’s nice of you to offer though.”
“Well, you know how to reach me if you change your mind. It’s the least I can do.” Moving to the door, Lincoln opens it and gestures for me to walk in front of him.
The moment I step through the doorway, my eyes connect with Miller’s, and my heart shudders. Blowing out a shaky breath, I remind myself that I’m here to be Lincoln’s girlfriend. The ruse is almost finished. The only thing standing between me and a successful last holidate is a pastry.
I can do this.
Though the way Miller is looking at me is making my insides as gooey as a cinnamon roll.
Chapter Thirteen
Well, if this isn’t the most awkward thing to happen to me in God knows how long. Sitting at my aunt and uncle’s kitchen table, we all eat in deafening silence. Them, me, Lincoln, andElizabeth.
Taking another bite of the cinnamon deliciousness my aunt has crafted, I observe Linc and Zee. Watching them closely, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know something isn’t right between them.
I can sense it.
There’s no chemistry. Their actions feel forced, like they are strictly friends, but are pretending to be more for the sake of Linc’s parents.
Theyhavebeen desperate for him to settle down—they’ve been on me about it, too—is it possible Little Linc has asked a friend to step in andpretendto be his girlfriend?
There’s no damn way.
When everyone’s finished with their breakfast, and the plates have been cleared, Zee heads toward the coatrack and pulls off her jacket, swinging it out so she can slip her arms through the sleeve. It’s obvious she’s about to leave, and I know this is my opportunity.
“Holly, could we talk for a second?” Calling her a fake name feels like acid on my tongue. My heart stops, knowing there’s a very real possibility she’ll say no.
Peering up at me from under her lashes, she agrees. “Sure.”
It feels like my heart can beat again.
Opening the front door, I nod for her to go out in front of me. She looks behind us to see if anyone is watching, then heads outside.
