“His daughter, Chloe, has been trying to close the deal with me for months. She’ll be watching like a hawk. We have to stay in the same room.”
“You’ll order a cot?”
“Nope. She could find out. She’s a persistent little thing.”
“You’ll sleep on the floor,” she said, raising a brow as she studied me.
“I’ve sustained several injuries this week, and I’m not adding back pain to the list,” I laughed. “I’ll sleep above the covers, and you can sleep below.”
“I agree to everything but the sleeping arrangements. I’ll spend the weekend acting like you’re an amazing girlfriend, but you sleep on the floor or the deal’s off.”
“Ah… someone’s afraid to sleep in the same bed as me.” I winked. “Fine. Done deal.”
“Great. We’ll work out the logistics after the call. Just follow my lead. And pour on the charm. They’ll love that.” She took one more bite of her apple and tossed it in the garbage before storming toward the door.
I followed, of course. My eyes were unable to focus on anything but her tight little ass.
I couldn’t help myself.
She may be a heathen who’d caused me too much pain to overlook, but my fake girlfriend was hot as hell.
We stepped into the main house, and it smelled like vanilla and jasmine. There was a sketchbook on the table with drawings that I wanted to look at further, but she hurried me over to the couch.
“Okay, just agree with whatever I say. They can be very inquisitive, so keep it simple. But let them know how amazing I am and how crazy you are about me.”
“Should I kiss you? Cop a feel? A little under-the-sweater action?”
“Are you high?” She gaped at me, pointing to the couch for me to sit before she settled beside me. I pitched my apple core in the trash and quickly washed my hands before joining her.
“No. I’m working from home today. I’m just trying to figure out what you want.”
“If you attempt to kiss me or make a move, I will twist your balls so hard they’ll fall off your body.”
“As your fake boyfriend, I feel inclined to tell you that you’re very difficult to be in a relationship with.” She turned to look at me, adjusting the colorful scarf on her head.
“I am not.”
“I’ve dated plenty of women before you, and no one has ever caused me so much discomfort without giving any sort of affection back to me.” I shrugged, trying hard not to laugh.
“Put your arm around me and get into character.”
“Oh, I’m there, Wildcat. Don’t you worry. Parents love me. I’ve got this. Cousin Charlotte is going to be a jealous little beeyotch after she hears about us.”
This earned me a laugh. A genuine, from the belly, real laugh.
I puffed up my chest. I was already winning the boyfriend game.
She dialed her phone and waited for the screen to display her parents.
Wow. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. She looked just like her mother, but a younger version. Her father was a good-looking man, in that stately, wealthy sort of way.
“Hey there. I wanted you guys to meet Rafe. He’s definitely very real, so you can let Charlotte know that there are no fake boyfriends over here,” Lulu said, and I pulled her a little closer, as my arm was wrapped around her shoulder.
“Rafe. Hello. It’s so wonderful to meet you. I’m Noemie, and this is my husband, William,” her mother said, with a French accent.
“It’s wonderful to meet you both. I can’t believe anyone would accuse my girl of having a fake boyfriend. I promise you, I’m very much real,” I said, winking at the phone. “And I’m crazy about my little wildcat.”
Both of her parents chuckled before her father spoke. “We’re just happy that she’s no longer in that toxic relationship. Thatman, if you can even call him that, has caused her and our family more trouble than I can say.”
