“So the longer the better.” Reed bites back a smirk.
“Maybe.”
“And in the meantime, we need to show them that you’re the right woman for the job.”
“We’re already doing that. Just look at me.” I stand up and spin around, waving my hands down my body. “I’m a new woman. I don’t drink. I don’t party. I have the sweetest, most attractive football-star boyfriend. I am living the dream.”
“Fuck, Hayls. Tell me how you really feel?” He frowns and I laugh, diving on top of him.
“It’s all the truth. I feel amazing since I stopped drinking and partying, and I really do have the sweetest, most attractive football-star boyfriend. Where’s the lie?”
Reed opens his mouth to speak, but I cover it with both hands and shake my head. “Do not ruin this moment by saying ‘our relationship.’”
Reed licks my palm before shaking his head, laughing when I squeal, pulling my hands away. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Hayls. The only lie is the title. I’ve always been real with you.”
My chest tightens but I ignore the tension threatening to make me feel things I shouldn’t. Reed is real with everyone. And at the end of the day, this relationship, fake or otherwise, has an expiry. One that’s creeping up on us.
I glance away, but Reed grabs my chin, dragging me back in. “What happened?” His soulful eyes bore into mine.
I hesitate, but like always, I tell him what I’m thinking. “I’m going to miss this.”
“I’ll always be here.”
His words hit me harder than they should, but before I can respond, my phone buzzes with a text seconds before Reed’s goes off.
“Group chat?” I question as I reach for my phone, welcoming the distraction, checking my screen to find three new messages.
Amelia: Does anyone else have a moping husband/boyfriend since missing out on theSuper Bowl? It’s been a few weeks and Luke’s still sulking
Keeley: Oh yeah, my husband’s devastated. He won’t get out of bed
I laugh out loud at Keeley’s sarcasm, turning away when Reed tries to see my screen.
Paige: Keeley, we need to find you a man. Are you sure you’re against dating players?
Keeley: Never been surer of anything in my life
Hayley: What about actors? I know a few decent ones
Paige: Ooh yes. Great idea, Hayls
Keeley: This isn’t supposed to be about my love life. Moving on… I may not have a boyfriend but my brother’s all moody over the loss
Hayley: Isn’t Easton always moody?
Keeley: Yes
Paige: Yes
I laugh again and Reed groans beside me, but when I poke my tongue out, he smiles.
Paige: Easton’s actually okay about the game, though. It’s surprising me
Amelia: So it’s just Luke then?
Lainey: Nope. Thomas is pretty upset about it
Amelia: Oh good
