“Oh, yeah?” My nose scrunches and he smirks. He went from a pained expression to beaming with excitement, and it doesn’t take a genius to know that plan includes me.
“Instead of this fake dating nonsense, I’m going to tell Bria I have a thing for you and we’ll see how she reacts.”
What?I burst out laughing. “Oh, Reed.” I pat his leg with a smile. “If only it was that easy. It won’t work unless shebelievesshe’s going to lose you.”
“It’s worth a shot though, right?” He comically cringes while I shake my head with a smile.
I feel bad but he’s… “Wrong.” Although, there might be something in that. I wave him off as my smile widens. “Lucky for you, nowIhave an idea. You’re going to love it.”
Reed forces a smile and I snort before proudly sitting up straighter. This is brilliant.
“I’m going to be your fake girlfriend.”
“You’re what now?” His eyes widen and he almost does a double take.
“I’m volunteering.” Obviously. “I’m an actress; it makes sense for your new girlfriend to be me.”
“Ahh, no. That’s insane and you know it. Plus—”
“I disagree,” I cut him off, excitement coursing through me. “It makes perfect sense. I’m single. You’re single. I’m hot. You’re insanely gorgeous and you can’t deny we’d make a stunning couple.” I pause just long enough to wink and he rolls his eyes. “It’s a no-brainer, Reed. We get along. We have fun. Give me one good reason why it shouldn’t be me?”
“Maybe because I don’t think it’s a good idea to begin with. Fake dating is crazy. Come on, Hayls. Think about it.”
“Reed.” I stare at him deadpan. He’s the one acting crazy here.
“Hayley.” He stares back at me, copying my moves as I cross my arms over my chest and fake a pout.
“Are you saying I couldn’t pull it off?” I’m teasing and it’s not exactly fair, but now that the idea’s in my head, I’m not going to be able to shake it.
“Hayley Jackman from down under,” Reed begins and I smile. “You know I think you’re brilliant. And while I’m sure this could be the acting role of your life, you’re forgetting one major plot hole.” He pauses as I wait patiently, knowing he won't convince me. “I can’t act.”
“But—”
“Or lie,” he adds as though I don’t already know that. But luckily…
“There are ways around that, Reed. Trust me, I’ve worked on some pretty amateur productions and people still loved them.” And I’ve worked on some pretty huge productions that people didn’t love.Dammit. This is supposed to be taking my mind off that.
Reed’s silence draws my attention and I rid myself of my thoughts.
“For someone that thought I was insane, you’re sure taking a long time to say no.”
“I didn’t say you were insane, Hayls. The idea is just…” He releases an overexaggerated sigh, but before I can argue he continues on. “It’s not the craziest idea I’ve heard come out of your mouth. But I’m going to need to think about it. I’m still not convinced.”
Yes, I almost have him. “I’ll take it.” I squeeze his leg and bounce around in excitement. “For now, anyway. I have no doubt I’ll change your mind.”
His expression turns serious and for the briefest of moments, I consider letting him off the hook. But it’s a good idea. And with the way Bria’s already been responding to our friendship, I’m sure it will give him the answers he needs.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Reed
“I’m sorry…” I trail off because Hayley’s staring at me with a glint in her eyes and it’s hard to say no to her. But I have to be strong. “I don’t think this is a good idea.” Hayley frowns and I can’t tell if it’s real or fake, but either way, I feel the need to clarify. “I’ll rephrase.Usfake dating is a bad idea. It’s crazy.” Unable to meet her stare, I look away, catching a glimpse of her smile.
“I thought you loved my brand of crazy?”
Her question draws my gaze, and I glance back to find her grinning my way, her brows raised in challenge. And she’s not wrong.
“I do. But if you’ll recall, I don’t usually get involved.”
