“Sure you do. You’ve never missed one. Just because you don’t participate… Admit it, you still have a great time.”
She’s got me there. “I do. There’s nothing better than watching you unapologetically live life to the fullest.”
Hayley’s expression turns serious for a beat before she schools her features and smiles. “Exactly. So…”
“Give methreegood reasons.”
“What?”
“It's like two truths and a lie but they’re all truths. I’m sure you can handle that.”
“I know what it is, Reed, but I want three reasons fromyouas to why you don’t want to do it. I think that’s a better angle.”
“I thought you were supposed to be convincing me.”
“This is part of that. I don’t believe you have three reasons.” She stares at me confidently until I nod.
“Okay, fine. Three reasons.”
“Good. I’m waiting.”
She makes herself comfortable, leaning back into the cushions, locking her hands behind her head. I mimic her moves, the movement making my muscles bulge, drawing Hayley’s gaze, just like I knew it would.
“Hey!” She fakes a gasp. “You did that on purpose,” she accuses, biting back her smile.
“Did what?” I lie unconvincingly, subtly shaking my head as I trap my smile between my teeth, laughing when she squeezes her eyes shut.
“That’s not going to work, Reed. I still want your three reasons.”
Damn. Well, I tried.
Taking a deep breath, I rack my brain for three good reasons and find it harder than I thought. In reality, I don’t actually have to do this. If I looked Hayley in the eyes and straight up told her my answer was no, she’d instantly back off. I think. But she knows me well enough to see that there’s something about the idea that intrigues me a little. If anything, it could be fun.
But, it’s Hayley. We have a friendship I never saw coming, and I’m not prepared to risk that. She means too much to me.
I take another deep breath and when I don’t speak, Hayley raises an eyebrow, making me laugh. But on closer inspection,there’s uncertainty in her expression, almost like she’s about to take it all back and agree with me now that it appears as though I’m struggling.
“I’m ready.” I cut in before she can speak. “For one… I’ve got a few away games coming up and then I’ll be busy with the playoffs. It will make it hard for us to play pretend enough for Bria to notice. Two—and I mentioned this before—I can’t act, but more than that, what do I know about being a boyfriend, fake or otherwise?”
Hayley reserves her reactions and nods blankly instead, holding her judgment until I’m finished, and I’m grateful for that because my reasons are weak. At least they are until I remember one vital piece of information.
“Three… I don’t want to.”
Her face drops, and I hate that I’m the reason. I offer a sad smile, hoping it softens the blow. “Well,damn.” She cringes. “I can’t argue with that.”
Shit. “You’re taking it the wrong way.” I smile, grabbing her hand. “I don’t mean it to sound harsh. I like our relationship as is and don’t want it to change.”
“But…since it’s all fake, it wouldn’t have to change. Right? At least not behind the scenes.”
My stomach knots and I internally grimace. If I’m not careful, this conversation alone might change things between us and I can’t afford that. Adding another layer to the friendship is bound to mess it up.
“Of course it would change,” I say, trying not to be too expressive when I want to shake some sense into her. “We’d have to make it real. Believable. And that would mean affection and kissing. One kiss and you’re bound to fall in love with me,” I joke to hide my concern and Hayley laughs, momentarily easing my mind. “I’ve seen the way you ogle my body when you think I’m not looking.”
“Oh, Reed. If you think there’s anyone out there that can resist your body, you are not paying attention.”
I huff out a laugh as my cheeks heat. But embarrassment aside, I love that we’ve settled back into our easy banter. “I—”
Hayley’s phone buzzes, cutting me off, and when she checks the screen, she giggles. “Gotta love Amelia.” She smirks.
