That gets my attention. “Should I sit down for this?”
Her mouth flattens. “Maybe.”
The cold air she dragged in is still clinging to her. I can feel it in the space between us, sharp and bracing. She takes a breath like she’s about to dive underwater.
“I told a local blogger we were dating,” she says in one rush, the words hitting like a nail gun going off in a quiet room.
I blink once. “You… what?”
Her chin tips up, defensive. “It wasn’t planned. She cornered me, shoved a phone in my face, and started asking about my love life. Colton was right there with his freakin perfect fiancée, and—” She stops, shakes her head. “I just said it.”
“Said it?”
“That we’re together,” she clarifies, like I’m the one who’s lost it.
From the kitchen comes a sharp choking sound, followed by Ronnie’s laugh. “Knew there was a story there.”
“Stay out of this,” I snap over my shoulder.
Ronnie ignores me. “Is this some kind of April fool’s joke?”
Lyla’s jaw tightens. “It’s October. And no, it was just… I don’t know. The heat of the moment kind of thing. And now it’s going to be everywhere.”
I drag a hand down my face. “Well, that’s fucking great.”
She levels me a look like I exasperate her as much as she does me. But then takes a step closer, urgency rolling off her. “Look, I came over because I didn’t want you blindsided. It’s probably already online. It was recorded.”
Ronnie gives a low whistle. “Oh yeah, that’s making the rounds before I even get to dessert.”
Ronnie pushes his chair back and strolls into the foyer, still holding the carton of lo mein like it’s a prop in whatever comedy he thinks we’re in.
“So let me get this straight,” he says, pointing his fork between us. “You told the whole town you’re datinghim?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Lyla mutters.
“And you thought that was the best option available?” His grin widens. “Guess you could’ve done worse.”
Damien glares at him. “You’re not helping.”
Ronnie shrugs and leans against the wall. “I don’t know, man. Kinda think you should roll with it.”
Lyla’s eyes flick to him, cautious. “Why?”
He taps the fork against his carton. “Because he’s got a ton of work left in here, and I’m only around for, what, two more days? After that, he’s on his own. And you…” He looks her up and down, not in a sleazy way, just appraising. “…look like you could hold a paintbrush at the very least.”
Her eyebrows lift. “I can do a lot more than hold a paintbrush.”
I cut in, my voice flat. “She’s not working here.”
Ronnie grins like he knows he’s winning. “Why not? You help him with the house, and he plays along with your little public romance. Everybody gets something out of it.”
Lyla’s already turning the idea over, and I can see it in her face before she even opens her mouth.
Her eyes lock on mine, and I can practically see the gears turning. “He’s right. You need help, and I need this to look real. It’s perfect.”
“It’s insane,” I counter.
She steps closer, voice quickening. “No, listen. This isn’t just about me saving face, okay. There’s this sponsorship deal that could cover my mom’s care for years. If I don’t land it, I’m screwed. All we have to do is pretend we’re together in public, and I’ll work here every day until the renovations are done.”
