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“Good.” I look him up and down. “So what’s eating at you?”
He sighs. “A project at work. I accepted a construction bid from a company that has the right speed and blueprints. But unfortunately… the construction foreman is Bishop.”
“Whoa!” I protest. I feel a twist in my heart at Bishop’s name. But it’s funny I feel the hurt less than I would have few months ago, before I met River.
Maybe the key to letting go really is moving on.
I try to be pragmatic. “The company must really have its ducks in a row if you are still choosing to work with them.”
“They do.” River screws up his face. “I’m trying to get out of the deal.”
I rub my thumb against the palm of his hand. “You know, I admire that about you. Someone willing to throw down with Bishop isn’t exactly the easiest thing to find in a…” I hesitate for a second. “A fake fiancé, I guess. I’m not sure what to call you.”
He grins and stretches out his hand to emphasize his words. “I like to think I’m a partner in creating life.”
“Sure.” I laugh. “Anyway, I just thought that I would tell you that I love that about you.”
His eyes narrow on my face. “Is that right?”
My face heats. I just came very close to telling River that I love him. Which is absolutely not part of the plan.
Sure, it’s something I’ve been thinking about. Pondering. Musing. But not actually thinking of saying out loud, for god’s sake.
Releasing his hand, I give him a stoic look. “Let’s go. I have another surprise for you.”
I start scooting out of the booth. River screws up his face and pulls out his wallet. As if I would actually let him pay at my place of work on his birthday.
“Don’t,” I say, pushing his hand with the wallet back under the table. “Seriously.”
His eyes flash but he knows when to keep his mouth shut. He slides out of the booth and stands, stretching. I put a casual arm around his waist and walk him to the door. His hand rests on my shoulder.
To all the world, we probably look like a real couple in love.
We are the only ones that know the truth. We made our expectations perfectly clear.
Butterflies erupt in my stomach, nervously fluttering around. I’m pretty sure that I’m the only one who is struggling with our situation.
Gem rushes up to us as we leave. “Have a happy birthday, River!”
“Thanks, Gem.” River squeezes me and smiles.
Gem looks at me. “You can have the day off tomorrow, if you want.”
“Really? You’ve got someone in mind to cover my shift?”
She nods. “My niece Mariana has come to stay with me for a few months. She’s always looking to make a little extra dinero.”
I lean into River. “Great. I think I could use a few extra hours to celebrate this guy’s birthday.”
“You have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Gem beams.
“Thanks, Gem,” River says again. He pulls me in close and kisses my head. “I’ll use the time wisely.”
The bell chimes as we push out the door. It’s bright today, nearly blinding, and windy as hell. I put on my sunglasses and River does the same.
“Are you ready for your second surprise?”
He grins. “I guess? I’m not used to people making a fuss for my birthdays.”
