Page 69 of Fall Fake-Out

“Was your mom there?”

“Yes.”

“Does she still hate me?”

“She was actively trying to set me up with two other men the entire time, so I would say yes. I tried to stick up for you, but you’re still not her favorite person.”

His brows leap up. “You tried to stick up for me?”

“Yeah, I couldn’t just let her bash my fake boyfriend.”

“Well, I haven’t even been able to show her the doting-boyfriend side of me yet.” He leans one hand against my desk, lowering himself slightly closer to me. “So that’s to be expected. Just give it some time. She’ll come around.”

“Your lack of self-awareness is commendable.”

“Thank you.”

“But back to your sister. Sadie mentioned that we’re going to the mayor’s fiftieth birthday party together.”

“Exciting, huh?”

“This is news to me.” I fold my arms across my chest. “Exactly when were you going to tell me? The party is tomorrow night.”

“I haven’t seen you at school the last two days because of the meetings. But that’s why I’m here. There’s no football game for us to go to this week. So…” He clears his throat just for the show of it, straightening like he’s about to deliver a formal proposal instead of nonsense. “Ari, would you like to go to the mayor’s birthday party with me?”

I uncross my arms and scoot into my desk. “No.”

“No?” His voice rises an octave from shock. “Are you allowed to say no in this little agreement of ours?”

“There’s no need for us to go to the mayor’s party, because my mom won’t even be there. She’s going to Burlington with Landrie to meet with the wedding caterer.”

“Who says we’re going for your mom?”

I glance up at him. His tie-less collar sits open at the throat, and for one unfortunate second, I wonder what it looks like beyond that opening.

Snapping my eyes back to his, I continue with business as usual. “I doubt Ashtyn will be there.”

“Actually, you’re wrong.” He sits on the corner of my desk, crushing a stack of ungraded papers. His thigh brushes my hand for half a second before he settles, and the contact sends a stupid little wave of heat through me. “Her mother is the mayor’s secretary and the one planning the party. Ashtyn will most definitely be there helping. So we’re going. Unless you have something more important to do besides trying to beat me at being the world’s best fake boyfriend.”

“Yet to be determined,” I mutter under my breath but still loud enough to garner a smile from him.

Not a cocky smile this time.

One that says he’s amused with me.

“I’d planned to stop by Reese’s house to help her move in, but it sounds like I’m already committed elsewhere.”

His grin turns victorious. “Yes, you are.”

“To be honest, I’m surprised you’re willing to take this relationship so public.”

“The potential of jail time is a pretty strong persuader.”

“There’s going to be a lot of people there. More than at church.” I tilt my head slightly. “Do you think you can handle it? I know how much you despise relationships.”

Instead of answering immediately, Wade’s gaze drops to my mouth.

My pulse stumbles.