Page 70 of Fall Fake-Out

He leans down slowly, one hand bracing against my desk beside my arm. His mouth hovers inches above mine, close enough that I feel the warmth of his breath.

“Honey, none of this is a problem for me.”

There’s a flip in my stomach, a small buzz of excitement that I can’t account for.

The room suddenly feels very warm.

Why is it so easy to forget that this whole thing is fake?

I swallow. “Don’t call me honey.”

“Get used to it.”

He hops off the desk like he’s completely unaffected by how close our lips just were. Meanwhile, I’m over here trying to remember basic respiratory functions.

“I love a good term of endearment. Honey, baby, baby doll, sweetie, muffin, sugar lips,” he says as he walks to the door. “You never know what’s going to come out of my mouth next.”

“I changed my mind. The deal’s off. I won’t be attending the party with you after all.”

He laughs like he’s enjoying this.

“Oh, and”—he slaps the door frame as he turns back to look at me—“the party is black tie. Make sure you wear something nice.”

There’s a wink, and then he’s gone.

Freaking Wade and freaking black tie.

Where am I going to find something nice last minute?

Ari

I’ve checked my reflection in the mirror six times in the last ten minutes.

Not because I care.

Obviously.

I pause near the hallway mirror again anyway, adjusting a piece of hair that doesn’t need adjusting.

My eyes sweep over Landrie’s dress. Since she’s in Burlington, she doesn’t know I stole it from her closet, but how could I resist the black formal gown? I own nothing this nice. It has sparkling floral embellishments and a slight V at both the front and the back neckline that make it feel fancy. Plus, the tulle flutter sleeves give it a flirty feeling. It’s perfect for tonight.

“You know,” Dad says from the kitchen table, “if you look in that mirror any longer, you might accidentally fall in love with yourself.”

I shoot him a glare. I didn’t even know he was watching me.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come to the mayor’s party with Wade and me?”

Having my dad there might actually help me feel less nervous.

I’ve been involved in a lot of shenanigans in my life, but this fake-dating one in front of the entire town feels like the biggest one yet. There’s no way we can play a convincing couple at a dinner table full of people who know us best. We’re doomed to fail. And then what? I just have to admit to everyone that I lied?

No, thank you, I’d rather not.

So, yeah, I’m nervous.

My dad laughs. “I’d rather sit in my recliner and watch college football.”

“I don’t blame you. I’m not looking forward to it either.”