Page 73 of Fall Fake-Out

Before I can react, he hooks an arm around my waist and yanks me into his side so hard I practically bounce off his chest.

Air leaves my lungs. “Wade⁠—”

“Don’t get lost in the crowd.” He squeezes me once like we’re a couple who’s been disgustingly affectionate for years.

My face instantly catches fire.

Because his hand is warm against my hip.

Because the entire party is staring.

And because, apparently, Wade’s version of fake dating is full-body contact and humiliation.

“Archer is saving us a seat at our table.” Sadie looks back and forth between us. “Should we sit?”

Wade’s smile is ginormous. “Let’s.”

Everyone starts moving, but not me. I grab Wade’s sleeve and yank him backward toward the hallway.

“What the heck was that?” I whisper-hiss.

Wade looks genuinely confused. “What?”

“The yelling. The hugging. Calling me baby cakes.”

“I told you I loved a good term of endearment.”

“You’re being obnoxious.”

“Hey”—he shrugs innocently—“any girl of mine deserves to be loved out loud.”

I narrow my eyes. “People will never believe this. Dial it back. Now.”

“I don’t know.” His face scrunches as if he’s really thinking about it. “Kinda looks like, between the two of us, I’m the better actor. Maybe you should follow my lead—unless you’re trying to lose this bet.”

“So that’s what this is?” I lift my chin. “You want to go toe to toe tonight?”

“Try to keep up, baby cakes.” He bops me on the nose then confidently strides to our waiting table.

I stand there, fuming.

Oh, he has no clue what he’s just awakened.

And suddenly, I no longer care what everyone thinks. I’m brainstorming all the over-the-top things I can do just to embarrass him.

I’m winning tonight, no matter what.

Wade

If Ari thinks she can keep up with me at dinner, she has another thing coming.

I’m on one, and nobody can stop me.

I wasn’t planning for the evening to go this way. I literally thought this would be a normal date. I was excited, even.

And then Ari opened the door in that dang black dress…and had me.

I’m man enough to admit when a woman completely destabilizes me, and that’s what her sweet femininity did.