Page 19 of Fake Crown

Beside Trevor and his fiancée, Imani, are Wyatt Burgess and Ellie Cooper. The two of them ooze Hollywood glamor despite the fact they have a house on the island. Wyatt’s in what must be a custom-made suit, which emphasizes his tall, broad frame. His black hair is a stark contrast to his bright blue-green eyes. Where he’s sharp edges, Ellie is rounded corners in a flowing floral dress that screams money. Her hair is in loose waves that fit the beachy island vibe.

While I don’t have all the details on the movie they’re in together—a thriller of some sort—it’s hard to believe being so close to so much star power won’t seep into Trevor too. They’re both Oscar nominated, and Wyatt actually won a few years ago. Trevor classes working with them as his big break, and I can appreciate those stakes.

As we approach, I lean toward Posey. “Be cool.”

“As cool as ice,” Posey says, and when she glances up at me, she winks.

This girl, man. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun with a member of the opposite sex. We spent the entire day laughing and one-upping each other with sexual innuendoes. The tightness in my pants only eased long enough for another sexually tense conversation. She hasn’t even touched me, and I’ve got blue balls.

Her lack of filter makes me slightly terrified for her to meet any of my friends, and especially the two celebrities beside Trevor. Bringing an unknown woman to his wedding who embarrassed him would haunt me for the rest of my life.

Surely, she’ll understand what’s appropriate?

When we get to them, Wyatt glances in our direction and does a double take.

“Posey Jensen?” he says before Trevor has a chance to introduce either of us. “Aren’t you on the wrong island paradise?”

Beside me, Posey beams. “Did Haven and Cooper come? Or did you leave them at the house?” She pretends to search for them.

Wyatt chuckles, and he nudges Ellie, who is speaking to someone on her other side. When she spots Posey, her face lights up with recognition.

“So good to see you,” Ellie says, and she leans forward to envelop Posey in a half-hug.

“Uh,” I say, completely caught on the back foot.

“You all know each other?” Trevor asks. “I haven’t even met Brent’s date.”

My chuckle is unsteady. How the hell does Posey know Wyatt Burgess and Ellie Cooper?

“We go way back.” Ellie’s broad grin is infectious. “Wyatt shot a movie in Tucker’s Town a long, long time ago, and he’s been invited to King George’s birthday party every year since. Last year, Posey graciously amused Haven and Cooper. Which is no mean feat—a teenager and a toddler.”

“You know the king of Bellerive?” The words come out slow, and I probably sound like an idiot. She’s my date, and I don’t have a fucking clue.

Wyatt’s gaze zips between me and Posey. “Her mother has been the king’s secretary for years, and did I hear your sister just assumed the position?”

“Yeah,” Posey says, and there’s a hint of pink in her cheeks. “She’s training right now to fill the gap until they’ve selected someone else. Mother was ready to retire.”

“Tell Julia and your mother I said congratulations.” Then he turns to me, sizing me up. “And you must be Brent Faulkner.” Wyatt is sweeping Trevor’s job aside one introduction at a time. He extends his hand. “Ellie and I watched a few of your Olympic races at home earlier. Amazing stuff.”

Always a bit surreal to realize people who are a thousand times more famous than me have taken the time to watch me race. I accept his handshake. “Thanks,” I say, and I sneak a peek at Posey, who is glowing as though my accomplishment is her own. She’s a whole new level of adorable.

Posey drags her hand across my waist while she steps around me to get closer to Ellie. Her dress swirls around her thighs, and my mind drifts to what it’ll be like later to draw the dress up her legs, run my hands along her bare skin. I shift on my feet, trying to subtly adjust myself. I’ve been attracted to women before, but never quite like this.

Ellie and Posey have fallen into an animated conversation. Stunning to realize how little Posey told me about herself.

Trevor appears beside me, and he taps his glass to mine. “Seems like you’ve dug up a winner.”

“And I didn’t even know it,” I say.

Except I did, didn’t I? All day, she’s amazed me. She hasn’t name-checked any of the royals, and she’s had many opportunities. My “be cool” and “can you handle famous people” comments must have had her in internal stitches. Now that I think about it, was the Nick she mentioned earlier Prince Nicholas?

I’m such an idiot. Why haven’t I asked her any questions? She’s pried out my life story.

“She’s slotted herself in,” Trevor says. “She’s even got Imani talking, and my fiancée is shyer than most.”

Sure enough, when I glance at Posey, she’s facilitating some sort of conversation between Ellie, Imani, and four other women. A marvel.

“She’s an extreme extrovert,” I say.