Page 48 of Fake it With Me

That was what kept getting me. How sweet he was. How thoughtful.

The trip out onto the water had been incredible. It made me feel good that he listened when I talked about my research. He had paid attention to what mattered to me. And then he’d gone out of his way to give me an experience I’d remember for the rest of my life.

Why couldn’t I find a guy like this in my real life?

Not the rich thing—although yes, the private yacht and the ability to just decide to skip work and spend a day on the water were objectively nice. But that wasn’t what made Darek special. It was the consideration. The way he noticed things. The way he thought about what would make people happy and then actually did it.

I wanted someone like that. Someone who paid attention to the things I cared about and found ways to give them to me. I wanted someone who saw me, really saw me.

Someone exactly like Darek, in other words.

Which was a problem, because Darek was my temporary employer and this whole thing had an expiration date stamped on it in big red letters. I was not the kind of woman he would ever be with. He needed someone that actually fit into his world.

That was not me.

I didn’t think I even wanted to be the kind of woman that fit into his world. I was probably being judgmental, but after that one party, I decided they were assholes. I didn’t like them. No, that wasn’t entirely true. I didn’t like Sasha and a few of the other women. Overall, the people had been nice, but just not the kind of people I could see myself being friends with. And that was because we had nothing in common.

But if I was rich— or rather if my husband or real boyfriend was rich—would I have more in common? They talked about their vacations and second homes. If I was with Darek, I would have similar experiences to share.

I shuddered just thinking about living like that. It felt wasteful. And just wrong. I was not that kind of person.

My phone buzzed in my bag, snapping me out of my daydreams. I fished it out, squinting at the screen in the bright sunlight. Janice.

I answered since I was alone. “Hey.”

“Finally! I’ve been trying to reach you for two days. Are you alive? Have you been kidnapped? Should I call the police?”

“I’m fine. I’m actually on a yacht right now.”

“Of course you are. Living your best fake-rich-girlfriend life.” I could hear the smile in her voice. “So? How’s it going? Give me all the details. I want to know everything.”

So I told her about everything that had happened. I even told her about the almost-kiss.

“And today he surprised me,” I said, staring up at the cloudless sky. “Took me out on his yacht to see whales. He planned the whole thing just because he knew it would make me happy.”

“Okay, that’s actually really romantic.”

“I know.”

“Liza, are you okay?”

I was quiet for a second and considered the question. I didn’t have to think about it for too long. “I’m in over my head, Janice.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean Darek isn’t what I expected. He’s not just some rich jerk looking to get in my pants. He’s actually—” I lowered my voice even though no one was around. “He’s amazing. He’s this devoted father who’s clearly trying so hard to do right by his kid. He’s thoughtful and funny and he actually listens when I talk. And if anything, I’m the one dying to get into his pants.”

“Oh shit.”

“Yeah.”

“You’re catching feelings.”

“I’ve caught them. Past tense. They’re caught. I’m standing here holding them and I don’t know what to do about it.”

Janice was quiet and I could practically hear her thoughts through the phone. I didn’t have to guess what she was thinking. “Okay. First of all, don’t panic. This isn’t the end of the world. Second, are you sure this isn’t just proximity and good chemistry? You’re living in his house, spending all your time together. It’s easy to develop feelings in that situation. He’s attractive and rich. He can give you a life of comfort. I understand the appeal.”

“I’m sure. It’s not just proximity. It’s him. The way he is with Daisie and the way he looks at me like I matter.”