Neck kisses.
Hand holding.
Knee / Thigh touching.
Butt touching.
To go on one date a week.
Be each other’s screensaver.
Post relationship status on social media.
Pose for couple photos.
As soon as one of the parties feels more than friendship, this contract immediately becomes null and void.
Both parties also agree to the following:
Carla Reyes will not be used as a messenger between them.
Carla Reyes will not be forced to choose sides if this contract results in the end of their friendship.
Carla Reyes will not be forced to listen to the parties bad-mouthing each other.
I widen my eyes as I look at Carla. “Damn, are you sure you didn’t miss anything?”
“I was going to include sex but then got grossed out,” Carla states as she taps with a pen against the dotted line. “Initial whichever applies and sign at the bottom.”
Forest and I read over everything again, then I glance at him. “We’re okay with tongue, right?”
Forest’s eyes snap to mine. “If you’re okay with it.”
“Yeah, totally.” I glance over everything again. “I’m also fine with the rest.” I initial next to all the points, then sign above my name. I pass Forest the pen and watch as he initials all the things we agreed to, and then he scribbles his signature.
Grinning at him, I say, “It’s going to be fun pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes.”
“I’m just glad I don’t have to worry about relationships. It’s the last thing I have time for,” Forest states.
Carla signs, then she grins at us. “This baby is staying with me. You both need to pose for your couple’s pics.”
“Now?” I gasp. “I look like crap.”
“Yeah,” Carla wags her eyebrows at us. “Nothing like the ‘we just woke up’ look to get people talking.”
“Ugh,” I let out a groan.
“Let’s get this shit done,” Forest mutters. “You still want to go shopping, and we need to pack.”
Carla grabs her phone, looking way too excited about our fake relationship. “To the bedroom we go.”
Shaking my head, I glance at Forest. “She’s enjoying this way more than us.”
When we walk into the room, I used for the night. Carla first goes to the dresser and sets down the contract, then she turns to us. “Let’s get one of you hugging and looking all madly in love.”
Forest wraps his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. I let out a happy sigh as I rest my cheek against him.
“Good. Aria, look up. Forest, press a kiss to her forehead,” Carla instructs as if she’s a professional photographer.
When she’s happy with the photo, she says, “On the bed. Snuggle up and look all in love.”
Forest falls down on the mattress and begins to snuggle a pillow. “On second thought, the two of you can go shopping, and I’ll nap.”
I grab the pillow from under him and whack him with it. “Not a chance in hell.”
I lie down beside him, then Carla frowns at us. “Come on, guys. Work with me here.”
Forest pushes his arm under me and pulls me to his side. I turn my body into his, then glance at Carla. “Have you taken the photo?”
“You’re not going to convince anyone at this rate,” she mutters. “Kiss.”
I push myself up and press my mouth to Forest’s. After a couple of seconds, I mumble, “Did you take the pic?”
Carla lets out a burst of laughter. “Oh yeah, but you look like two fish who died while lip-locked.”
Pulling back from Forest, I glance at Carla. “Seriously?”
Suddenly Forest flips me over, and then his mouth is on mine. His lips begin to move sensually, and I’m so caught off guard, it causes a fluttering in my stomach.
Again, I’m startled by the sensation. I push him back and climbing off the bed, I say, “Let’s get ready, or we’ll never get through this day.”
I hear Carla chuckle. “Damn, the kiss one actually came out all hot. I’m sending all the photos to both of you. Post the pics on social media. Remember to change your status to in a relationship with each other.”
I dig in my overnight bag and yank out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, then Carla chuckles, “Also, you’re buying me those heels I like for services rendered.”
“The black and red ones?” I ask. When Carla nods, I grin at her. “I’ll get them for you, only because I love you so much.” My phone buzzes, drawing my attention, and opening the screen, I click on Carla’s message. My eyes widen as I stare at the photo she took of Forest and me kissing.
“Damn,” I hear Forest murmur. “You’re good at this, Carla. They won’t doubt us when they see these.”
“That’s for sure. You should go into photography,” I add, then I let out a relieved sigh. “We might actually pull this off.”
Forest comes to high-five me. “Here’s to being single without anyone thinking shit about it.”