“What you did?”
“Yeah. She wanted to know if I thought of you. If I showered before I fucked myself.”
“She did not.” Sure, Mackenzie is the jealous type. But she never thought I was a rival. She never thought Forest actually wanted me.
“She kept going on and on about how she knew I was thinking about you.”
I shake my head.
He nods she did. “She thought there was something between us. I guess… you think she was already fucking him?” His smile disappears.
“I don’t know. She… she didn’t tell me. If I’d known—”
“I know.”
I swallow hard. “You saved me that night.”
“It was nothing.”
“It was a lot. And fun.”
He nods true.
“This will be the same. Bigger, yeah. But the same idea.” I try to look him in the eyes without blushing. “We’ll kiss a little, hug a little, hold hands. But it doesn’t have to be more than that. It doesn’t have to be weird.”
“I haven’t kissed anyone in two years.”
“Oh.”
“I don’t know if I—”
“We don’t have to do that. It can be something else. As long as we seem intimate.”
His eyes fill with vulnerability. “You’re really doing this? With or without me?”
I cross my fingers behind my back. “I am.”
“Who will you get? If it’s not me?”
“You’re my first choice.”
“If it’s not?”
“I don’t know. Maybe Holden. Or Oliver.”
His brow furrows. “You’re sure?”
I uncross my fingers. “I am.”
He holds my gaze for a moment, turning over my words. “Okay, I’ll do it. But no more unilateral shit.”
“It was your—”
“I know. From now on, we decide a story together. Plan together. Figure this out together.”
I offer my hand. “Deal.”
“Promise I won’t regret this.”
“I promise.”
He looks at me like he doesn’t believe me, but he shakes anyway.
Chapter Ten
Skye
We spend a few minutes picking out a photo.
The two of us staring at each other like we’re madly in love. It’s pure sweetness.
And it’s clearly us.
Forest’s chest piece—the shattered glass heart—is peeking out from his t-shirt.
His chin, mouth, nose, eyes, hair—his entire face is in the shot.
Mine too.
We look good together. The same dark hair, but his eyes are dark and deep, like a rich cup of coffee.
Mine are a vibrant blue.
Same light skin—I have more of my mom’s pale complexion than my dad’s tan coloring.
I’m in all black, wearing my makeup like a badge of honor.
He’s in a charcoal t-shirt, wearing his tattooed arms like they’re the only accessory he needs.
He holds his hand over the post button. Looks to me for approval.
I nod. “Do it.”
He types a caption. Tags me. And her.
Celebrating our invitation to the wedding of the century. Love it when family brings us together.
“Oh my God.” A laugh breaks up the tension in my shoulders. “You’re an evil genius.”
“I know.”
“I think I love you.”
He swallows hard.
“I only mean—”
“I know.”
“You’re going to be a great fake boyfriend.”
“I sure as hell hope so.” He taps the button. Woosh. The picture appears on his feed.
Her like appears instantly.
Then a comment. I always knew you’d be perfect together.
She knows.
She buys it.
She’s jealous.
This is happening.
He’s mine. For the next five weeks, he’s mine.
Chapter Eleven
Skye
It’s right there. Parked in front of my parents’ house.
Red Camry. You got passed by a girl bumper sticker. Hello Kitty air freshener.
Mackenzie’s car.
My heinous cousin. Who stole my crush. Who acted like she did me a favor stealing my crush.
Who still holds everything—her size, her hair, her one hundred percent white features, her relationship status, her employment status—over my head.
Who tore Forest’s heart from his chest and tossed it aside like it was nothing.
He follows my gaze. Stops dead in his tracks. “Did you talk to her…?”
“No.” It’s only been a few hours since we posted. Since she commented. (Okay, yes, I had a second matcha after the first. Then we grabbed dinner at the organic juice place. It’s expensive, but the kale salads are amazing).
“She…” He rubs the space between my thumb and forefinger with his thumb.
“I…” I can’t pull my hand away. That feels too good. I don’t care that he’s seeking comfort for the hurt his ex caused. I don’t care that he’s thinking of her. I only care that he’s touching me.
“That’s her mom’s car.” He motions to the red SUV in the driveway. In my mom’s spot.
Of course, Mom moved the car for her heinous sister.
I motion to Forest’s house. “They’re going to see us.”
He nods right, leads me to the front door, whisks me inside.
His posture stiffens. His jaw cricks. His shoulders rise to his ears.
I’m already losing him.
Fuck, this sucks. But I’m not dwelling.
This is a time for action.
I pull out my cell. Text Mom.
Skye: Is Aunt Danielle visiting?
Mom: We’re at dinner.
Skye: You didn’t invite me?
Mom: We called three times.
Oh, there are some missed calls here. But… well, my parents call all the time. They’re involved. I can’t pick up every time they want to ask if I’d rather have pork or beef for dinner.