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“More like I don’t really have a choice, and in Laurie’s case, I’d rather him plan it than me. He’s the whole reason behind the Laurie date anyway.”

“Yeah, that was pretty cruel of him to force your hand like that,” Tanner replied.

“It’s fine,” I said. “Besides, Madi wanted out this week, it’s not like I could have taken her on a date. She never would have forgiven me.”

“And it’s probably a good thing too, seeing how she’s not talking to you now.”

“That would have been awkward,” I agreed.

The end of lunch bell rang, and I stuffed the remnants of my burger in my mouth as I stood to go to class.

“Well, good luck tonight,” Tanner said, as we walked toward the doors. “I have a feeling you’re going to need it.”

I had the same feeling too.

* * *

I started to seriously doubt Angus’ability to run the True Love operation when I arrived for my date with Laurie on Thursday night. I wasn’t sure what I’d done to make him hate me so much, but I quickly realized the date wasn’t just going to be awkward — it was going to be mortifying.

“I am not getting in that,” I said, pointing at the horse-drawn carriage.

“Come on Coley, it’ll be fun,” Laurie said.

I groaned. “Please don’t call me that.”

“Geez, you’re such a grouch,” she said, before looking over at Angus. “Angus, tell him he needs to be nice to me. We’re supposed to be on a date.”

Angus didn’t say anything, but he gave me a look that told me he agreed with Laurie.

“Sorry, Laurie,” I said with a sigh. “I’m just upset about the horse. I’ll be nice, but please don’t call me that ridiculous name.”

“Anything for you, babe,” she purred, linking her arm with mine.

Letting out another heavy sigh, I walked Laurie toward the carriage. I helped her up the steps, but before I could follow, Angus pulled me aside.

“You need to make more of an effort to look like you’re into her,” he said, keeping his voice low.

I grunted in response. I didn’t know how to tell Angus that would be impossible because I liked someone else.

“And I think it would be a great idea if you guys kissed at the end of the date.”

I placed a hand on his chest. “Hold it right there,” I replied. “I will not be kissing Laurie. There’s no chance of that happening.”

“It’s just a little kiss,” Angus tried to argue.

“It is never just a small kiss with her. One kiss and she’ll be planning the names of our children.” Surely he’d heard about the Dave fiasco last year? He and Laurie made out at a party just once, and I’m pretty sure she’s been sleeping with a lock of his hair under her pillow ever since.

“I’m sure she’s not that bad.”

“You kiss her then,” I replied.

Angus wouldn’t be put off though. “Look, Cole; can’t you take one for the team. This is for charity.”

“No,” I replied. “And if you ask me again, I’m walking away from this whole competition.”

“Fine,” Angus said. “No kiss, but play nice.” He sent me off with one annoyed flick of his wrists.

I took a moment to compose myself before I returned to the carriage and joined Laurie. She was sitting across the back seat, and Brett was sitting directly opposite her with his camera. There was barely a foot separating them. I’d always found it quite easy to forget the guys were filming during the dates, but it was going to be impossible with the camera jammed right in our faces.