Page 73 of Fake Dating Mr. Prince

I picked up the hand she was nervously wiping on her pant leg and placed the envelope in her palm. “I’m not taking no for an answer. When this is over I’ll give you the rest.”

“If you’re sure.” She looked down at the envelope then back at me.

“I am.” Watching her struggle with accepting the money reinforced that I’d made the right decision to give her half now. We never talked about when she’d get the money, and it was only fair for her to get something upfront with our exchange.

“Okay, thank you, Dean.”

She got up to leave, placing the check in her pocket. When she grabbed her cleaning supplies, I stopped her. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve held you up long enough tonight.”

Ashlyn tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear and sent me a small smile. “Talk to you later.”

“Absolutely.”

I watched her leave and thought about how much my parents were going to love her. And how heartbroken my mom would be when we broke up. She’d never pushed me to settle down, but the subtle questions about Ashlyn told me she was already picturing us married. Not because of anything more than I had shared with the world I was taken. She knew how big a step like that was for me.

And if it hadn’t been fake, I’d probably never have taken that step with anyone ever again.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Ashlyn

Dean’s strong handcovered mine, stilling it against my thigh.

I hadn’t even realized I’d been fidgeting as I took in the most enormous, beautifully maintained house in front of us. It was clearly well-loved, and the lights were on inside, welcoming us. But I was too nervous to feel welcome.

I fixed my gaze on the bay directly behind their house. The reds and oranges of the setting sun rippled over the water, and I wished for it to help calm me down.

“They aren’t going to terrorize you.” His deep voice resonated with concern and reassurance.

“But it’s your mom and your dad.” My brows drew together as worry flooded my body.

“You’ll do great.” He comforted me, squeezing my hand.

I heaved a sigh. “You don’t get it.”

“What don’t I get?” Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed him shifting in his seat to face me.