Page 20 of Play Fake

I glance to the exit and briefly consider running out the doors. There are a million things I’d rather be doing tonight, but I need to be here for her, and I need to prove to myself Ezra is the past. He’s moved on, and I need to as well. I could do this.

“Nope. He’s good, so why shouldn’t I be?” I offer Waylon a quick smile to reassure him I’m good, but the look he gives me in response tells me he doesn’t believe it.

“Well, he’s a moron. You’re way fucking hotter than her, and I can guarantee you’re smarter. His loss.”

“That’s nice of you, but it’s fine. She’s… really pretty. They look good together. It makes sense.” I shrug.

“It makes sense a couple of cheating assholes would be together, yeah.” His voice is laced with what sounds like genuine displeasure, and I wonder if Waylon has ever been on the bad end of a relationship.

“Don’t tell me the great Waylon Prescott has been cheated on.”

He shrugs his shoulders in a way that makes the muscles at his neck move in a distractingly sexy way before I can recenter my attention on his face, which I realize is frowning at the entire scene.

“In high school.”

“A girl cheated on you in high school?” I can hardly believe anyone would cheat on him.

“Yeah.” He swirls the last of the beer in his glass and drinks it.

“That’s hard to believe.”

His eyes flick to mine, locking me with a gaze I can’t quite place. “Why?”

“You’re… you,” I wave my hand over him, indicating his entire person.

“Me?” He gives me an inquisitive look.

“Yes.”

“What does that mean?”

“You’re really going to make me explain it?”

He nods.

“By most women’s standards, you’re pretty fucking hot, Waylon. You know that. I’d guess you’re the kind of guy who most women cheat on their boyfriends with, not on.”

“Most women, but not you?”

“I don’t cheat.”

“You better not. This relationship just started. It would break my heart.” He grabs his chest and cracks a wide smile.

I knock my shoulder into his. “Very funny.”

“But that’s not what I was asking.”

“Yes, I find you attractive—until you open your mouth.”

I mean, it was the truth.

“Ouch,” he frowns, but a little smile dances on his lips.

I shake my head but can’t help but give a little smile.

“Gives me an idea though…” He trails off, his gaze forward on the stage and over the crowd.

“An idea?”