Page 16 of Pretty Desperate (Pine Village #6)

I’m startled by a knock at the back door. I glance at the clock, noting it’s just after five thirty. I don’t have too long before I need to be at Kameron’s house for dinner, and since I’m not expecting a delivery at this point of the day, I’m not sure who it could be.

Looking through the peephole on the door, I shake my head when I see a familiar face.

No, not just one face, but several. I release the lock, knowing this moment was coming.

My friends have been too quiet, and I have a hard time believing they haven’t heard about my dinner last night with Kameron and Mrs. Krokus.

Which means they’re here—and all together—for one reason.

They want dirt.

“Hey,” I greet when I open the door, a friendly smile on my face.

“Start talking,” Hallie demands as she pushes through the doorway, Blair, Ava, Ellie, and Ryan hot on her heels.

“Well, hello to you too,” I say, closing the door behind them. When I turn and face my friends, I ask, “Is this an intervention?” There’s humor in my question, but I can’t help but wonder if it isn’t somewhat true.

“No, of course not,” Blair replies.

“We didn’t mean to bombard you,” Ava says.

“But we were all just curious as to what’s going on with you and Kameron,” Ellie adds. “Not that it’s any of our business.”

“Oh, it’s definitely our business,” Hallie states with a giggle. “I knew something was up all those months ago when he provided the tacos for our girls’ night.”

“That was just friends helping each other out,” I insist, even though I still didn’t necessarily clarify us as friends.

“I made him some cheesecakes for his restaurant when his regular dessert maker had to cancel last minute, so in return, he offered to help me with a meal of my choice in the future.”

“So…what is going on now? Are you two dating?” Blair asks, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Yes.”

All five of them hoot and holler, all equally as excited for me and my new relationship status.

“Yay! You two make the cutest couple. Not to mention the food,” Blair says, causing everyone to agree.

“Truth! I bet you two could seriously heat up a kitchen,” Ellie adds, before blushing. “I didn’t mean it like that. Wait, maybe I did.”

I can’t help but think about the kisses and being pressed against the door last night, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping for a little more of that tonight.

“She’s blushing,” Ryan says, a big grin on her gorgeous face.

“Of course she’s blushing. You’ve seen the man,” Hallie chimes in.

“Anyway,” I reply, drawing out that word. “Is that what brought you all here? To get the dirt on Kameron and me?”

“Yes,” they all reply in unison.

“Well,” I start, my throat thick and dry. “We’re dating. It’s pretty new and low-key, and we’re not making a big deal of it.”

“Not making a big deal? Of course it’s a big deal,” Blair insists. “You two are both great people, and it’s exciting. Since I’ve been back here, I don’t think I’ve known either one of you to date.”

“That’s true,” I agree, trying to recall the last guy I actually dated. And not just went out for a date or two. I mean had the whole boyfriend/girlfriend titles and whatnot. It’s been a really long time.

“And besides, you totally blushed and were probably thinking about sex when we walked in,” Hallie informs me, causing my face to blush even more. “See? That right there. That tells me this is a bigger deal than you’re letting on, and that’s okay.”

I shrug. “We’re taking it slow.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” Ellie replies.

“You’d say that because it took you and TD like seventeen years,” Blair teases, making all of us laugh. “But all joking aside, we’re all really excited and happy for you.”

The others all nod eagerly.

“We really are. I know I’m the newest one to the group, but I think you’re amazing and I’m so glad someone else is seeing it too,” Ryan states, reaching out and taking my hand.

I tear up, but not for the reason they’re thinking. I want to tell them it’s all fake—that Kameron doesn’t think I’m amazing. I’m convenient, at best. I’m one of the only single ladies in his age demographic that could help him pull this off.

But I can’t help but think about that kiss—kisses.

There’s no denying the chemistry we share.

I felt it pressed against my center. But that doesn’t mean anything more than attraction.

We’re not dating for the right reasons, and I need to remember that.

This is fake, and at the end of our two-month arrangement, we’ll both be walking away after we get what we want.

For him, it’s the building to expand his restaurant.

For me, it’s the added security to my business of selling my baked goods to his restaurant year-round.

That’s why we’re dating, and I need to remember that.

Not the way he kissed me or pressed me against the door.

“You look nice,” Ava says, having noticed my small attempt at making myself presentable for this evening.

“Oh,” I reply, glancing down at my capris and fitted blue top. “Thanks.”

I’m usually wearing a T-shirt with my bakery logo on the front, leggings, and flour and icing.

“Date?” Hallie asks, a mischievous grin on her face.

“It’s just dinner.”

“The restaurant is closed,” Blair replies with a knowing smile.

“At his house. I’m bringing dessert,” I add lamely, pointing to the fresh angel food cake with strawberries and homemade whipped cream.

Ryan steps forward and gives me a hug. “You two are so adorable. We won’t keep you, since you have plans. We just wanted you to know we all love and support you.”

“And we’re all really happy for you,” Ellie adds, giving me a hug too.

“Totally agree,” Blair states.

I hug each of my friends before they move to the door to leave.

“Let’s do a big date night soon. All of us together. I know Kameron’s schedule is difficult, because of his restaurant, but maybe with some notice, he can take a Friday or Saturday night off,” Hallie suggests.

“I’ll ask,” I reply, wishing they wouldn’t have suggested it. It’s one thing to play a fake girlfriend while we’re both working, but it’s an entirely different scenario when you’re surrounded by your closest friends.

“All right, have a good night,” Ava says as they take their exit.

“And by that she means have all the sex,” Hallie hollers before I can shut the door.

Sex.

Would I like to have it with Kameron?

Ummm, any red-blooded woman who has a pulse would say yes. But I don’t think it would be wise. Talk about muddying the waters.

Yes, sex would definitely add a layer of complication I don’t want.

Yet, I hope it’s not off the table…