Page 50 of That Fake Feeling

Istep back from the door so her path to leave is free if she wants to take it.

ButI’mdesperate for her to stay soIcan soak up more of her presence, find out what makes her tick. “Wehaven’t spent any time together outside of our official things.Maybewe could actually get to know each other a bit.Like, in the real world.”

“Maybe.”Hercheeks flush again as she tilts her head to one side. “Actually, you know what?Abeer would be nice.”

NowIknow the exact amount of relief a teenager feels when their crush says yes to going to the prom with them.

“Great.Ihave some ofWalker’sstuff.I’llgrab a couple.”Iturn back toward the kitchen, a spring in my step from the knowledge she’s happy to spend more time with me. “Oh, andI’llorder pizza.Anypreference?”

“Nope.I’measy.Getyour favorite.”

Icall for the pizza and return to the patio table with two bottles of beer and two glasses.

AtleastIfeel a bit more normal and less like a clumsy dick now.

“WhiteWheatorOrganicIPA?”

“I’lltry the wheat, please.”Shecloses her book. “Yourbrother makes these?”

“Walker’smy cousin.Butwe were raised like brothers.Someonereferred to the five of us asbrousinsonce, and it kinda stuck.”Herchest shakes with a chuckle. “Andyup, he makes them.”

Ipour the drinks, take the seatRose’sfeet had been on, and raise my glass. “Cheers.Here’sto…actually,Idon’t know.Whatshould we drink to?”

Shepuckers her lips in thought, making them even more kissable than they already are. “Beingexcellent fakers?”

Myinsides shrivel.That’sobviously her way of telling me not to get the wrong idea from the kiss.Orthe dick grinding, which would probably be easier to get the wrong idea from.Yetthe kiss felt even more intimate than that.

Ishould have known better.Ido not deserve a woman as good asRose.

Iforce my mouth into a smile and agree with her. “Here’sto being excellent fakers.”

Ourglasses meet with atingbefore she takes a sip.

“Hmm, that’s good.”Shelicks the froth from her top lip and cocks her head. “Wasthat the doorbell?”

“Ididn’t hear anything.AndIonly just ordered the pizza, soIdoubt it.”

“I’msure that was the sound your doorbell makes.I’llgo check.”

Maybeshe already regrets saying yes to spending time with me and is looking for a way out.

“Sure.”Idrop back into my seat and watch her butt leave as she flip-flops across the patio, through the kitchen, and up the stairs.

Iguess she didn’t feel whatIfelt, and nothing’s changed for her.WhileI’vebeen turning that kiss over and over in my mind, she probably hasn’t given it a second thought.Thisis still just a business transaction to her, and she wants to get in and out without touching the sides.

Mythoughts are interrupted by voices in the kitchen.

Rosere-emerges onto the patio. “Youhave guests.”

Rightbehind her areWalkerandMax.

“Whatthe hell are you two doing here?”Iask asIbro hug each of them.

Rosepicks up her drink. “I’llgo and leave you guys to it.”

“Pleasestay,”Walkersays.

ButRoseis already halfway inside the house, seemingly desperate to escape.