“You’re welcome.”
We eat the rest of our sandwiches in silence. I put our dishes in the dishwasher, marveling at how homey tonight has felt. I could get used to this.
“Tell me more about your sister,” I say as I lead her back into the living room. This time when we take our spots on the couch, I sit a little closer. Could we still give this a shot? We’re staying married, for now, so what’s the harm in trying?
Hannah’s face lights up at the mention of Wren. I’ve already surmised they're close by the way she smiles every time she talks about her. “She’s a freshman in college, studying English Lit for now, but she talks about switching majors weekly.”
“What else?” I’m eager for every little scrap of information on Hannah and her life.
“Everyone says we look alike but I don’t see it. She has these big, blue eyes instead of boring brown like mine.”
“I love your eyes,” I tell her honestly.
She continues like I didn’t compliment her, but she flushes slightly. “She also has these amazing freckles that she hates and always tries to hide with makeup. And she is obsessed with true crime and reality TV.”
“We share that obsession.”
“True crime?”
“Reality TV.”
“Seriously?” Hannah asks, amusement dancing in those stunning light brown eyes.
“Oh yeah. I’m obsessed with all the dating ones.”
“Those aresofake.”
“No way. Some of those couples end up married.”
“Like one in a thousand.”
“I’ll take those odds. It’s better than swiping on some app.”
“Well, we agree there.” Her brows tug together in the center. “Speaking of dating…”
My pulse picks up speed. This is it. The moment to get this awkward, slightly unconventional situation back on track.
“We probably shouldn’t see other people while we’re fake married.”
“Real married,” I remind her. I have the certificate to prove it.
“You know what I mean.”
“I do and I agree.”
“Why do I sense there’s a but?” Her gaze narrows slightly.
I don’t quite know how to say it. Luckily, she reads it on my face. Her lashes flutter and her mouth gapes momentarily. “Oh, no.”
“Why not?”
“It’s too complicated. And I’m just now starting to like you.” She grins.
“And you think dating me is going to ruin that?” I ask with a chuckle. “Ouch, Walsh.”
I consider calling her Walsh-Bennett but I sense it’ll only make her eye twitch.
“That’s not what I meant.”
