Grant stood on the porch, hand pressed to his cheek where her lips had been, watching her drive away.
This is such a bad idea.
But he was already in too deep.
And the worst part? He didn't want to back out. He was going to enjoy spending more time with her.
Even if it destroyed him.
FIVE
Riley
Riley stood in front of her bedroom mirror, adjusting her sweater for the third time in five minutes.
It was fine. The sweater was fine. She looked fine. Everything was fine.
Except her stomach was in knots, her palms wouldn't stop sweating, and she was about to walk into a room full of her closest friends and lie directly to their faces.
It's fine. It's all fine.
Her phone buzzed on the bed.
Grant: Picking you up in 20.
Riley's heart jumped. Right. Grant was picking her up. Because that's what boyfriends did. Fake boyfriends. Whatever.
Riley: Okay. I'll be ready.
Grant: It’s going to be great.
Riley: You don't know that.
Grant: I know you.
Riley stared at the message, a dangerous warmth blooming in her chest. She shoved the feeling down and tossed her phone on the bed.
She checked her reflection one more time. Dark jeans that fit like a glove. A cream sweater that looked effortless but had taken twenty minutes to choose. Hair down, loose waves that said "I didn't try too hard" even though she absolutely had. Minimal makeup. Boots that were cute but practical.
She had the appearance of someone who might actually have her life together.
Liar.
"Riley!" Her mom's voice echoed up the stairs. "Grant's here!"
Riley's stomach dropped. He was early. Of course he was early. Grant was never late for anything.
She grabbed her coat and headed downstairs, her pulse hammering with every step.
Grant stood in the entryway, talking to her dad about something farm-related. He looked good—too good. Dark jeans, a flannel that fit him perfectly, hair slightly messy in a way that made her want to reach up and put her hands in it.
Stop. Stop it right now.
He looked up when she appeared, and his face shifted into a soft smile. "Hey."
"Hey."
Her dad grinned. "Well, don't you two look cozy."
