Not through fake dating. Not through pretending. Through being real. Through showing her what they could be if she gave them a chance.
He'd spent ten years wondering what might have been. Ten years playing it safe, staying in his lane, not rocking the boat.
Maybe it was time to stop wondering.
Maybe it was time to fight for what he wanted.
And what he wanted—what he'd always wanted—was Riley Monroe.
Grant started the truck and drove home, a plan forming in his mind.
He had two weeks. Two weeks until New Year's, until this fake dating arrangement ended, until Riley went back to the city.
Two weeks to show her that what they had was worth staying for.
Two weeks to win her over.
For real this time.
He was done pretending. Done holding back. Done playing it safe.
Grant Lawson was going to win back the girl he'd never stopped loving.
And he was going to start tomorrow.
ELEVEN
Riley
Riley didn't sleep.
She lay in bed staring at the ceiling, replaying the night on an endless loop. Grant pulling her to her feet and kissing her in front of everyone. The way he'd saidIt's real, Bradlike he meant every word.
But mostly, she replayed the parking lot.
His hands in her hair. Her back against the car. The way he'd kissed her like he was drowning and she was air. The heat of his body pressed against hers despite the cold. His hands sliding under her coat, finding bare skin, making her gasp.
You weren't lying about being a better kisser.
I've had ten years to think about kissing you again. Had to make it count.
Riley pressed her hands to her face, which was still warm hours later. They'd gotten completely carried away against her car—hands everywhere, breathless and wanting, only the cold and common sense making them finally stop.
And now she had no idea what happened next.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand.
Grant: You awake?
Riley's heart jumped.
Riley: Yeah. Can't sleep.
Grant: Me too. Can't stop thinking about tonight.
Riley: The kiss?
Grant: The kiss. Your face after. The way you looked at me when we left.
