"I'm just saying. Your father has very good aim with that flashlight."
Riley buried her face in her hands while her family laughed.
She escaped after breakfast, claiming she needed to run errands. Really, she just needed air and space to think.
The Pine Valley Market was busier than usual for a weekday morning—holiday shopping in full swing, everyone stocking up for Christmas. Riley grabbed a cart and tried to keep her head down.
She made it approximately two aisles before running into Jenny Miller at the checkout.
"Riley! I heard about last night!"
Riley's stomach dropped. "You did?"
"The tree lighting! You and Grant looked so cute together." Jenny's smile was genuine, not gossipy. "Mrs. Patterson saw you two by the hot chocolate stand. She said it was very sweet."
"Oh. That's—thanks."
"Everyone's talking about how happy you both look. It's really nice."
Riley managed a smile and paid for her things, then practically sprinted for the exit.
Everyone's talking.
Of course they were. This was Pine Valley. Mrs. Ames had probably told half the town by now.
In the parking lot, Riley sat in her car, gripping the steering wheel.
This was fine. People were supposed to think they were dating. That was the whole point of the fake relationship.
Except it didn't feel fake anymore.
It felt terrifyingly real.
Her phone buzzed.
Grant: You busy today?
Riley stared at the message, her pulse kicking up.
Riley: Why?
Grant: Want to see you.
Four words. Simple. Direct. Making her entire body go warm.
Riley: When?
Grant: Now?
Riley bit her lip, torn between wanting to see him and knowing she should probably create some distance, get her head straight.
Her fingers made the decision before her brain could catch up.
Riley: Where?
Grant: Barn. Dad's at the hardware store for the next hour.
Riley's face heated. The barn. Where they'd had sex yesterday morning.
