A few weeks ago, if anyone told me I’d be making out with Olivia in a restaurant parking lot, I would have sworn they were delusional. Not because I never wanted to, because even when I couldn’t stand her I wanted her. Part of me hoped this was a trick, that she’d stop the kiss and say “Gotcha” with a wink.
Because if Olivia wanted me too—reallywanted me—then I was powerless. There would be no way I’d be able to resist.
Tension spilled out into mindless passion as my hand traveled down her hips while Olivia grabbed my ass. Her nails scraped against my denim-covered skin and coaxed a tortured groan to rise from my throat. I was hard to the point of pain and two seconds away from opening her car door and pushing her into the back seat.
Every time one of us would back away, the other would go in faster and harder. The push and pull were familiar—both of us had always wanted the last word, but this game of dominance was a new one that I liked. Hell, I fucking loved it. Instead of winning whatever stupid argument we’d fallen into, I wanted to claim her in another way, make her scream and writhe beneath me until she was nothing but a little puddle of Olivia. The thought made my blood run a little cold, but not enough to douse the scorching heat between us.
If we were supposed to act like lovers who couldn’t keep their hands off each other, we’d have no problem convincing everyone on Saturday since I wasn’t sure how I’d stop touching her now.
The blaring of a horn made us break apart. I wasn’t sure if it was at us or not, but it was enough of a shock to bring us panting back to reality.
Olivia clutched my biceps, gulping while she caught her breath. Her lips were swollen and the rest of her lipstick was smeared across her mouth. While it was mostly dark other than a few street lamps, I spied the soft vulnerability in her hooded eyes. It was as unmistakable as it was breathtaking.
“What was that about mygame?” For once, I’d managed to shut her up, and my chest swelled with pride.
“I think,” she began, running a hand through her hair, “I think we’ll be fine on Saturday. You focus on the cake, I’ll focus on the show. Got it?” She grinned, but her words came out stunted and shaky. Pride pumped through my veins as my head spun with lust. My teenage fantasy had come true, and the reality was a thousand times better than anything I’d conjured in my silly brain back then.
“Goodnight, Tyler.” She turned before I could reply, almost jumping into the driver’s seat and peeling out of the parking lot.
I rubbed the back of my neck, unable to stop the wide grin causing my cheeks to ache. When I stepped into the cab and started the engine, reality set in.
This game of pretend already felt too real.
SEVEN
OLIVIA
“Well, this is a surprise,” Morgan mused, regarding me with a suspicious crease in her forehead as she leaned against her doorway.
“Can’t someone stop in to see their best friend if they’re in the neighborhood?” I clutched my chest in mock offense.
“They absolutely can, but you usually don’t just show up without texting or calling. Not that I mind at all, but when you just show up, it’s usually for a reason.” She crossed her arms. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong. Mom had some cookies leftover from Tyler’s bakery, and I thought I’d surprise you and Leah.”
“And you stole sugar-free, leftover cookies from your mother as a cover.” Her brows lifted as she adjusted the messy chestnut bun on top of her head. “Oh boy, this must be serious.” She stepped aside and nodded behind her. “Get in and spill.”
I stalked past her and down the hallway. I’d been climbing the walls since last night and had to tell someone what happened before I exploded.
Tyler had beat me at my own game for the very first time, and I had no clue what to do about it. How was I supposed to pretend to be fake lovers at his cousin’s wedding when all I could think about was not pretending? I’d painted myself into a corner and couldn’t find a way out. Unable to stand myself anymore, I’d swiped the box off Mom’s kitchen counter while she was out and raced over here.
Men did not rattle me—ever. The few long-term boyfriends I had never affected me like this, even after we parted ways. I’d maybe feel a little sad for a day or two and then brush myself off and move on without giving any of them much thought. Other guys didn’t worm their way under my skin enough for me to obsess over a silly little thing like a kiss.
But other guys weren’t Tyler. He was always my unhealthy focus. Now that I’d kissed him, I didn’t have to wonder how it would be because it annihilated every single one of my expectations. I’d planned on putting on a good show at Donnie’s wedding—hanging on his arm and nuzzling against him to make it look believable. While it wouldn’t have been a hardship to have to be close to him all night before, now it was all I could think about.
“Where’s Leah?” I asked.
“She had teacher conferences after school but should be home soon. Why? Can’t she know whatever you’re about to tell me?” Her brows knit in concern.
“No, I wouldn’t make you keep something from your wife, and it’s not like it’s a big deal. I’m just probably being dramatic like usual.” I took the frayed string from the cookie box between my fingers and sifted it back and forth.
“Well,” she prodded, tapping her finger on the table.
“It’s about last night,” I started, rubbing my temple.
“I thought you had dinner with Tyler to make peace and clear the air before this ridiculous fake wedding date on Saturday.”
“We did.” I sighed. “It backfired on me, let’s put it that way.”
