“We know,” I say in unison with Skylar, Remy, and Clementine, since Trevyn has been gushing about his new beau.
“And they’ve been having the most fabulous dates,” Remy adds, a note of pride in her voice.
“She designed them for me,” Trevyn explains.
“We know,” I say, this time with Skylar and Clementine backing me up.
“They’re just jealous I’m going on such amazing dates,” he says to Remy, like they’re co-conspirators, and they are.
But Skylar clears her throat then waves a hand, her big diamond ring glinting in the morning sunshine. “I go on great dates too.”
“We know,” the rest of us say, then Trevyn walks in a circle around me, reviewing my ensemble one more time. I opted for a red dress with small white polka dots and a cute little pleated skirt.
“Perfy,” he declares. “You look fabulous for the fake date.”
I bristle a little, even though itisa fake date. “Good. Because I need to play the part for Ronnie Legend. For professional reasons, of course.”
“Understandable,” Remy says. “He’s powerful in the baking world.”
“Exactly. I want to look good, play well, and be believable even though it’s fake.”
But everything else between Corbin and me feels…weirdly real. Like the conversation we had the other day on the court. Our conversations are easy and natural. Our arguments are too. We seem to be able to talk openly about the past, our families, our fears, our goals. And about the love letters that make my heart glow every time we share them. Nothing between us seems fake. But of course, today is all about appearances, and I need to make sure we come across as boyfriend and girlfriend, not business partners with benefits.
“I’m not so sure it’s a fake date though,” Skylar says, reading my thoughts.
“And since you took so long to tell us about The Filthy Gentleman rendition, I think you should ’fess up now with what you’ve been up to,” Remy adds.
My chest flutters.Maybemy nipples tighten too. So annoying, being in a frequent state of almost arousal thanks to Corbin. But I’m also grateful for the chance to confess. I don’t want to keep things from my friends.
I drop to the floor, sitting cross-legged in front of them. “This is a secret, so don’t tell anybody but we’ve agreed to be…business partners with benefits.”
Skylar laughs. “How sophisticated and mature.”
“It is,” I insist.
“How not risky at all,” Clementine deadpans.
“How utterly adorable,” Trevyn says, sitting next to me and patting my shoulder.
“Hey! It just makes sense.”
“It’s totally a thing,” Remy confirms, straight-faced. “I’ve had a lot of couples submit their how-we-met stories for my show, and many started as business partners with benefits.”
But I shouldn’t even entertain the thought that we might becomemore. It’s too risky for the bakery. “This is truly all it is. Just an arrangement. I honestly don’t have time for romance,” I say, and that’s the full truth. Even if I wonder every now and then what it’d be like to date him, I know it’d be a bad idea for business. “I’m really trying to focus on work. It’s important.”
“So are dailyOs from your hockey playing business partner who’s crazy for you,” Skylar says.
A zing rushes through me from her words, but it’s best I deny it. “He’s not crazy for me.”
Remy scoff-laughs. Does she know something more?
“What’s that for?” I ask.
“I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”
“When?” I wish I didn’t sound so excited.
“At games when you’re there,” she says matter-of-factly.
