Leighton squeezes my hand.
I clear my throat. I assume that’s her subtle way of telling me to tag in. “No, buddy, but maybe…” Another squeeze. Leighton has a Miss America smile plastered on as she crushes my knuckles together. Does she realize that’s how I make my money? “We’re taking things slow, and nothing is changing. I’ll be coming and going like I have been.”
“Are you going to sleep over? National Sleepover Day is coming soon,” Monroe says.
Leighton’s grip gets even tighter. “Um… we’ll see. But we didn’t want to keep any secrets from you guys.”
“When did you start dating?” Lake tucks herself into the corner of the love seat, pointedly staring at us, then our adjoined hands, and back to our faces.
“Um…” I look at Leighton because I’m not sure what to say.
“Well, I’ve known Hayes a long time.”
I release Leighton’s hand so I can have feeling in mine again and wrap my arm around her shoulders. She leans against my chest. Fake or not, this feels damn good.
“I know that, but you weren’t dating before, so when did you start?” Lake asks.
Is it hot in here? I crack my neck, and Leighton looks at me with an expression to say I suck at faking it.
I’ve never been good at lying. Even when I was a little kid.
“I don’t know the specific date, but it doesn’t matter,” she says.
Lincoln tosses me the ball in his lap, and I go to throw it back, but earn a look from Leighton that says we’re still talking.
“In a little bit, Linc.” I place it next to me on the couch.
“Do you not like that we’re dating, Lake?” Leighton asks.
She shrugs. “No, I just wonder why all of a sudden.”
Leighton puts her hand on my thigh again, and my leg jumps a little. She squeezes it to keep it in place.
Lake’s eyes are on Leighton’s hand again, and I feel uncomfortable. Almost like the father of a teenager watching me grope his daughter in front of him.
“It was just time, I guess. We’ve been spending time together,” Leighton says.
“Hmm. Okay, is this family meeting over then?” Lake twirls her finger in the air.
“Yes. She’ll be here any minute, so just be yourselves.”
The doorbell rings, and I couldn’t be happier that this uncomfortable conversation is over. Leighton gets up to answer the door, Lincoln and Monroe following her. Lake stays in the chair, her gaze on me.
She totally knows this thing is fake, but I decide to tell her the one thing that is true.
“I like Leighton. A lot. So, whatever you’re concerned about, don’t be.”
“I don’t care who you are. If you hurt her, I have a lot of friends with social media accounts.”
I purse my lips, trying not to smile or laugh. “Message received.”
She nods, and I let her think she made her point, but I’ll prove her wrong—I won’t ever hurt Leighton.
Chapter
Thirty-Four
Leighton
