Worst Fake Fiancé
The doorbell rings, followed by Liam’s unmistakable voice calling through the door.
“Olive? You home?”
Shit.
I whirl around and spot Ash heading toward the foyer with absolutelyzerourgency, looking like he doesn’t have a care in the world. He’s even smirking, the jerk.
I dart across the hall, grab his arm, and yank him into the mud room. He stumbles in after me, caught off guard, and the second the door shuts behind us, I whirl on him.
“Donottouch me,” I whisper-shout, jabbing a finger into his chest. “Not a single sultry glance, not a smirk, not one of your stupid sexy eyebrow raises—nothing.”
His lips twitch like he’s trying not to laugh. “Sexy eyebrow raises?”
“I’m serious, Ash,” I hiss, panic rising in my throat. “If Liam finds out we’re sleeping together, he’ll explode. Or implode. Or worse—intervene. And this time, he’s sober and sharp.”
Ash cocks his head, thoroughly enjoying himself. “Sleeping together? That’s what we’re calling it now?”
“Shut up.” My cheeks are on fire. “Just behave. Be normal. Keep your hands to yourself and your mouth—”
“Only after this,” he murmurs.
And before I can stop him—before I can even blink—he pulls me in and kisses me.
It’s a kiss that melts my spine and erases all rational thought.
His hands cradle my jaw, his mouth slanting over mine like he owns it, likeI’mhis. I feel myself lean into him, just a little. Just enough to betray every word I said two seconds ago.
When he finally pulls back, I’m breathless and boneless and seriously contemplating murder.
I blink up at him, dazed. “What the hell was that?”
He grins. “Insurance.”
“Insurance?”
“For good behavior. You said I can’t touch you. So I figured I’d get my fix in now.”
I shove his chest—pointlessly, because it’s like shoving a brick wall. “You’reinfuriating.”
He winks. “You love it.”
I inhale, hands on hips, trying to slow my pulse. “Okay. Deep breath. Reset. We’re just friends. You’re my fake fiancé. Liam’s best friend. We’re going to play it cool.”
He presses his lips together like he’s trying not to laugh. “Whatever you say, sunshine.”
I smooth down my hair, take a deep breath, and crack open the front door.
Liam’s standing outside, frowning. “What the hell took you so long? Did you guys get lost in your own mansion?”
I step out quickly, trying to wedge myself between him and Ash. “Sorry! I, um… dropped something. In the mudroom.”
Liam lifts a brow. “Did it roll under the floorboards or what?”
Behind me, Ash lets out a suspicious-sounding cough—half laugh, halfI just made out with your sister in a supply closet.
I shoot him a warning glare and elbow him in the ribs.
