Jacob’s gaze softens as he looks over my expression.
“Yeah,” he says, almost so softly I barely hear him. There’s a strange tension between us, and I’m not sure how I feel about it, so I change the subject.
I nod to the menu. “What ya feeling this morning, Prince Charming?”
That elicits a smile from him.
“French toast. You?”
I grin as I lick my lips. “I was going to get the same thing.”
Jacob lets out a laugh. “I mean, I can get something else if you would rather—”
“Why would I want you to get something else?” I ask curiously. Jacob blinks. “Get what you want. Don’t change your mind because of me.”
Jacob nods in response. “Okay. Thanks.”
Once the waitress takes our orders and leaves, the silence befalls us, and that weird tension is back.
Jacob is the first to speak.
“So… I know this is last minute, and usually I try to meet up with my dates in advance to get a feel for them and the role I’ll be playing.”
I sip my coffee and his words settle on me, reality sinking in. That’s exactly what he’s doing. Playing a role. Acting.
Which means I’m acting, too.
Acting like I’m in a serious relationship shouldn’t be too difficult, but suddenly I wonder if I’m going to be able to pull it off.
Fake it until you make it, Aaron. This is for the company!
“Right,” I say, waiting for him to continue.
“So… what exactly areyoulooking for, Aaron? I mean, besides someone to accompany you to this family thing at the last minute. Who do you need me to be?”
The question is simple, but it’s also loaded as fuck.
Who do I need him to be?
I purse my lips as I try to think of an answer that doesn’t make me sound like a complete and total asshole.
I need you to be Prince Charming. I need you to appeal to my idiot father’s sense of morality and value. I need you to be perfect.
“I need you to be my serious boyfriend,” I say plainly. “We’ve been dating for a little under a year and you’re totally in love with me.”
Jacob smirks and lets out a chuckle. “Obviously, that’s a given.”
It’s my turn to blush when he sits back in his chair. “Butwhois this guy who’s madly in love with you? What’s his name? His favorite color? What are his goals and aspirations?”
Shit, he’s really into this curated persona thing. I guess it makes sense, all things considered. Chris did say he came highlyrecommended, so I guess the least I can do is humor him and create the boyfriend of my dreams, even if it’s only for one night.
“You can keep your name,” I say with a smirk. “Jacob is a rather nice name, to tell you the truth.”
I purse my lips as I look at him. “Do you prefer Jacob or Jake?”
Jacob shrugs. “Whatever feels right for you. I answer to both.”
“Okay, Jake.” I test the nickname out on my tongue, liking how it sounds.
