JULES
We step up to the bar at the most popular drinking spot in town and Chloe Chapman gapes at us from behind the counter.
“Lincoln…? Jules…? Together…?” she blurts loudly as she sets cocktails in front of the customers she’s currently serving.
Every person within earshot glances our way. Prickly heat spikes in my cheeks and I chuckle awkwardly, peeking around.
Chloe quickly approaches Lincoln and me, shaking her head and laughing tightly. “Sorry, guys. That was rude. I’m just…surprised, that’s all.”
My groom-to-be and I share a look. I guess it’s no secret around Fairy Bush that we despise each other. That just means we’re going to have to work a little harder to sell our romantic facade to the town.
Lincoln fakes a smile, draping an arm around my shoulder and coaxing me forward. “We’re engaged, actually. Show everyone your ring, sweetheart.”
With a full-body cringe, I lift my left hand and hold my breath.
At the sight of my ring, Chloe can’t downplay her first reaction—a befuddled cringe—but then, she covers it up with a strained smile. “Oh, it’s beautiful…”
Girl, we all know it’s not.
The thing is ugly. I mean, real ugly. One of the so-called diamonds fell off yesterday morning when I was brushing my teeth, and there’s another one that’s already jangling. I don’t know how much longer the poor thing can hold on.
Wearing this ring is kind of embarrassing. I keep having to remind myself that its sole purpose is to convince people that Lincoln and I are engaged. As soon as we dissolve our sham of a marriage, the cheap wedding ring will be in the trash where it belongs. Right along with our marriage certificate.
So in the meantime, as long as this fake diamond gets the job done and doesn’t turn my finger green, I don’t care what it looks like.
Chloe gives her head another shake, then her eyes bounce between Lincoln and me. “Anyway, congratulations to you both! This is so unexpected!”
Lincoln smiles once more. “The best love stories always are, right, darling?” He squeezes my shoulder and the pet name rolls off his tongue so effortlessly. It’s almost convincing.
I look up at him, batting my eyes and trying to reciprocate the affection. “Always, um…M-Mr. Button Up.”
Chloe’s head tilts to the side and she observes us, still looking confused and unconvinced. Right then, she gets called to the other end of the counter by a large group of guys requesting beer refills. Thank god.
Lincoln’s eyes turn to me, glinting with annoyance. “Mr. Button Up? Really?”
“That’s the best I could come up with in the moment.” I shrug.
I’m not used to pet names. Hell—I’ve never even been in a relationship. At least not one that was serious enough to require affectionate nicknames. So much of this relationship stuff is new to me.
“Is there something you’d like me to call you?” I ask Lincoln, a mocking tone to my voice.
He grunts.
“Baby Cakes?” I pat his butt. “Or what about, Sweet Cheeks? Peaches n’ Cream? Pudding Cups of Love?”
He discreetly smacks my hand away from his ass. “You wouldn’t dare…” he challenges through gritted teeth, and I laugh.
Chloe returns to us, wearing an apologetic smile. “Sorry about the slow service. I’m handling this rush on my own while Dad is on a phone call in his office.”
“No worries,” Lincoln assures her.
“Anyway, your first round’s on the bar tonight.”
“Aww, thanks, Chloe.” I grin, patting her hand and her shoulders relax a bit. “I’m always down for a free drink.”
Lincoln and I place our orders—a ginger ale for him and a whiskey neat for me. We chat with Chloe, telling her the made-up story of our whirlwind romance as we sip on our drinks.
I take note of all the perked up ears around the bar as Lincoln and I spin our bullshit tale. I know that within twenty-four hours, this fake engagement will be the talk of the town.
