"Yes. Scarlett arranged it so I'd be paired with..." She hesitates. "One of the groomsmen. Because the resort booked everything in pairs and apparently someone has to use the slot."
Every muscle in my body locks up.
"Scarlett arranged it?"
"Yeah." Jane's eyes narrow. "Which feels deliberate.Like she's trying to—I don't know. Create a situation? Maybe she's jealous about Blake's attention. Or trying to cause a scandal. Or—"
"She's testing you." The realization hits cold and clear. "Seeing if you'll take the bait."
"That's what Barbie thinks too." Jane grabs a spoon. "She said it could work in our favor. Use Scarlett's jealousy against her. If she's this threatened, she might slip up."
The logic is sound. The execution is going to kill me.
"So you need a groomsman to fill the slot," I say slowly.
"I was going to cancel. Make an excuse. But then Sloane pointed out that if I cancel, Scarlett wins. She gets to report back to Blake that I bailed, and it makes me look..." Jane trails off. "Anyway. I'm going. I just thought you should know. In case it's weird. With the whole fake girlfriend thing."
She thinks I should know because of optics.
Because of our cover.
Not because lying half-naked from each other might destroy what's left of my self-control.
"I'll go with you," I hear myself say.
Her eyes widen. "What?"
"I'll be your groomsman." The words come out rougher than intended.
"I'm already your fake boyfriend. Might as well commit to the role now, instead of just in front of my family."
"West, you don't have to—"
"Yes, I do." My jaw tightens. "Because if I don't, someone else will. And I'm not letting Blake conveniently need a massage at the same time."
Understanding flashes across her face.
"You think he'd—"
"I think Blake does whatever Blake wants." My voice drops. "And I'm not giving him the opportunity."
For a second, she just stares at me. Then: "Okay.
"Okay?"
"Yes." She nods, something like relief flooding her expression.
"Two o'clock. Spa pavilion."
"I'll be there."
"It's just a massage," she says, like she's trying to convince herself.
"Professional. Therapeutic. People get couples massagesall the time."
"All the time," I agree. "It'll be fine."
"Totally."
