Betzy held his gaze as hints of that dimple appeared in one cheek. “Would you be willing to…”
“To what?” The laugh coating the word bordered on madness.
“To be my fiancé?”
Sawyer gulped.
“Just for show,” she added. “In time for the article to come out?”
The choppy delivery of that question made him pause. “You want us to pretend we’re getting married?”
“If you don’t want to, or you’re dating someone, or you’d rather not deal with all of this—”
“Of course.”
“Of course, what?”
“Of course, I’ll do it,” he assured.
“ You will? You’ll do it?” At once Betzy was off of her seat and circling around to him. Sawyer stood up in time to receive a hug that felt very different from the one he’d gotten a moment ago.
Anticipation buzzed through his blood.
Thiswas his chance.
Thiswas his dragon.
This was his way to win Betzy’s heart once and for all. He couldn’t help but think back on the conversation he’d overheard between Betzy and her mom years ago. If the woman hadn’t changed her tune yet, perhaps this would help. “We’ll make them sorry they ever dared to mess with Betzy Benton,” he promised.
Betzy squeezed him tighter before stepping away. “That’s right,” she cheered. “Oh my gosh, thank you! I can’t believe you’re actually on board.”
As Betzy made her way back to her seat, their attendant entered the cabana once more.
“Your menus,” he said. “Press the signal once you’re ready to order and I’ll be at your service.”
“Thank you,” Sawyer said with a nod. He rested the menu on the table, figuring they’d order once business was through.
“So, if we’re going to do this, we’ve got to do it right. Do you have a plan?”
A dimple-flashing grin spread over her face. “Absolutely.”
There was the Betzy he knew. Confident. Poised. Ready to take on the world. She produced an oversized bag and pulled out a notebook. After a quick glance over her shoulder, Betzy set it on the table for him to see.
Sawyer flinched at the harsh appearance of angry strokes in thick, red ink. He smiled as he read the first item on her list.#1 Ask Sawyer to propose to me.
He tapped it with one finger. “Check.”
She grinned shyly, the pink returning to her cheeks.
He set his eyes back on the list. The second one mentioned a public appearance. Yes, they’d have to be seen once or twice to make it convincing. And then he got to number three. “Your Grandma Lo isn’t in on it?”
Betzy shook her head adamantly. “She’ll never approve of it.”
Never approve ofitor never approve ofhim?
“Grandma Lo worries everything will turn into a scandal,” Betzy explained.
“But your mom’s okay with it?” The question was heavier than Sawyer wanted to admit. A sharp ache grew in his gut as he waited for her reply.
