Fake girlfriend. This isn't real.
He had a feeling he was going to have to keep reminding himself of that after that incredible kiss.
"You were right, Mijo, she has the most striking blue eyes."
Paige's brows shot up as she gave him a questioning look. No doubt wondering what else he'd told his mom about her since she only agreed to play the part of his girlfriend yesterday. He didn't dare confess he told his mom about Paige's striking blue eyes and radiant smile a week ago.
He gave her a quick wink and introduced her to his sister. "Paige, this is my sister Graciela. We call her Grace for short or Gracie."
"Grace." His sister glared at him before offering her hand to Paige. "Not Gracie. I outgrew that name years ago." Though her tone was friendly, the look she gave Paige was as frosty as a December morning in Antarctica.
"What a pretty name. It's nice to meet you, Grace." Paige's smile was stiff, no doubt sensing the lack of warmth in Grace's greeting.
Grace gave an eye roll as she released Paige's hand and walked toward the kitchen.
His gaze followed his sister.
What’s up with her?
She wasn't happy about him lying to their mom, but she was the one who'd pointed out that Mom had been like a new person all week.
"You have perfect timing." Mom stepped behind them to close the door, then she put an arm around each of them. "We just pulled the carne asada off the grill a few minutes ago."
Gabe sensed the tension in Paige but was powerless to do anythingabout it with his mother between them. They made their way to the kitchen and were soon seated around the table. He asked Mom a question about her work to distract her from how slowly and carefully Paige moved as she took her seat. She had few restrictions anymore, but she was still cautious about everything she did, because some movements still caused her discomfort.
They'd barely said a blessing on the food before Mom started with the questions. "So, Paige, Gabe tells me you're a former patient of his. What kind of injury did you have?"
Gabe tensed. They'd decided to stick as close to the truth as possible, but he couldn't help worrying Paige might let something slip that would tell his mom she was a current patient, not a former one.
"I was…hit by a car while crossing the street." Paige's hands shook as she spread her napkin across her lap. "I suffered multiple pelvic fractures, broke the neck of my left femur, and needed re-constructive surgery on my right shoulder due to multiple fractures."
A sinking feeling hit Gabe's gut as he recalled telling his mom about one of his most challenging patients. He hadn't shared Paige's name, but he'd told his mom the nature of Paige's injuries. The same injuries she just mentioned. He prayed his mom didn't make the connection.
"Oh my." Mom gasped and brought a hand to her chest. "That must have been a long and difficult recovery."
"Too long."
On Paige's right, Grace held out the platter of carne asada. Paige lifted her arm to take it then winced and quickly lowered her arm again. Hoping no one else saw her pained expression, Gabe quickly reached across her to take the platter. He put a few pieces of meat on Paige's plate before serving himself.
Her smile of gratitude didn't come close to meeting her eyes. She looked as tense as he felt.
"She had to do physical therapy for months." Gabe said as he put the platter down.
"I imagine." A knowing grin filled Mom's face. "I hope you waitedfor her to finish therapy before you asked her out." She quirked a brow at him. "You certainly wouldn't want to chance losing your job."
Paige tensed beside him.
Gabe's gut clenched, and the air whooshed from his lungs, leaving him feeling like he'd been sucker punched. He forced a laugh as he served himself then Paige some black beans. "No, of course not."
"So, whendidyou two start dating?" Grace asked, eyes on Paige.
Gabe shot her a wide-eyed glare that said what-are-you-doing? But she ignored him.
"Our first official date was March sixth," Paige said.
Surprised by the confidence in her response, Gabe’s gaze jumped to her face. She said she wasn't much of an actress, but her quick response sounded true. Although he didn't recall them discussing the date their fake relationship started.
She smiled as she met his gaze and laid her hand over his where it rested on the table. He rotated his wrist and clasped her fingers in his. Her skin was so soft, and her hand felt small and delicate. He told himself he was only playing a part and not taking advantage of the situation, but he couldn't deny he liked the feel of Paige's hand in his.
