It’s me.
I’m the one who’s been quietly thirsting after him since the second he walked into The Honey Tavern like he owned the damn air around him.
Ashton was right, Esteban isallman now. Broad shoulders. That sinful beard. The way his jeans fit like they were tailored for sin. And don’t even get me started on the way he smells—like cedarwood and just a hint of trouble.
I haven’t stopped imagining what it’d feel like to have that rugged face between my thighs.
Yeah… I’m the liability in this fake relationship.
While the rest of the group moves to the dance floor, Noah dragging Josy like they’re still in high school and Austin twirling Violet like it’s prom night, Esteban excuses himself to talk to someone at the bar. Leaving me with Ashton and Payton, which means… chaos.
Payton turns toward me with a wicked grin. “So. Fake engagement, huh? That’s hot.”
“I just want it on record that I’m deeply offended Esteban didn’t askmeto be his fake fiancé first.” Ashton crosses his arms and pouts dramatically.
“You?” Payton raises a brow. “Please. You’d turn the whole thing into a Broadway production.”
“Exactly,” he says, dead serious. “You think this McNeal dude wouldn’t have been impressed by a full choreographed proposal set to Beyoncé? Missed opportunity.”
Payton snorts. “You’d upstage the bride at her own fake wedding.”
“Iamthe bride,” Ashton says, flipping imaginary hair over his shoulder.
They bicker for a second, Payton calling him a drama queen, Ashton proudly agreeing, while I laugh into my drink, shaking my head.
“Guys,” I say, “you do realize this is just pretend, right? Like, this isn’t some fairytale romance novel. It’s a strategic business move.”
“Strategic,” Ashton repeats, raising a brow. “Is that what we’re calling it now? Because the way you were eyeing Esteban like a triple chocolate brownie says otherwise.”
“Shut up.”
“No,youshut up,” he grins. “Girl, you’re about to live out every Wattpad fantasy ever written.”
“I’m trying to focus on mycareer,thank you very much,” I say, crossing my arms dramatically. “I didn’t come back to Honey Springs to fake date my brother’s best friend. I came to start my business.”
“Oooh, business talk,” Payton says, leaning in. “I love this for us. Give us the scoop.”
I perk up a little, because this part? This is mine.
“I’m planning to launch a skincare line,” I say, trying not to squeal. “Formulas I’ve been working on since grad school. All clean ingredients, science-based, good for all skin types. I want to build a site, start online, and eventually expand.”
Ashton gasps like I just handed him a diamond ring. “Eva.Eva.Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”
I blink. “I… I don’t know? It’s still in baby stages.”
“Well, consider this your baptism by beauty fire,” he declares. “You’re getting a spot at my salon.”
My eyes go wide. “Wait. What?”
“I’m serious! We’ll clear a corner, set up a little shelf with your products, and put up a ring light so you can record stuff right there. You’re an influencer, people will drive from the next county just to see you in person. It’ll boost both our businesses.”
I blink again, a slow grin spreading across my face. “That’s actually… genius.”
“Obviously.”
“And I love the idea of talking to people about skincare in person,” I say, feeling the little flutter of excitement in my chest. “Making it personal, educational, and accessible.”
Payton beams. “It’s givingboss era.”
