She huffs out a laugh, shaking her head like I’ve just said something ridiculous, and starts setting up the table as if my words mean nothing. But I can tell she heard me. The flush creeping up her neck gives her away.
She sets up the tripod and ring light with practiced ease, her hands moving confidently. I watch her, the way her face lights up when she’s in her zone, and for a second, I forget we’re playing pretend. Becausethisis real. She’s real.
“Okay,” she says, motioning to a chair she’s dragged in front of the light. “Sit, pretty boy.”
I smirk but obey. “Only because you asked nicely.”
She hits record on her phone and slips instantly into content creator mode, voice smooth, expression bright, her energy electric. “Hey guys! I have a special guest today, this is Esteban who’s letting me test out the new men’s line I’ve been working on.”
I should be paying attention to what she’s saying. I really should. But I’m too busy watching her. She’s completely focused, brushing products onto my face with light fingers, explaining each step to the camera. Her fingertips graze mycheek and jaw and suddenly I’m hyperaware of every breath, every inch of space between us.
Then she leans in to dab something along my brow line. She’ssoclose, her face inches from mine, eyes narrowed in concentration. I could kiss her. Right now. Lean forward, close the gap, and find out if her lips are as soft as they look.
But I don’t.
Because Noah will kill me.
Because I can’t screw this up.
Even if everything about her feels dangerously real.
Chapter Eleven
Eva
The moment I walk into Ashton’s salon, I stop in my tracks. “Okay... wow,” I whisper to myself.
The place has always been beautiful, but now it looks like it belongs in the pages of a luxury lifestyle magazine. The walls are painted a soft matte sage green, paired with gold accents and sleek black furniture. There’s a fresh, clean scent in the air—like eucalyptus and something expensive. Ashton really outdid himself.
“I know, right?” Ashton calls from behind the front desk, catching my stunned expression. He’s wearing an all-black outfit, hair perfectly styled, as always, looking like he just stepped off a fashion shoot. “I had a little redesign moment last month. I was feelingbored. So naturally, I made everything fabulous.”
“Bored?” I laugh, walking more into the space. “You turned the place into a Pinterest dream board. It looks amazing.”
“I do aim to impress,” he says, flipping his imaginary hair. “Come see your corner!”
He leads me to the front of the salon, and my heart does a little happy dance because the space he’s prepared isperfect.
He’s cleared a cozy but bright corner, right by the tall windows. There’s a large, open bookshelf built into the wall. It’s sleek and modern and where I’ll be able to display every product I’m selling. A comfy, elegant chair sits across from a small table, giving me a spot to consult with clients. There's even a ring light mounted discreetly above, ready for content creation.Of course,Ashton thought of lighting.
“Ashton… this is incredible,” I manage to choke out, blinking back tears.
He beams. “I figured if you’re going to take over the skincare world, you need the right setup. You like it?”
“Like it?” I step closer, running my fingers across the top shelf. “I love it. This is more than I imagined.”
He crosses his arms with a proud smile. “Good. I want you to feel like you belong here, because you do. This is your space now, babe.”
I hug him, which he pretends to hate but doesn’t pull away from. “Thank you.”
“So,” he says as he pulls back, “how’s your fake fiancé?”
I groan, laughing. “You’re never letting that go, are you?”
“Never,” he grins. “Come on, give me the tea. Did you kiss him? Fall madly in love over arroz and fried plantains?” IknewI shouldn’t have told them anything about the other night. It’s totally biting me in the ass now.
I roll my eyes but can’t stop smiling. “No kissing. But wedideat. He made this incredible spicy crab dip and more tostones because, apparently, I’m predictable. Then we filmed a little skincare tutorial with his face.”
Ashton gasps. “He let you put product on him?”
