“Of course. You’re gonna need a place to talk to your skincare girlies. And,” he adds, lowering his voice dramatically, “it’s strategically placed near the best natural light in the whole salon. You’re welcome.”
“I’m obsessed,” I say, taking another photo of the setup, already planning a quick reel for later.
Payton strolls over and picks up a serum. “So, when do we get the exclusive Eva Ross facial treatment?”
“Oh, please,” Ashton jumps in before I can answer. “Shealready gave one toEsteban.” He draws out the man’s name, making it sound sexual.
Payton gasps. “You did not.”
“I did,” I admit, laughing. “We had dinner again, and then I used a few products on him and filmed a little video. I’ll show you—it’s not edited yet. I’ll work on it today so I can post tomorrow.”
Ashton claps his hands dramatically. “You’re practically in love. Look at the way he’s watching her.”
“Stop it.” I roll my eyes.
Payton leans in, squinting at the screen. “Oh my god, Eva. Ashton is right. He’s looking at you like you’re his next meal.”
“Come on, not you too.” I groan, rolling my eyes again, though my pulse kicks up at their words.
“I’m just saying,” Ashton continues in mock innocence, “when you end up in bed with your brother’s best friend, don’t say I didn’t tell you so.”
I swat his arm. “You’re so annoying. I already told you nothing is gonna happen. He doesn’t see me like that. But if I’m honest… that man is hot as fuck, and last night, while I was so close to him, I wassotempted to lean in and kiss him.”
At my confession, both Ashton and Payton’s eyebrows rise at the same time.
“Don’t worry,” I say quickly. “Nothing happened. Honestly, I didn’t even notice anything until you pointed it out in the video. So I’ll just enjoy this little fake relationship while it lasts.”
“Girl, if he doesn’t see how gorgeous you are, then the man is blind,” Ashton says.
“I don’t know what to say. Just give it some time and seewhat happens. By the way, have you heard anything from Brandon?” Payton asks.
“Nope. He’s been liking my stories and pictures on social media, but he hasn’t reached out again. It’s like he wants me to know he’s watching. Sometimes I get the urge to block his ass.”
“You totally should. That’s giving me stalker vibes,” Payton says with a serious tone in her voice.
Before I can reply, my phone buzzes in my back pocket. A flutter dances in my chest the second I see Esteban’s name on the screen.
Esteban: So, McNeal contacted us and invited us to dinner this Friday. Are you free to come with me?
I stare at the message, biting back a smile that wants to take over my whole face. A dinner. With Esteban. Sure, it’s work-related. But in my delusion, it feels like more than that. The butterflies clearly haven’t gotten the memo that this isfake.
As I’m about to type back, Payton’s voice cuts through the air.
“Ashton, look at her face.”
Glancing up, I see she’s grinning like she just caught me red-handed. “I bet you anything that’s Esteban inviting her to dinner with that guy they need to impress.”
My eyes narrow. “How did you know that?”
She lifts her iced coffee and takes a long sip before answering. “Did you forget that I work for your brother and Esteban? I got an email this morning from McNeal’s assistant confirming the meeting. Before I came in here, I forwarded it to Esteban and Noah.” She wiggles her brows. “Looks like your fake relationship kicks off this Friday instead of two weeks from now.”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t stop the smile tugging at the corners of my lips. This is happening. It’s all happening. I ignore my best friends and reply to Esteban.
Me: Sure
Chapter Twelve
Esteban
