Ican honestly say that I’ve been nervous all day. In just a few hours, we’ll have our first dinner with Mr. McNeal—a.k.a.: the man who could change everything for our company. He mentioned he’d be bringing his wife. Apparently, he has been showing her around Honey Springs and the area where the resort is going to be built.
I swing by the office before heading home to get ready. Payton’s at her desk, lost in her work as usual, music blaring from those oversized headphones she loves. She’s been a godsend to us—organized, sharp, efficient. She’s the kind of person who keeps things running while Noah and I are knee-deep in sawdust and drywall. I’ve known her most of my life, and she’s Eva’s best friend, but where Eva is all dark hair, green eyes, and soft edges, Payton’s a total contrast. Blonde hair, blue eyes, sharper around the edges. Still, I’ve never seen her as anything but a little sister type. Which is probably for the best because she’s got a scary accurate read on me and has no problem calling me out.
Once I check that the crew’s good on the site and everything’s still on track, I walk into Noah’s office. He’s at his desk, phone in hand, eyebrows drawn together like he’s working out some architectural detail in his head.
“You got a minute?” I ask.
He glances up. “Yeah. What’s up?”
I sit down across from him and lean back, trying to play it cool. “Just want to make sure we’re on the same page for tonight. Dinner with McNeal and his wife, it’s a big deal.”
Noah sets the phone down and narrows his eyes. “You talked to Eva yet? Got your story straight?”
“Yeah.” I nod. “We’ve talked. Actually…” I hesitate before adding, “We’ve had dinner a couple of times. Just to make sure we look legit.”
His jaw tightens. “Dinner? Twice?”
I roll my eyes. “Relax. It was just food and some skincare talk. She brought a whole bag of stuff, a ring light, and recorded half of it. It was all for her social media, man.”
Noah still looks unconvinced. “Just remember, don’t touch my sister.”
My hands ball into fists on the armrests. “Are you serious right now?”
“I know you, Esteban,” he says, crossing his arms like a stubborn dad in a teen movie. “You flirt without trying. I’m just making sure you’re not gonna lead her on or do anything. You’re not a long term guy.”
“Dude,” I cut him off, irritated. “Nothing is going to happen. And for the record, your sister is an adult woman. It’s not like you can stop her from doing whatever she wants.” He scowls, but I keep going. “I’m not starting anything. I respect her. And I respect you. But you actinglike I’m the worst guy in the world, or that I’m not good enough is getting old.”
He’s silent for a moment before he sighs and rubs the back of his neck. “I’m not trying to be a jerk. I just… I’ve seen how you are with women, and this is my little sister. I don’t want her to get hurt.”
I shake my head. “I’m not going to hurt her. And I told you, I’m not gonna start anything. We’re just putting on a show for McNeal. That’s it.” Even if that wasn’t all I wanted it to be.
Noah doesn’t respond right away, but his posture relaxes a little. “Fine. Just keep it professional.”
I nod. “Got it.”
But as I stand up and walk out of his office, my phone buzzes in my pocket.
My fake girl: I’ll see you tonight. Let me know what time you want me ready.
My heart does this annoying skip thing, and I have to bite back a smile. Professional. Sure. Totally.
Me: I’ll pick you up at 6:00.
My fake girl: See you soon, fiancée.
When I pull up to Eva’s apartment, I give myself one last look in the rearview mirror and sigh. The door swings open,and there she is, long sleeves dress, boots, soft waves falling around her face like she just walked out of a shampoo commercial. My brain short-circuits for a second. Her dress hugs her body just enough to drive me insane without being obvious, and I swear I forget how to breathe for a full ten seconds.
“Hey,” she says with a soft smile, adjusting her purse on her shoulder.
Play it cool, Esteban. Don’t be a dumbass.
“Hey,” I manage to say, hoping to God my voice doesn’t crack like a nervous teen. “You look... Wow.”
Her cheeks pink up just a little, and she gives me a twirl before locking the door. “Thanks. You clean up nice too.”
Glancing down at my clothes, I smile. I decided to wear black pants and a light green, long-sleeved button-up shirt. My hair’s styled today, and my beard is perfectly trimmed.
“Thank you, Ross. I guess we make a pretty good fake couple.”
