“So does that mean you’ll take three?” I question, giving her my best doe eyes.
I might be pushing my luck, but I’ll do whatever it takes to get my animals into the best homes—even if it requires a little strategic persuasion.
“Okay, but the other two stay here,” she warns, lifting a finger. “Jensen’s already going to be frazzled when I break the news, and the only way I can justify keeping three is that it’s one for each of us—him, me, and Caleb.”
I scoot next to her and throw an arm around her shoulders. “You’re a total lifesaver.”
Taking care of two kittens instead of five is much more manageable—especially now that I’ve added lessons with Walker to my already frenzied schedule.
Maybe it’s selfish to add that to my plate. My lack of sex isn’t a life-and-death situation, but it’s the one thing I’m doing solely for myself, and I’m not going to walk away now that I’ve finally begun to explore that part of me.
“So which one of you is going to tell me the real reason you showed up this morning?” I ask, looking between the girls. “I’m guessing it wasn’t because you were hoping I’d have more animals for you to adopt.”
Briar laughs, tilting her head back. “That definitely wasn’t on my bingo card today.”
“Think of our visit as an intervention,” Charlie explains. “You drop the bomb about dating Walker, and then you only give us crumbs. Not cool.”
I had hoped for more time before they confronted me. At the very least, I wanted them to wait until I’d slept with Walker, so I could give a full report without acting completely clueless or risk giving away what we’re really doing. I can’t shake the guilt of lying to my best friends about my dating life, and the less I have to talk about it, the better.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, ducking my head. “This is all new to me, and I’m learning as I go.”
Briar reaches over and gives my arm a gentle squeeze. “We get it. We’re just curious how this came about. You two have been close for a while, but I never got the sense you were interested in him as more than a friend.”
I shrug, unable to meet her gaze. “I’ve always thought he was good-looking—then again, who hasn’t? It’s more that I never imagined he’d be interested in me, and since you’re one of my best friends, he was firmly off-limits in my mind.”
All of that’s true. Beyond the occasional lustful thought, I never planned on acting on anything. Being with Walker remained safely in the realm of fantasy. And after our kiss last night, I’m starting to believe Harry was right when he told Sally that attraction has a way of dismantling even the best intentions.
I thought it would be easy for Walker and me to pretend we were dating while keeping things strictly physical, with no strings and no consequences. But the undeniable chemistry brewing between us isn’t following the rules, and it’s obvious things have shifted irreversibly.
My concern is that this illusion won’t just convince everyone else it’s real—there’s a good chance it could fool me too, leaving me hurt and yearning for someone who will always be just out of reach.
“So what changed?” Briar asks, pulling me back to the moment.
“I was literally wondering the same thing,” Charlie chimes in.
She’s dragged her chair out in the hallway. Apparently, the distance across the room wasn’t far enough to separate her from the kittens.
“The more time I spent with Walker, the more it became clear I misjudged him. He’s generous, thoughtful, respectful… Everything I could want in a guy.” My kitten has finished his bottle and is getting restless, so I set him on the ground to play. “When I learned he wanted me, I decided to give him a chance and see where this goes.”
Everything I said about Walker is true—he’s patient, kind, and attentive. Even though he seems genuinely invested in us, I can’t help wondering if it’s all just an incredible act. After all, we agreed to a fake relationship, so I have no right to expect more. Still, I’ve always longed for someone who genuinely wants me, and part of me can’t help but wish that someone is Walker, even though our kiss could just be a part of an inconsequential lesson.
Briar nods slowly, weighing my explanation before responding. “How long have you and Walker been a thing?”
“Not long.”
Less than twenty-four hours.
That’s definitely one tidbit of information I’m keeping to myself. I’m pretty sure the girls would have me committed for agreeing to fake date a guy just so he could teach me how to flirt with men and have sex.
When you put it that way, it does sound worse than it is. I prefer to think of it as broadening my education with hands-on practice so I don’t wind up single and outnumbered by cats. Then again, that’s bound to happen with or without a man in my life—but more like a myriad of animals that would rival Noah’s Ark, minus the reptiles. I draw the line at snakes and lizards.
“Honestly, I’m just offended that your sex life is about to become better than mine,” Charlie complains, letting out a dramatic sigh.
She pulls her feet up onto the chair, shifting in her seat whenever the kitten I put down ventures close to her.
“Maybe it’s my turn to buy you a vibrator then,” I tease.
I’m grateful Charlie and Briar can laugh about this whole situation. It could’ve gone so differently, and it reminds me just how incredible my friends are. All that’s missing is Wren.
