I’m here for my brother’s wedding. I’m here to play a fake boyfriend, but there’s a part of me that wants Mia in all the dirtiest of ways. Though there’s no way I’m going to tell her that. Mia has grown up into a stunningly sexy woman, and I am a man who wants to teach her all the ways of the world.
“Lukey, you’re here,” she shouts in pleasure, and I step forward to take her into my arms.
chapter eight
Mia
Oh, my giddy heart.
My heart races as I run toward Luke, my best friend, myboyfriend. Ugh, even the thought of our summer charade has me feeling tense. Not just because I’m nervous we’re not going to pull it off, but I’m also concerned that it’s going to end up being far more complicated than I initially thought.
Because why is he standing there, looking like a tall, delicious snack that I very much want to devour?
His white cotton shorts and loose blue shirt cling to his body, showing off a muscular physique that I didn’t know he had.
Shit! When did he get so handsome and so mature-looking? When did he get tan and grow muscles? And silky, slightly too-long hair? And when did his boring blue eyes become mesmerizing and seductive?
Apparently, my best friend is now a stud, and he hid it from me.
Shit, I’m in trouble.
“Lukey.”
I stop in front of him and jump into his arms because I am so happy to see him. I’m still mad at him for not coming early, but I can’t stop my excitement at seeing him. He picks me up and spins me around, his azure-blue eyes warm as he welcomes me.
“You’re finally here.”
My hair flies in the wind as he spins me around, and I know that my silky tresses will now be wild and frizzy, but I don’t care. He finally puts me down, and I wrap my arms around him in a big hug. He hugs me back tightly, and I rest my headon his decidedly much-more-muscular-than-I-remember shoulder. I breathe in his familiar scent and smile. He still wears Acqua Di Gio cologne, only this time, for some reason, it not only smells fresh and ocean-like, but also slightly hypnotizing.
I must have had too many shots with the girls before we came out because I am positively buzzing, standing here.
“I am finally here.” He nods, a tinge of amusement in his tone. “I like your sparkles. Are you going to a disco?” he teases me.
I look him up and down before spinning around. “If I’m going to a disco, then you’re going to a retirement home, dressed like one of the busy Bee’s husbands.”
I giggle as he looks down at his attire and frowns. To be fair, his outfit is similar to something both of our grandfathers would wear, only he’s pulling it off much better. Most likely due to his biceps and quads, but I’m not going to tell him that. I don’t want him getting a big head.
“Ouch, don’t let my grandma hear that.” He grins. “Or she’ll sign you up to be a part of the club in a heartbeat.”
“No thanks.” I giggle and grab his hand. “Come and say hi to the girls real quick, and then we need to chat because I’ve been fielding a billion-gazillion questions, and I have no idea how we’re going to pull this off.”
“Lucky for you, I’ve prepared a billion-gazillon answers.”
He winks at me, and I can’t help but notice how juicy his lips look. I wonder if he’s a good kisser and immediately blush at the thought. I do not want to know if Luke is a good kisser. God forbid we actually have to kiss. I can’t even imagine his lips on mine in that way.
Liar, a voice in me screams, mocking the thoughts I’m trying to convince myself of.
“Seriously though, Mia, don’t worry; we’ve got this. Rex is going to regret the day he sent us those rude messages.”
“I know.”
I drag him to the gazebo, and I notice that all of my friends are staring at us with expectant expressions on their faces. All of them know that this is a ruse, and I also know I can trust them to keep it to themselves.
“Luke is here, guys. My oldest best friend in all of the world.” I beam as I push him forward. “Luke, I’m sure you remember Juniper, Josie, Wendy, Fallon, Silvie, and Summer.”
“Oh, yes.” He nods dutifully, and I can tell from his expression that he’s lying, but I won’t ask him who he doesn’t remember. He steps toward Silvie and offers her his hand. “I’m not sure we’ve ever met before.” He’s so polite and formal and I’ve never been so grateful to have someone back in town in my life.
“No, we haven’t. I’m Silvie.” She smiles as she shakes his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
