“You know, I figured Mia and I had been best friends for so long that this would be fine, to pretend we were dating, but I guess I didn’t predict the fact that she would be sexy as hell and I couldn’t resist her.”
“She’s a good-looking girl,” he says with knowing eyes. “A lot of guys try to get with her.”
“They do?” The thought doesn’t please me.
“Yeah, she and the girls come by maybe once a week, and there’s always a local tourist asking me if I know who she is and if she’s in a relationship and if she’s looking for some fun.”
“Well, great. That’s always good to hear,” I say sarcastically.
“It doesn’t bother you, does it?”
“No, of course not. She’s free to do what she wants. Obviously not right now while we’re in this fake relationship, but once this is done, she can date as many tourists who are asking about her as she wants. Like I care.”
I’m not about to admit I’ve been in love with her for over a decade and I’m finding it hard to navigate fake dating without getting my real emotions and wants to surface.
“If you don’t care, then what’s the big deal? Just go back to being as platonic as possible when it’s just the two of you and just hold hands or something when you’re around your family.”
“I suppose so.” The thought doesn’t settle well in my mind. I don’t want to go back to just being friendly with Mia in the bedroom, but then I don’t know if our current friendship can handle any more lines being blurred.
Don’t even go there, Luke. Do not try and sleep with her.
“So, how’s business? I heard you’re doing amazing in the city.” He hands me the shots, and we down them. “No chance of youcoming back?”
“Business is great, and it’s unlikely I’ll move back.”
“And your parents’ business?” he asks. “I assume it’s going well also?”
“No idea. Why do you ask?”
“Between you and me, I’ve noticed Rex has seemed a little anxious the last couple of times he’s come in, and I’ve overheard him arguing on the phone, and the calls seemed to be about money. I was just curious if it was business-related or wedding-related.”
“I’m sure it’s wedding-related,” I say, shaking my head. “My brother is the last person I thought would ever get married and settle down, and I’m sure he’s probably having second thoughts.”
“Yeah, he’s not exactly a monogamous sort of man, is he?”
I lean forward and look at Cal. “What does that mean?”
“It means that I might or might not have overheard him having a conversation a couple of nights ago, talking about wanting Mia Bishop and how gorgeous she was looking and how he would hate to have to ruin your relationship by having her want him again.”
“He said fucking what?” I clench my fists and stare at Cal. “You’re joking, right?”
Cal shrugs. “I wasn’t going to say anything because what’s the likelihood of Rex really making a play for Mia when he’s about to get married? But I just wanted to make you aware. I know there was some history with Mia and Rex.”
“It’s fine. Thanks. I should get going though. I know Mia is probably huffing and puffing, waiting for me.”
“Okay, cool. Well, you let me know if you want to chat any more.”
“Thanks, Cal. And you let me know if you need to chat about Silvie.”
“Will do.”
“What do I owe you?”
“It’s on me today. I’ll catch you later.” He grins as I head out of the bar.
I notice Carter walking in, head down deep in thought as I made my way out.
“Hey, Carter. How are you doing?”
