Page 54 of Pretend You're Mine

Nathaniel straightened, disbelief and anger flickering across his features. “So you think you can just march in here anddo whatever you want? You don’t have the same vision, Avery. You’re not cut out for this.”

I leaned closer to the screen, every word laced with conviction. “You think my father’s approval is what I need for validation anymore? You’ve had it easy your whole lives, playing the part he wanted, while I’ve been the one carrying this weight. I’m done shrinking back into the role of the family outcast. I’m keeping what’s mine.”

I turned to my mother, who looked stricken by the tension in the room. “Mother, I get that you want to protect me, but you need to see this differently. This goes beyond a job or title; it’s about who I am and what I really want out of life.”

Tears glistened in her eyes as she struggled to comprehend the shift in her son. “I only want what’s best for you, Avery. I?—”

“I know you love me,” I said softly, my voice dropping to a gentler tone. “But I need you to trust that what’s best for me is not what you envisioned. I deserve to pursue my happiness, and if that includes Creed, then that’s my choice.”

Nathaniel and Joseph exchanged glances, their expressions revealing a mix of disbelief and contempt. “You’re delusional if you think anyone will take you seriously,” Nathaniel shot back, his tone venomous.

I locked eyes with one cousin, then the other, daring them to challenge me. “You’ve spent your lives clinging to Father’s narrow idea of what it means to be a man—a Branson. But that’s not me. If you ever speak down to me or dismiss my decisions again, you’re out—out of Branson Resorts and out of my life. Consider this your only warning.”

With that, I ended the call, my hands trembling slightly as the screen went dark. A strange sense of freedom washed over me, like I’d shed a weight I’d been carrying for far too long.

I looked up at the city skyline for the second time that evening, feeling lighter than I had in years. And for the first time,I knew exactly what I needed, where I belonged. In the warmth of my real boyfriend’s embrace, where love wasn’t conditional and my worth wasn’t up for debate.

CHAPTER 34

AVERY

My apartment smelled like a fresh start, a tantalizing mix of lavender from the candles and the earthy aroma of fresh pizza dough. As I bustled around the kitchen, my heart raced with excitement. I turned to glance at Creed, who leaned against the kitchen island, his broad shoulders relaxed yet radiating a familiar intensity that always made my stomach flutter.

“Okay, Chef Creed,” I said, pulling out the ingredients for our homemade pepperoni pizza. “What’s the next step?”

He smirked, those green eyes sparkling with mischief. “First, we have to set the mood. You know, cooking is all about the right vibe.”

“Right, right,” I chuckled, grabbing my phone. “What do you want to listen to?”

“Anything but classical,” Creed teased, his voice playful. “Unless you want to serenade me with some Mozart.”

“Ha! Not happening.” I tapped open my Spotify app, ready to create our official Cooking Playlist. “Let’s make this a real date. I need your top song picks.”

Creed stepped closer, brushing against me as he leaned in to look at my phone. The warmth of his body sent a rush of heatthrough me, and I focused on the task at hand. “How about ‘Dancing Queen’?” he suggested, grinning widely.

“Classic! But we might need to warm up first. What else?” I smiled, nudging him gently with my shoulder.

He pretended to think hard, tapping his chin dramatically. “Okay, I’m going with ‘Uptown Funk.’ You can’t go wrong with Bruno Mars.”

“Nice choice,” I nodded, adding it to our playlist. “I’ll throw in ‘Shape of You’ by Ed Sheeran. I have a history with that one.” I raised my eyebrows suggestively, hoping to elicit a reaction.

“Oh? Do tell!” Creed leaned in, looking genuinely intrigued.

I waved my hand dismissively. “Just some embarrassing karaoke moments in college. You can imagine the chaos.”

Creed laughed, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. “I can picture it. You, a microphone, and your friends cheering you on. Now that’s a sight I need to see.”

“Maybe one day,” I said, resting my phone down on the counter. “Now, back to the pizza. We need to roll this out.”

I kneaded the dough and Creed stepped in to help, his strong hands working alongside mine. The kitchen filled with playful banter and laughter, the sound of dough squelching between our fingers, and the warmth of the moment enveloped me.

“Do you even know how to make pizza?” I teased, noticing how he was rolling the dough in a way that seemed… less than expert.

He shrugged, his expression mock-serious. “I’ve watched enough cooking shows to know how to look good while making a mess.”

“True,” I said, chuckling. “At least you’re nailing the ‘looking good’ part.”

I couldn’t help but watch Creed move around the space. His fitted flannel shirt hugged his shoulders perfectly, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing the strong lines of his arms. Helooked so at home, his brow slightly furrowed in concentration as he kneaded the pizza dough. There was something captivating about the way he focused, as if every movement had purpose. My heart swelled at the thought that this rugged man was here with me, making memories in my home, and he was mine. Oh yeah. My boyfriend looked good. So good, I could eat him… which I planned to do later.

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