Page 26 of Wish You Would

“In your bed with me,” Briar says, cutting me off mid-sentence. “It’s only a few more days. What would be the point of the massage if you’re just going to sleep on the couch again? Kinda defeats the purpose. Plus, I’ve gotten used to having you next to me. I like it.”

She holds my gaze with her sparkling eyes refusing to look at my bare chest.

There’s a beat of silence between us.

And another.

I couldn’t look away if I tried.

Briar clears her throat, takes a small step toward me. “Holden, have you thought about my offer?”

I swallow. “The fake date?”

“Yeah.”

“Possibly.”

“I might look like a mind reader, but I’m actually not,” Briar jokes, relieving the pressure a bit. “So, is it a yes or a no?”

This girl is a ball buster, but it’s working. Her insistence is wearing me down.

I sigh. “My answer is yes.”

Excitement flashes in her emerald-green eyes before she gives me one of those smiles that just about knocks me off my feet. She claps her hands together. “Yes! This is going to be so much fun. Okay, so who is going to be at this wedding? Anyone you know?”

“I know my parents will be there, and my stepmom. They’re close with Amy’s family still. Why?” I narrow my eyes, wondering what’s going on in her head.

“Well, we can’t just show up together out of the blue and tell your family we’re a couple. If we’re going to pull this off, we have to be convincing. So, there will need to be a fake date or two first.”

I nod with a laugh. I can’t believe I’m going to go through with this. “Okay. In that case, Briar, will you be my fake girlfriend?”

“I thought you’d never ask!” she squeals. “Yes, muffin. My answer is yes! I will be your fake girlfriend.”

“Muffin?”

“Yes, babe. We’re going to need cute nicknames for one another if we’re going to be the cutest couple Reed Point has ever seen.”

“I draw the line at muffin, and the cutest couple in Reed Point? You’re taking this way too far.”

“Not far enough, cupcake,” she smirks. “It might not be obvious, but when I commit to something, I give it 100 percent.”

I snort. “Oh, it’s obvious. I’m getting the message loud and clear.”

I haven’t known Briar for long but what I have discoveredis that she says what’s on her mind. She’s fearless. Determined. And a lot of fucking fun.

I can’t believe I’ve agreed to this plan of hers, but if I’m honest, I’m looking forward to this fake relationship already.

“We’re going to have to kiss if we’re going to pull this off. You realize that right?”

Adrenaline rushes through my veins. “Don’t worry, Bee, that won’t be necessary. I’ve never been into PDA. Anyone who knows me, knows that.”

“Holden. I’m not saying we make out like two horny teenagers, but a peck on my temple, or on my lips,isgoing to be necessary if we’re going to convince anyone.”

“Sure. I’ll kiss your forehead. You can kiss my cheek.”

“Holden Banks. Are you really that much of a prude that you won’t fake kiss me on my mouth?”

Her gaze is pinned to mine, our faces only inches apart. It’s almost as if she’s daring me to make a move. It would be all too easy to take just one more step closer to her and seal my lips to hers.

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