Page 63 of Fake To Forever

"Looks like it," I reply, unable to hide my grin.

"Always nice to see people connecting," he says knowingly.

I return to our table, and after a few more songs, they finally make their way back, both flushed and slightly breathless.

"Enjoying yourselves?" I ask innocently.

Marie flicks her hair over her shoulder. "Your brother's got some moves after all."

He chuckles, a bit sheepish. "I had a good dance partner."

"Glad to hear it," I reply, winking at them. "Maybe we should make this a regular occurrence."

Marie glances at him with a knowing look in her eyes. "I wouldn't be opposed."

He meets her gaze, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, maybe."

We spend the next hour chatting and laughing, the conversation easy and full of lighthearted teasing. I can't remember the last time I saw Garrett so relaxed, and it honestly warms my heart.

At last, we decide to call it a night. As Marie and I step out into the slightly chilled night air, laughing and stumbling slightly in our high heels with Garrett following close behind us, headlights sweep across the parking lot, and I recognize Christian’s car. I feel a rush of warmth—not just from the few drinks I’ve had, but also from the sight of him here, ready to take me home.

“Right on time!” Marie declares.

I frown at her. “Did you call him?”

Grinning, she nods. “Sure did. Wanted to make sure you got home okay and why not have the hottie fiance come fetch you?”

He steps out of the car, his expression a mix of amusement and concern as he takes in our slightly disheveled state.

"Looks like you two had fun," he comments, his eyes crinkling with a smile as he opens the passenger door for me. His eyes lock with Garrett a cautious gaze lingering in his eyes. “You got caught up in this too?”

Garrett nods before shrugging his shoulders. “Yeah, it’s pretty impossible to say no to them when they join forces.”

“I have no doubt about that.” Christian chuckles.

Marie winks at him, her voice lilting playfully. "She's all yours, Christian. Take good care of our bachelorette."

“Are you walking home?”

She nods. “My house is like a block away. I’m good.”

“I don’t know.”

“Don’t worry,” Garrett replies, moving to Marie’s side. “I’ll make sure she gets home safe.”

Oh really now?

“Well… alright then.” I smile with a sigh of relief. “Don’t have too much fun.”

Marie gives my brother a playful little grin and slips her arm through his.

“You two kids have fun,” she says, waving at me as she turns and leads Garrett away down the sidewalk. I watch them for several moments before Christian helps me into the car. I can’t help but giggle as I sink into the seat, the leather cool against my skin.

"Thank you for picking me up," I say to him as soon as he’s in the car.

“You don’t have to thank me,” he replies, with amusement in his voice as I lean over a bit, looping my arm around his.

"I do though… you didn’t have to come get me… but I did miss you," I murmur, the alcohol making me bolder, more affectionate.

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