Page 87 of Fake Married to the Grumps

"I saw an opportunity to help out a friend,and I took it. Plus, it's not like you really wanted to do it."

I shake my head, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and annoyance. "You didn't have to do that. I could have managed."

He gives me a playful wink. "Consider it payback for all the times you've bailed me out of awkward situationsin the past. Besides, what are friends for?"

A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips at his words, and a warm feeling of affection spreads through every fiber of my being.

Despite his gruff exterior and rebellious nature, Bryce has a way of surprising me when I least expect it. I'm glad he got me out of that situation,even if it did catch me off guard.

I slide into the passenger seat of Bryce's car, and he starts the engine. He's wearinga black shirt that clings to him, and as we pull out onto the road, I struggle to keep my eyes off his flexing biceps.

But just as I'm about to lose myself in my filthy thoughts, Bryce speaks up. "Marissa, can I give you some advice?"

I glance over at him, surprised by the sudden seriousness in his tone. "Sure, what's up?"

He shoots me a knowing look, his eyes locking with mine. "I admire your kindness, Marissa, but it's okay to prioritize your own needs sometimes. You don't have to say yes to everything, especially if it's leaving you feeling drained. You're too nice for your own good, and it's time you started speaking up for yourself."

His words bring me back to when I was standing in the school hallway, trying to keep my head on straight as a hundred faces rushed past. I had just agreed to help organize the school fundraiser, even though I was already swamped with work. I was tearing up when Bryce saw me, and he told me the same things he's telling me now.

His sincere care never fails to make my heart race, no matter how hard I try to play it cool.

"I know it's hard to stand up for yourself sometimes," he continues, concentrating on the road ahead, his voice softening slightly. "But trust me, it's worth it. You have to be your own advocate. No one else is going to do it for you."

I bristle at his words, a surge of defensiveness rising within me. "Hey, I'm not a pushover, you know."

Bryce shakes his head slowly, his brows furrowing ever so slightly as he lets out a quiet sigh. "I'm not saying you're a pushover. I'm just saying you need to speak up for yourself more. Don't let people walk all over you."

He glances at me briefly, his eyes filled with sincerity. "You deserve better than that."

I feel my breath catch in my throat as I take in the sight of him, his chiseled features softened by the genuine concern in his eyes.

My crush is coming back, or maybe it never went away in the first place.

Chapter 12

Bryce

I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting my tie for what feels like the hundredth time. The tuxedo fits perfectly, the crisp lines accentuating my frame in all the right places. I run a hand through my hair, ensuring that every strand is perfectly in place before giving myself a once-over in the mirror.

Satisfied with my appearance, I grab my car keys from the coffee table and make my way to the door.

I'm having a work event tonight, and I'm determined to make a good impression. Especially since I'll be taking Marissa as my plus one.

I step out of my apartment and make my way to Marissa's door, my mind racing with thoughts of the night ahead.

There's a flutter of excitement in my chest at the idea of spending the evening with her. We've never done something like this before, and I don't know why, but it feels like a date.

I reach her door and take a deep breath before ringing the doorbell. Moments later, the door swings open, and I'm momentarily rendered speechless by the sight before me.

Marissa stands in the doorway, a vision of beauty in a sleek, form-fitting dress that hugs her curves in all the right places. Her hair is swept up in an elegant updo, framing her face in loose tendrils that cascade down her neck.

She looks stunning and radiant, and a swell of pride rises in my chest, knowing she'll be on my arm tonight.

"Hey, Bryce." She greets me with a smile, her voice pulling me out of my reverie. "You ready to go?"

I shake my head slightly, clearing my thoughts, before offering her a crooked grin. "Yeah, let's get going. Can't keep them waiting, right?"

Marissa nods, stepping out of her apartment and locking the door behind her. As we make our way down the staircase and towards the car, I can't shake the feeling that tonight is going to be a night to remember.

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