Page 24 of Faking It with My Bossy Ex

Europe? What happened in Europe that made Amy swear off men?

“It’s good to see you, Megan.” Amy finally gets in a word. “It’s good to be back.”

Does she really mean that?

“I can’t stay long, but I wanted to donate these things to the silent auction. There are a couple of coupons for my boutique, and I left two baskets of products out front. Had to do it in person so I could see the two of you and verify the rumors myself.” She pokes Amy’s shoulder, scrunching up her nose.

“It’s … true,” Amy mutters. “It all happened a little unexpectedly.” She’s struggling to play it cool, but Amy’s always been a terrible liar. I’m not sure if Megan is buying a single word she’s saying, but she grins anyway, looking between us like we’re her favorite new couple.

“Please come by the boutique when you have time. I want to hear all the juicy details, but I don't want to keep you from your work.” Megan gives Amy another hug, and the two discuss things about the fundraiser as Amy walks her out.

When Amy comes back, her eyes are frantic. “What should I do if she knows it's fake? She’ll think I lied to her and wanted to make a fool of her. What am I going to do?” She puts her hands to her head.

“Hey, it’s not a big deal. Just tell her the truth, and it can be an inside joke.” I cross the room. Amy would rather feel bad than make someone else feel as if they misunderstood something or be put in an awkward position.

“It is a big deal! She’s my friend.”

“Amy, relax. It’s just a week. You can tell Megan you broke up with me after that, broke my heart, and everything. It’s not going to matter in the long run.” I take her hands in mine. She draws in a sharp breath, her lips parting slightly.

Her hands are warm, soft, fitting perfectly in mine. It feels right, even if I know I have no right to think so.

“Right …” her gaze drops to our joined hands. “It won’t matter.”

It matters.

There has to be a reason that we ended up here, in Snowfall Springs, at the same time, working together on a project that is important to both of us. Maybe this is my shot at fixing everything I broke. And for the first time in a long time, I feel like that might actually be possible.

I wish the rumors were true, that Megan was right, that we were really together again.

And I’m going to do everything I can to make it happen.

Chapter 11

Amy

Megan’s overjoyed face doesn’t stop haunting me for the next hour. If she’s heard “rumors,” that means everyone in town knows that Dylan and I are sharing a room at Cozy Haven.

Every chance I've had, I've been calling different places, trying to find different arrangements, but Dylan must have known something I didn't because there's not a room available anywhere in town.

Looks like I'm his fake girlfriend for the rest of the week, unless a miracle happens. Dylan steps out to drop off a few boxes we’re done with. My phone dings with the familiar little tone and I immediately pull it out.

It’s from Leo.

“Your EX is your BOSS???” The subject reads. I giggle as I open the email.

Wow, looks like you got more than you bargained for. So, what’s your game plan? Do you need a flight back to New York ahead of time? I heard the weather’s bad, but maybe I could pull some strings and get you a discount on a private helicopter.

The world needs your paintings, and you might not survive something like this. Let me know ASAP.

Leo

Laughing out loud, I compose myself and write out my response.

He’s my boss voluntarily for this next week, which I hope is very, very short. I think I’ll make it, but in case I get desperate, keep the jet on the back burner. He’s not all bad, though certainly infuriating. I’m determined to see this through, and he’s not going to scare me away. Enough about me, how’s work?

A

I press send just as Dylan comes back into the room.

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