Page 3 of Fake Spring Fling

He reaches out to tap my wrist. “I’m sorry that you’re growing apart from your friends. But you can’t waste this opportunity. There are beautiful hiking trails, and an amazing lakefront. Plus, I can drive you.”

“We’ll have to get to know each other on the way, so your family will believe that we’re dating.”

He grins. “Yes. We’ll be a brand-new couple for my family, and a fling for your party girl friends. It’ll be easy. Maybe we can find a bit of mellow vacation time. What do you say?”

He’s so earnest. I really do trust him. Glancing over at Claudia, she nods from the counter and mouths the words, “Go for it.”

I dig out my phone and text my group chat with the girls, holding the screen out so Wyatt can read.

The guy I’ve been sort of seeing is going to drive me to the resort, so I’ll just meet you there tomorrow afternoon.

Sarah responds almost immediately.

Sarah: GUY?!?

It’s just a fling. He’s got a family thing there, so we’re going to see what happens.

Sarah: You’re having a weekend fling? Good for you! Go for it, girl!

Lauren: Amazing!

As I set the phone down, my hand is trembling with nerves. I cannot believe this is happening. I also can’t believe I’m spending time with a gorgeous stranger.

Wyatt frowns. “Did you only have that salad for dinner?”

“Yes.”

He waves Claudia over. “Um, we have a trip to plan tonight, and a long drive tomorrow. As your chauffeur/fellow trip coordinator/fling, I strongly suggest you have a burger with me.”

Having him insist that I eat more fills me with a warm glow. It’s caring, which feels like a great sign even if this is just pretend.

“Only if we split the sweet potato fries.”

He laughs. “Perfect fling behavior. Let’s do it.”

2

WYATT

Ipull up in front of Madison’s apartment, still not quite believing my luck. It’s rare that I get four days off in a row, so you’d think I’d be looking forward to this weekend. But my family is always breathing down my neck about dating, so I’d been dreading it.

I’m not dreading it now. In fact, I’m already wondering if this pretend weekend fling with Madison can maybe last a bit longer and become a bit more real. She’s a dream come true – beautiful and sweet and oh-so-sexy in a quiet, refined way.

Hopefully this road trip will tell me whether the initial spark is going to last.

I jump out to greet her as she rolls her suitcase out the front door. Madison looks utterly breathtaking in a flirty sundress with a cardigan, her hair half pulled back in a clip to show off her stunning cheekbones and beautiful eyes. Every inch of her is so delicious that I have a need to adjust myself already. Those hourglass curves and toned legs are going to be quite the distraction on the drive.

“I’ll get that.” I feel my grin stretching much wider than usual. “And good morning.”

“Morning. Thanks.”

Madison pauses, biting her bottom lip in a way that makes it nearly impossible to stop myself from leaning in for a kiss.

“Are we huggers?” she asks softly. “I mean, if we’re…together…”

“You bet we are.” We stop at the trunk of my car, and I open my arms. “Of course, only if you’re comfo?—”

She snuggles in for what I will confess is the best hug of my life. My hands press against her back, holding her close. She feels so perfect in my arms that I never want to let her go. My lips brush the top of her hair. “Is this okay?”

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