Page 6 of Fake Spring Fling

“So: quick review time.” Wyatt clears his throat. “We met at Ray’s Diner a month ago, hit it off, and have been on a handful of dates. It’s going well, but who knows – we don’t know what’s going to happen yet.”

“Right. That’s the story for my friends. For your family, we’re officially dating.”

He glances over again. “And just to check, you’re okay with me putting an arm around you, holding your hand, kissing your cheek?”

“Yes.” I can feel my face flushing slightly. “And if we need to make a similar call on the fly, I’m sure it’s fine. The important thing is to sell it.”

Wyatt reaches out to give my hand a light squeeze. “For the record, I think you’re a fantastic fake date.”

I smooth my hair back. “Why, thank you, sir. For the record, I feel you are the same. Also, you’re a very mellow driver. I really appreciate that.”

He chuckles, turning at the sign for Aadland Sandersville Lodge. “Calm and steady. I’m not going to make my sweet girl nervous by speeding.”

Heat, mixed with heaviness, flashes in my chest. Not heavy like a stone. More like two big blankets piled on top of you in the winter. Comforting. Just from Wyatt calling mehisandsweetin the same breath.

Hold it together, girl. This is just an arrangement of convenience.

We park right in front of the grand entrance, and the valet opens the door for me. They’ve barely gotten our bags out of the trunk when I hear a high-pitched squeal that I assume is Lauren or Sarah. I blink in surprise when an older woman with blonde-streaked, feathered hair hurtles full speed toward Wyatt. She barrels into him with a bear hug, then squeezes his biceps, laughing.

“I keep telling you, you’re working out too hard. You’re going to break something someday.”

“I’m always careful. I have a trainer and everything.” He gives her another squish, then turns to me. “I’d like you to meet Madison.”

Before I can extend my hand, I’m being tightly hugged. “He’s never brought a girl to meet us before, so this is a great sign, honey,” she whispers loudly in my ear.

Then she steps back, holding my hands as she examines me carefully. “Oh, Wyatt, she’slovely. Look at those big bright eyes!”

Wyatt snorts. “Settle down, Mom. You’re going to freak her out.” She drops my hands to toss him a look and elbow him in the ribs. “Sorry.Heather.”

“That’s better. Now: everyone is getting settled in the Pine Lounge. That’s the smaller one. Apparently there’s a big mixer of hotel types in the Cedar Lounge.”

Wyatt slides an arm around my waist. “We’re going to check in and get settled, then we’ll cruise down for a cocktail.”

Heather waves a hand at him dismissively with a giggle. “I saw that they had you in the east wing. Are you nuts? You’ll be surrounded by all those party people and up all night…and not in the good way.”

She winks broadly. I’m not sure if I should smile back or dissolve into the asphalt.

“So I upgraded you to a suite in our wing. Don’t worry, it’s totally soundproof. Everyone will be minding their own business. But it’ll be quieter, and you’ll have amuchnicer view of the lake.” She leans in and kisses Wyatt on the cheek, then grabs my chin to tilt my face up. “Sopretty. You two are going to have the most gorgeous children someday.”

By the time my jaw manages to pick itself up off the floor, she has already sailed back into the front lobby, calling out to someone.

Wyatt sighs heavily, then his arm tightens around me. “Well… That’s Heather.”

I haven’t even fully sunk into the laugh that overwhelms me, when I hear another squeal. “Madisoooon!”

Lauren and Sarah come screaming over, tailed by two other girls. “We were just telling Amber and Courtney that you brought yourownhot guy for the weekend.”

They shamelessly look Wyatt up and down like he’s a piece of meat. He extends his hand politely. “Hi, I’m Wyatt.”

After he says hello to Lauren, Sarah, Amber and Courtney, he turns back to me. “Why don’t you grab a drink with your friends while I check in? I’ll come back down and find you in a bit.”

“Perfect. Thank you.” I turn, expecting a small hug, and we both realize at the same time that all four girls are staring at us.

He brings his lips to my ear, and his hand slides slowly down my hip. “I’m whispering something filthy in your ear right now, and you’re going to give a cute giggle, then push me away and tell me to behave myself.”

Every single inch of me is quivering from being this close to him. Breathing in his warm scent, being wrapped in his solid arms. If this weren’t for show, I would be fisting his t-shirt and pulling him to me for a kiss. The heat that this man has awakened in me is too much.

Somehow I manage to giggle, planting my hand in the center of his solid chest as I give him a playful shove. “Wyatt,” I gasp, glancing guiltily toward my friends. “We’re in public, you naughty little…”

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