Page 42 of Fauxmance

"About the Bartholomew thing?" he said. "Nah, it's much worse than Wilhelmina."

"About your family."

Hayden leaned back then placed a kiss against my nose, surprising me again.

"So, I'm a Davenport," he said as if it didn't matter. My brain was still a little mushy around the edges from that surprise kiss, or I might've argued. "I'm also your boyfriend for the next few hours. Let's enjoy it, shall we?"

"Fine," I said, smiling as we began our descent. Everyone in attendance was staring. It was no wonder. If Constance Davenport was a queen, Hayden was the heir apparent. I was walking beside what amounted to a prince. I still didn't appreciate him withholding the truth, however. "But I want you to know that before you stepped in, I was about to walk into the wedding by myself. Without anyone's permission."

Hayden gave a nod. "I thought it looked like you were about to do something reckless."

"I was. And I didn't require your assistance."

"Understood," he said. "I'm all for recklessness by the way."

"Also, completely off-topic, but Bartholomew makes me think of an old man sitting in his study with a pipe and slippers. I'll forever think of that image when I look at you now. It's unavoidable."

He chuckled at that. "I'm 19, Maggie."

"Good to know," I said. "I'm 18."

"Good to know," he echoed.

"And I appreciate what you did," I said finally. "It was very knight-in-shining-armor of you."

"There you go doing it again."

"What?"

"Making me out to be something I'm not," Hayden said.

I wasn't sure whether I should be upset about him hiding his true identity. I mean, it was a pretty big secret to hold back—especially when I'd volunteered so many of my own. But…Hayden had shown up. That was more than a lot of people did. It wasn't something I'd forget any time soon.

"I feel like I owe you," I said. "You did me a solid just now. It was kind and thoughtful. Idon't forget things like that."

He shrugged. "If you feel that way, fine. But I have my own reasons for being here, Maggie. Just know that."

What reasons?I thought.

What could he possibly be getting out of this?

I wanted to ask the question so badly.

But I also wanted to pretend he'd done all this for me a little longer.

The sappy side of me won out in the end.

As we reached the midpoint of the stairs, every eye was on us. It didn't bother me because I'd been schooled in poise. I was the best in the bridal party at keeping my cool. Having Hayden by my side didn't hurt either.

Secret motives or not.

This night was going to be amazing.

I was sure of it.

CHAPTER 8

"You know, this is kind of fun. I've never had a fake boyfriend before," I said.

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