Page 31 of The Summer We Played Pretend

“I think I just realized this is why I put up with Brendan for so long. I just wanted something for me. Some attention, maybe.” She claps a hand to her forehead. “What an idiot. I’d have married him in the end if he hadn’t broken up with me.”

I try not to curl a fist at the idea of her marrying that asshole. “You’re not an idiot, Chloe. You just needed love, and you thought Brendan could give that to you.”

“I’m beginning to be really, really grateful he cheated on me.”

I draw her back into my side. “Me too.”

More grateful than she’ll ever know. Her and Brendan together for life is an image I don’t think I could take.

“Hey, look at that cloud.” I point to the sky in a bid to lighten the mood. “Looks like a dog.”

She wrinkles her nose and eyes it. “You’re such a nerd.”

“You can’t tell me it doesn’t look just like a dog.”

“More like a kangaroo.”

“Okay, you must need your eyes tested because that’s definitely a dog.”

“The ugliest dog I’ve ever seen,” she counters.

“Hey, don’t insult the dog. He can’t help how he looks.”

Chloe laughs, and we slowly walk away from the noise of everyone gathered at the beach, my arm still around her as if there’s nothing more natural.

As we joke around, I can't help but marvel at how natural this feels. Just me and Chloe, walking and talking like we've been doing it for years. It's easy to forget that this is all supposed to be an act.

“I guess we actually ought to take part in this beach party.” Chloe glances up at me. “Thanks for talking me down.”

“Anytime.” We turn around, but I keep my arm casually around her shoulders, and she doesn’t seem to mind it.

"There you two are!" Emma calls out as we approach. "We were about to send out a search party!" She comes closer and hands us both a Coke. “And Brendan is here with his...I don’t know what she is…” she says in a low tone.

“You know what,” Chloe says, lifting her chin. “I don’t even care.”

Emma laughs. “Thank God.”

Chloe cracks open the can of Coke and meets my gaze. “Ready to play boyfriend again?”

I nod and flash a grin, pulling her possessively close to me. “More than ready.”

Chapter Fourteen

Chloe

Ishake out my beach towel, sending a spray of sand into the air. The sun inches down over the horizon, scorching the sky a vibrant orange. I sigh. I’m not sure I’m ready for today to end. It’s been the most fun and relaxing day I’ve had in ages.

As I fold the towel, I can't help but steal glances at Jackson, who's packing up our cooler nearby.

"Hey, Chloe, catch!" Jackson tosses me a water bottle, and I fumble it, nearly dropping it in the sand.

"Nice throw," I tease.

Jackson grins, his brown eyes crinkling at the corners. "Says the girl who can't catch to save her life."

I roll my eyes, but I can't keep the smile off my face. It's been so easy being with Jackson today, pretending to be a couple. Maybe a little too easy. I push the thought away, focusing on gathering the last of our things.

"Ready to head back?" Jackson asks, slinging his backpack over his shoulder.

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