Page 24 of Matched with Her Fake Fiance

CHAPTER10

Dani

“Are you ready for this?” Miles asks, putting the car in drive. He is waiting for me once I get out of work and I’m not going to admit it out loud, but he’s a sight for sore eyes, ones that have been staring at a screen all day.

“That all depends on what this dinner will entail. So the guy is a former investor in your company. We’re meeting with him why?” I lean forward, trying to see in the dim light as I fix the makeup that didn’t quite survive the hectic day. One of those bright light mirrors would be awesome right now.

The great thing is I have my makeup bag to do any touchups on our way to the restaurant.

Miles adjusts his hand on the steering wheel, looking out the window. “We were good friends in high school. He moved to the Czech Republic after graduating college to take over some family business his grandfather started.”

I nod. “That’s impressive. I can’t imagine living anywhere other than Boston.” To be honest, I wouldn’t mind doing the traveling thing at some point. Traveling is my favorite hobby. I just wish my wallet didn’t cry every time I want to book a trip.

“It’s pretty cool over there. I flew over about three years ago to see him. Prague is amazing.”

“I’ve seen pictures of Prague, but seeing it in person sounds idyllic.” All the old castles and the expanses of countryside. I’d thought about heading over to do a backpacking tour in Europe, but student loans came calling a lot sooner than I could manage to put them off.

“So, I’ll probably need to know some things about your childhood, or high school or whatever.” I’m totally winning the awkwardness award for tonight. I’m more nervous than I thought I’d be for our first fake date. Because our walk around the Common wasn’t a date. More like a business agreement.

“Childhood, huh? Maybe we’ll start with the high school and college years first, just so you know the more recent parts of my life.” One side of his lips tips up into a smile. I’m struck with how kissable they look right now. Perfectly formed and I can imagine them pressed against mine.

I need to think about something else. Wanting to kiss him might lead to other feelings and I can’t afford a trip down Heartbreak Lane.

“You know I went to Boston University,” he says. I’m over here picturing a make-out session and he’s going along like there isn’t an attraction pulling us together. Maybe I’m not cut out for this kind of thing. “That’s where I met Jack and Spencer. Trey and I were good friends back in high school. Speaking of which, they already know about our arrangement.”

I gasp and lean over to slap his arm, not with force. “You told them? That was one of the rules.”

He chuckles and shakes his head. “They were the ones who convinced me to ask you. And you can’t tell me you didn’t say something to your roommates.” When he turns to give me a teasing grin, I laugh.

“I’ve sworn Kenzie to secrecy, but I haven’t told anyone else.” I raise my hands as if I have nothing to hide.

He punches the gas, sending us hurtling around a car and back into the other lane. “Kenzie, huh? I would’ve thought it was Evie.”

That sobers me a bit. “Yeah, she’s the sweetest. I feel bad not telling her, but Kenzie gets me. And I told her on accident before remembering we weren’t supposed to share.” Circling back to his words I say, “Are your friends willing to keep it under wraps?”

“Yeah, but the deal is we’ll have to do something with them. They’re nosy like that.”

I sit back, wondering what his friends would be like. Do they all wear incredibly nice suits and drive cars like this? If so, they are on a whole other level than what I’m used to.

“Do they all have girlfriends?” I ask, my curiosity getting the better of me.

“No, they don’t, actually.” A smile spreads over his face. “Maybe we should plan something and invite your roommates along.”

I laugh, wondering why he’d gone to that extreme. “I appreciate the gesture, but this is fake, remember? You’re probably not going to want us all hanging on for dear life when this ends, right?”

His expression sobers and a pang of regret hits my chest. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like—”

With a raised hand, he cuts me off. “No, it’s all good. I just like hanging out with you, to be honest. You don’t have expectations to be at the biggest parties and meet celebrities. At least, that’s the impression I’ve gotten so far.”

It takes a few seconds for his words to seep in. “I mean, if you’re offering, I’ll meet Matt Damon or John Krasinski. Chris Evans lives here in town somewhere, right?” There’s silence in the car before I finally crack a smile. “I’m just teasing.”

Miles blows out a breath. “Okay, for a second there, I thought about turning the car around and dropping you off at home.”

“Probably best not to. I don’t need to make this relationship, or fake relationship the shortest ever.”

“What’s your longest relationship?” Miles asks, giving me a small smile as he turns to look at me while slowing down at a stop light.

“Five and a half years.”

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