Page 73 of Matched with Her Fake Fiance

“Why would you say that? No. I’m here because I want to be.” I take another step so I’m between Dani and Clay, looking down at him with the most intimidating face I can muster.

“She’s not worth it, man. And to propose after a few weeks of dating? You must be desperate.”

Before my brain can take control of my nervous system, my fist is flying through the air, connecting with Clay’s cheekbone. My knuckles tingle with pain, but some of my frustration is gone.

Dani stands frozen, as if trying to figure out what just happened.

A woman with brown curly hair runs over. “What’s going on here? What’s the meaning of this?”

Clay points at me. “This guy hit me. Threw a punch right near my eye. I’m going to have damage there now. You’ll see me in court, man.”

What a weasel.

“You deserved it after talking to Dani like that.” The room is quiet, everyone looking in our direction.

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave, sir.” The woman’s hand points in the direction of the door, and my stomach sinks. I’m here to help Dani, not make her life harder.

I nod my head. “How about I stay away from this guy and I’ll be over here. I was planning on donating some money to the cause.”

“The other guy was being a tool,” Paul says, in my defense.

Sharon glances at Paul, then to me, and back down to Clay, who’s acting like a soccer player who flopped to get the call. Don’t get me wrong, I like soccer, but right now, I despise Dani’s ex-boyfriend.

“Fine, stay away from each other for the remainder of the night.” She turns to Dani, who’s still statuesque, and frowns. “What is the problem? Why couldn’t you handle this?”

Her mouth quivers and she says, “It’s personal.”

“Get it together. You know how much this night means to your job and mine.” The woman walks away and Dani, one of the strongest people I’ve ever met, looks like she’s about to crumble.

I step closer, pulling her into my arms. “Hey, it’s all right. I’m sorry about that.”

She nods her head against my chest and takes in a deep breath. We stand like that for another couple seconds and then she steps back. “Okay, I have to pull myself back together and lead out the rest of the event.”

Without glancing back, she steps away.

“She’s not your type, man.”

I glare at Clay and say, “Don’t tell me who’s my type.”I take a giant step over him. He flinches, as if I’m planning to step on him and I walk away, trying to put into place my feelings as I reconcile the guy on the floor with Dani and how their relationship had managed to last over five years.

My heart has been falling for Dani over the past couple weeks and Clay’s statement still rings in my ears as I cross the room to join Jack and Trey. Of course, the guy is a tool anyway, but what does he know about Dani that I don’t?

CHAPTER32

Dani

By the end of the event, I was dragging. Seeing Clay there had thrown me for a loop and then when Miles hit him, I felt a mixture of both pride and panic, knowing that this could’ve ruined the entire event.

We received quite a few sizeable donations by the end of the night, and Sharon seemed pleased, so maybe there is some hope for us yet.

It’s a few days later and I feel like I’ve finally recovered emotionally and physically from the stress and exhaustion. Maybe I’m not cut out for event planning.

And now, here I am back at the expensive mall waiting for Sonia to bring the final dress to me. Miles said he’d come with me, but after everything that’s happened, I’ve just needed some space to think.

I really like the guy, practically love him. But Clay's words seem to reopen wounds I thought were healed every time I think about it.

What would Miles see in me? I mean, this coming weekend is the tipping point of our relationship. The end of our contract. And it all just fills me with dread.

My phone rings and my mother’s name pops up on the screen. “Hey Mom,” I say, glancing around the room for Sonia. I’m not in the mood to talk about anything right now, and sometimes my mom can go on and on about things.

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