Page 39 of Blindsided By Fake Love

“I should’ve picked my outfit out earlier,” I groan.

Grabbing my phone, I call my sister. The phone almost goes to voicemail before Gen picks up, breathless.

“Kit, what’s up?” she answers, gasping for air.

“Are you okay? You sound like you’re having a heart attack!” I stop flipping through my clothes, concerned.

“I’m fine. I was just running.” She huffs.

“Running?” My voice fills with surprise. “You hate running!”

“Yeah, well that’s what you need to do when someone…” her tone is scathing. “Is careless with the leash.”

“Do you need to go?” I ask. She’s obviously working. Though, I’ve never heard her talk to one of her clients like that, especially when she’s still with them.

My eyebrow raises. I think this situation is one I need to hear more about.

“No, we caught him. Hold on tight,” she grumbles, and I hear a muffled male voice respond to her before she asks. “What do you need?”

“Beau is coming over for dinner, and I don’t know what to wear.” I start flipping through the clothes in my closet again.

“Do you still have that teal top? The one that’s super flowy, has a v-neck, and ruffles?” I stare at the exact shirt my fingers just landed on.

“Umm, yes.”

“Perfect! Pair it with jeans and those black ankle boots you have, and you’re all set.” I can hear her clap in the background. “Beau is going todiewhen he sees you.”

“I haven’t heard from him since this morning,” I say, chewing on my fingernail. “Do you think I should be worried?”

“Kit, I’m so sorry, I have to go. Mr. Pro Golfer needs help. Have fun with Beau, and I can’t wait to hear how it goes.”

I stare at the phone, brows pulled together and the corner of my lip lifted. So that’s who has Genevieve’s feathers all ruffled.

Icannotwait to meet Luke Nichols in person, especially if he can make my beyond sunshiney sister grumpy.

Throwing the outfit Gen suggested on, I put on a bit of mascara, blush, and lip gloss. I give myself a quick once-over before I hear the timer in the kitchen.

I reset it for 15 minutes and put the potatoes and string beans in just as the doorbell rings.

My heart flutters, and my mouth feels like the Sahara desert. I run my palms down my shirt and walk down the stairs.

Placing my hand on the doorknob I inhale deeply and slowly blow it out. When I open the door, the man standing before me steals my breath.

Beau is wearing a dark blue, long-sleeved Henley that hugs his chest, shoulders, and arms. This man's upper body is amazing, and once again, I wonder how these shirts don’t bust at the seams. His hands are tucked in his front jean pockets.

When I realize I’m staring, my face gets hot, but when I meet Beau’s gaze, the teasing glint I would normally find lingering isn’t there.

Instead, I find lifeless silver eyes staring back at me. My stomach clenches, but I blow it off. Positive I’m making something out of nothing.

“Hey!” I smile brightly. “How are you?”

“I’m good,” he answers, his voice as flat as his eyes. My pulse accelerates but for a completely different reason than when I first came down the stairs.

I want so badly to wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him, but his greeting throws me off kilter. So instead, I turn and start walking up the stairs, forcing my voice to sound cheerful. “Come on up. Dinner should be ready soon,” I toss over my shoulder.

I hear Beau’s footsteps following me. The steps are in time with the drumming of my heart, and I make my way over to the cabinets to grab two glasses. “What do you want to drink? I have sweet tea, Dr. Pepper, or water with lime and lemon.”

I place the glasses on the table and glance up. For a moment, I notice a flash of emotion run across his gaze, but it passes quickly.

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