Page 59 of My Silver Lining

“Listen, we’re going to the city tomorrow. We’ll be out in public, and if someone is there and gets a photo, so be it. But they won’t come to your home and park outside to photograph you. That’s creepy as fuck. It might fly in the city, but Rosewood River is a small town, and the same rules don’t apply.”

She nodded. “I know you think that. But one time I left a concert with Beckett and I was hit in the face with a camera, which required a few stitches. So I just want you to know that they are persistent and unreasonable.”

My hands fisted at my sides as I processed what she said. I would lose my shit if someone hit a woman in the face with a camera in front of me.

“That’s bullshit. Stay put.” I pushed the door closed and made my way to the two men standing on the sidewalk. They held their cameras up, and I used my hand to motion for them to put them down.

“Listen, guys. This is Rosewood River. You can’t park in front of someone’s house and take random photos.” I held up my phone. “I grew up with the sheriff, and you’ve got two options here. You can hold that camera up again, and I’ll knock it out of your hands and have you escorted out of this town immediately, only after I destroy the card in that camera.”

“Dude. We just want one photo. We drove all the way out here. We have to feed our families, too,” one of the guys said.

“Well, I’m all for taking care of family, but this isn’t the way to do it. Not here.”

“What was the second option?” the other guy asked.

“We’re going to be in the city tomorrow night for a wedding. We’ll be staying at the H Hotel downtown. If you pull up in the valet tomorrow evening at 5:00 p.m., we’ll pose for a photo. You’ll be the only ones to get the photo because no one else knows we’re going to be there. It’s a public place, so that’s what we’re willing to offer. But you won’t come to this house again. Because this is me taking care of my family,” I said. My voice was firm and unwavering.

They glanced at one another and nodded. “Yeah. We could do that.”

“Good choice.” I crossed my arms over my chest and waited for them to climb back into their cars and drive off.

I made my way back to the truck, turned off the engine, and came around to open her door.

“What happened?” she asked, looking over her shoulder to make sure they were still gone.

“They’ll be at the hotel tomorrow when we head to the wedding at 5 p.m. We’ll pose for one photo in a public place. They took the deal.”

She caught me off guard when she lunged at me, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Thank you.”

I held her there for a few beats. “I didn’t do anything.”

“You did. You made today really fun, and you didn’t have to include me. You haven’t been even slightly annoyed by the fact that I’ve turned your world upside down. And then you actually stepped in and made the paparazzi leave without following us to the door.” She stepped back and shrugged. “You are quite possibly the best fake boyfriend a girl could ask for.”

And there it was. The constant reminder that we were playing a part.

None of this was real.

I was staring at her, and she was staring at me.

And then she abruptly turned to walk inside, and I followed. Once there, she shoved her hands into the pockets of her jeans. “So, um, tomorrow morning we leave, right?”

“Yeah. I talked to Bridger, and we’re going to take the helicopter into the city so we don’t have to drive on the icy roads to get there. I got us a suite, so there’s a couch, and I can sleep on that.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s great. Thank you.”

“I’d get you your own room, but I’m afraid someone might notice.”

“No, I think the suite is a good idea,” she said.

Why was I just standing here like an idiot? She was waiting for me to leave.

This was a business deal. Nothing more.

“If you need anything, I’ll be right next door.” I took a step back. Okay, that was dumb—she obviously knew that.

“Sounds good. I’ll be fine. I’ll see you bright and early.”

“One more weekend as a couple, and you’re off the hook. You’re almost free of me, Lulu Sonnet.” I winked.

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