Page 20 of Crumbling Truth
“Any other stipulations?”
“I’m a terrible liar, Theo. If someone asks straight out if we’re really dating, I’m going to have a hard time with it.”
“Then you can put your air of quiet mystery to good use, and I’ll field as many inquiries as I can,” I said, relieved when she snorted a laugh.
“And when your parents hear about it? Because you know they will.”
“I’ll tell them that my mother’s ‘warnings’ piqued your interest and you asked for a low-commitment, scorching hot fling with an expiration date.”
Esther rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t hide that dimple. “Lovely.”
“It’ll be good, Esther. For both of us.”
“And just how touchy-feely are you expecting us to be in front of people in order to sell this charade?”
I hesitated, partly because I wasn’t sure what answer she wanted to hear and partly because there was a flare of challenge in her eyes that made me want to throw caution to the wind. It took a second for me to control the urge to tell her I wanted everything she would give me.
“Whatever you’re comfortable with,” I replied, keeping my tone soft.
She dropped her gaze to the phone in her hands for a long moment, then those pale eyes lifted to meet mine. Her dimple winked at me as she held out a hand to shake on it.
“Okay, Long John. I’m in.”
Chapter Eight
Esther
Itwasabadidea. I knew that even as I agreed to it, especially with Sofia’s suggestion echoing in my mind, but he was right—thereweresome advantages to be had. I just hoped they’d outweigh any possible repercussions.
If the radiant smile on his face was anything to go by, Theo didn’t share my reservations.
As we reached the door, he followed me out onto the driveway. “I’ll walk you home,” he said when I shot him a curious look.
“You know, it’s only twenty yards from your door to mine,” I pointed out.
He only hummed a little, the sound vibrating into the night air between us. I tried to hide the shiver that trembled up my spine, but he slanted a glance in my direction as we walked through the dark toward the guest house.
“So, I guess I’ll tell Sofia we’ll be there tomorrow?”
“Only if you’re okay with it, Esther.” He sounded so serious that I stopped walking to turn toward him. “I know I can be alittle overenthusiastic at times, but seriously, if you don’t want to do this, I understand. I didn’t mean to pressure you into agreeing.”
I scowled at him. “Look, I said yes, and I meant it. If you’re going to second-guess me every ten seconds, fake dating isn’t going to work because I’ll be forced to fake break up with you or for real kick your ass.”
Theo’s startled laugh broke through the tension that had formed between us. His broad shoulders relaxed as his lips curved into a sheepish smile. “Sorry, sorry. I promise I will trust you to be honest with me about what you want and what you can handle.”
“Good,” I said, struggling to maintain my grumpy expression. He looked so earnest that I gave up after a few seconds. “Then I guess you’ll be a decent fake boyfriend.”
When we reached the door, Theo slipped his hands into his pockets. “It’ll be good for us both, Esther. I’m sure of it. And if anything goes haywire, you can punch me in the nuts.”
Choked laughter burst past my lips. “With that kind of guarantee, what could possibly go wrong?”
Under the light of the two lamps on either side of my front door, Theo’s hair shimmered with golden highlights. Nothing Anita had told me about him could have prepared me for the reality that was Theo. It wasn’t his handsome face. It wasn’t even that deep, honey smooth voice. There was something so inherentlygoodinside him, something so reassuring. I hadn’t known him long enough to trust him, not really, and yet…I wanted to.
“Let me know the details for tomorrow. I’ll drive, if you’re comfortable with that,” he said after a minute, still smiling faintly.
I let myself enjoy the simple pleasure of it for another second, then nodded. “Give me your phone, I’ll add my number.”
Theo’s eyes brightened even further as he dug it out of his pocket and handed it over. I didn’t let myself think too hard about what that meant. When I passed it back, those long fingers brushed over mine, sending another shiver up my spine. Even in the chilly evening air, his hands were warm.
