Page 23 of The Fake
“I think it’s the first time anyone has ever used me to get ahead.” He chuckles. “I kinda liked it. I’m usually the guy girls use to piss off their nice conservative fathers or boyfriends.”
“Well, if I’m ever looking to piss off my dad, I’ll keep you in mind.” He’s smiling and I feel good about that. “Alright. I should get down there and see if I can get my teammates drunk enough that they like me after they find out I made up a boyfriend to win them over. You’re good?”
He nods, and I turn to leave. I’m only a step away when he says my name quietly—rough like sandpaper. “Chloe.”
“Yeah?”
“It was fun being your fake boyfriend. Just be yourself. They’ll come around. And if you ever wanna go out again for real…” He trails off with a shrug.
“Thank you, I’m just not in a place to date for real right now.” He nods in understanding, puts his cigarette out, and we walk back into the house, passing through the bedroom and into the hallway. “And you? Everything going to be okay with you? It was hard not to overhear.”
He lets out a small chuckle. “Little brother.” He shakes his head. “God, he makes me so mad sometimes. The idiot got two speeding tickets in the same fucking week.”
“I didn’t peg you as such a responsible big brother.”
“Yeah, well, when I gotta figure out how to pay for it… it makes me a helluva lot more responsible.”
My mouth forms an O and I start to ask why he has to pay for it but stop myself because it’s really none of my business. Nathan reads the questions on my face, though.
“My family back in Michigan is struggling a bit. My dad passed away, Mom lost her job…” He checks himself and smiles stiffly like he’s afraid he’s overshared. “Anyway, my problem.”
I try to hide the pity I feel, but I know he sees it when he adds, “It’s fine. Really. I’m not usually such a downer. Let’s get you a drink.”
My phone buzzes and I pull it from my purse to check as we walk.
Sydney: Where are you? We’re all out on the patio. Come get to know everyone! You can make out with your hot man later.
“Wait,” I say as Nathan starts to descend the stairs. “What if we could help each other?”
He cocks a brow. “What do you mean?”
10
Nathan
“No way.Now I do think you’re crazy.”
Chloe looks deflated by my resistance. Her full red lips fall into a frowny pout. This girl isn’t used to hearing no, and I can see why. She’s fucking adorable and sexy when things aren’t going her way.
“I told you, it’s fine. I’ll figure it out.”
“I just figured it out for you,” she insists. “Seriously. We pretend to keep dating for a little while longer, and I’ll pay you for your time.” That last bit has her looking unsure for the first time since she told me her idea.
“I can’t take your money when I’m trying to date you for real.”
She quirks a brow. “Date or fuck?”
Not gonna lie, my dick twitches at her use of the word.
She doesn’t wait for my response. “Look, I’ve got a lot riding on this season. I need my teammates to like and respect me or I might as well give up and head back to California now. For some reason, my dating you makes them like me more.” She rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling.
“So that’s a hard no to dating for real?”
She laughs, and the sound makes my entire body feel lighter.Thisis how I want my girlfriend’s laugh to make me feel.
She doesn’t respond but her face tells me she’s already made up her mind.
“I get it, and I respect it. And I appreciate the offer, but I don’t need a quick hundred dollars. I need a grand, at least.”
