Page 19 of Bad Crush
“We don’t have to fool them. Youwillbe my date.”
I hesitate. The water I just drank sits heavy in my stomach. “I don’t know.”
“Maybe it’s a dumb idea. I just thought of all the girls I could take on a fake date, you were the only one I trusted with the job. You get me, get what I’m going through.” His eyes are sincere and vulnerable.
I want to say yes, of course I do, but for as excited as I thought I’d be when, and if, Adam ever asked me out, I’m so thrown and torn about how my very real feelings might complicate the situation, that I’m quiet for several moments. Will I be more disappointed if I go on a fake date with him or if he takes someone else? The answer to that is a no-brainer. “What would I say if they asked about us?”
“It won’t be like that. No interrogations, just free drinks and mingling. I’ll handle any questions that might come up, and as a bonus, I get to be the guy with the hottest date.”
“Now you’re just buttering me up.”
“Is it working?” His grin is boyish and charming. Like I could ever say no to him.
“Yes. Okay. I’m in.”
Seize the freaking day.
6
Reagan
Cancer—it’s better to leave the party early than to be the last one standing. Walk away and leave them wanting more.
The mixer is heldin the back room of Araceli’s. The restaurant sits up in the foothills and the scenery from the wall of windows along the room is breathtaking. So is my date.
Adam’s wearing a classic black suit, and the combination of the suit with his longer hair is really working for me. It’s definitely an added benefit of going on this fake date. He’s serious arm candy, and tonight he’s mine.
The event itself is amazing too. These doctors know how to do it up right. Small, high-top tables are set up all over the room. There’s a bar on one side and a buffet on the other. It’s all so classy, so elegant, so rich.
I on the other hand am a mess. Sure, I look good—several hours of primping guaranteed that—but I’m so nervous that my hand shakes as I accept a drink from the bartender.
I have to tell Adam tonight. I should have told him last night before agreeing to come, but I couldn’t force the words out of my mouth. And a night out with Adam was too good to turn down. So tonight is the night. For real this time.
“Okay, now what?” I ask as we make our way to the center of the room. “How do you want to play this? Casual date? Serious date?”
He places a hand at my lower back. “Relax.”
His touch pretty much guarantees that isn’t possible. “I need to know my part.”
If I don’t turn on Stage Reagan soon, I’ll be this bumbling, anxious girl all night and I am not going to spend the evening with the guy I’ve crushed on for two years being shy and unsure.
He ducks his head and speaks quietly so only I can hear, “Just be you. Beautiful, talented Reagan.”
“You went to a lot of trouble to bring a date for this event for me to be myself.”
“It’s possible that appearing to be in a serious relationship will help my chances, but that’s a long shot and I don’t expect you to pretend to be in a relationship with me.”
“I insist. Otherwise, I might as well duck out of here and leave you to fend for yourself.”
“Please don’t do that. I need at least one friend in my corner tonight.”
“Then let me be both—your kick-ass friend who is also pretending to be in a serious relationship with you.” If I can be anything but what I am, a girl on a fake date with her real crush, then this night will be a lot easier to get through.
He looks uneasy, but a man steps to us and says hello to Adam, and then I’m on.
“Professor Picke, this is Reagan.” Adam places a hand at my elbow to bring me into the conversation.
“Hi. It’s nice to meet you.” I shake his hand.
