Page 93 of Bad Crush
“No one is dancing.” I scan the room to validate my claim. Light music is playing, but there’s no dance floor.
“So?”
I still hesitate. A server carrying a large tray nearly hits me with it as she passes by. She mumbles an apology, and Adam tugs me toward a small area of the room that’s cleared of tables.
His arms go around my back, and he brings our bodies close together. “You’re in this gorgeous dress, and I want to dance with you.”
More servers are bringing pitchers of water to the tables, and people are starting to take their seats.
“Looks like dinner is about to start,” I say. “Maybe we should take our seats.”
“In a minute. I’m enjoying this.” He hums lightly as he continues to move us to the beat of the music.
“How come your parents didn’t come?” I ask as I lean my head on his chest and close my eyes, letting myself relax into him. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than in his arms.
“Eh.”
“You did invite them, right?”
“Nah, I wanted to spend tonight just with you.”
I glance up at him. His hazel eyes are impassive. “Adam, your family would want to be here for this.”
“IfI get the scholarship. Otherwise, it would have been a long drive for nothing.”
“They would have wanted to be here to support you regardless.”
He shrugs. “This is more fun with just you.”
I have a sliver of concern that he didn’t invite them because he didn’t want to introduce me to his parents. I’ve met them before in passing, but never as his girlfriend. Maybe we aren’t at that point yet?
When the song ends, his embrace loosens, and reluctantly we pull apart. He takes my hand. I’m still dreamily leaning into him and living in our happy little bubble, when Adam says, “Dr. Salco.”
A pair of reading glasses hang from her beaded necklace. “Speeches will begin right after dinner. Janine first, then you.”
I feel him stiffen next to me, and I squeeze his fingers.
“I’m glad you could be here tonight, Reagan,” Dr. Salco says.
“Me too.” I look back to him. His nervous gaze meets mine and softens. “He’s going to be great.”
“You picked a good one,” Dr. Salco tells him. “I’m so glad you’ll have such a supportive fiancée while finishing school.” She smiles. “Or maybe wife? When is the wedding?”
It takes me way longer than it should to realize she means Adam’s and my wedding.
“Oh.” I glance to Adam for help.
He clears his throat. “We haven’t really discussed that.”
If my face is as red as it is warm, then she has to know the truth. I sell it the best I can, resting my head on his shoulder and looking at him adoringly. It isn’t hard to fake loving him like I think an engaged couple loves one another. In fact, it’s a little too easy, and I have to remind myself we’re once again playing a part.
Dr. Salco flashes me the friendliest smile I’ve ever seen from her. We’ve clearly sold her on our fake engagement, but somehow that just makes me feel worse. “Enjoy dinner and good luck tonight, Adam.”
When she’s gone, I turn to him and whisper, “You didn’t tell her we aren’t engaged?”
His brow furrows, and the corners of his mouth pull down. “I’m sorry. I meant to.”
Guilt is written all over his handsome face. God, no wonder he didn’t want to invite his parents. That would have been an awkward conversation.It’s a pleasure to meet you. Oh, by the way, we’re just faking our engagement for everyone here. Yeah, I’m a super great influence on your son, don’t worry.
