Page 49 of Fake It Till We Fall
“I thought youwerethe committee, Tilley?” He eyed her, but she only shrugged.
“You’ve been working so hard for us that the committee agreed you deserved a little something for all your efforts. Lord knows the light-up could never have happened without you.”
Grayson blinked, clearly caught off guard. “I don’t usually get things like this,” he said. “I’ve been helping for years.”
“Which is why this is long overdue,” Tilley said gleefully. “And the committee won’t take no for an answer.”
He shook his head and slid the card from the envelope. “A gift certificate for a night at Trickle Creek Lodge? Tilley! This is too much.”
“Nonsense.” Her eyes twinkled as she looked between us. “A romantic getaway for two at the lodge? I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”
Heat climbed up my neck. I couldn’t help but wonder if ourrelationshiphad anything to do with this gift of appreciation for Grayson.
“Enjoy yourselves,” Tilley added with a wink. “Nothing like a cozy night in front of a roaring fire with a bottle of wine to fan the flames of a newly rekindled relationship.”
Yup. Ourrelationshiphad everything to do with it.
Grayson cleared his throat, tucking the envelope quickly into his coat pocket. “Well, thank you, I guess.”
“No thanks needed.” She once again wiggled her eyebrows. “I can’t wait to hear all about it.”
Before either of us could protest, Tilley turned and skated away, her scarf waving behind her as she set her sights on someone new.
Grayson shifted beside me. “You don’t have to come,” he said, his voice low, almost gruff.
I arched a brow. “To a luxury lodge with a roaring fire and someone else cooking meals for me? You think I’m passing that up?” I laughed. “Besides, it didn’t feel like I had much of a choice there.”
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, but his eyes remained serious. “I’m just saying, I don’t want you to feel like you’ve been forced into something where you’re not comfortable. I know this is all for…”
“Grayson.” I touched his arm. “If Tilley wants to believe we’re the kind of couple who spend a romantic night away together, then maybe we shouldn’t disappoint her.”
His gaze held mine. “Maybe not,” he said softly.
Heat traveled through me, landing low in my belly at the idea of spending a night together with Grayson. “It’ll be hard.” I forced a lightness into my voice. “But if I have to suffer through a night of luxury to make the town happy, I’ll do my very best.” I held my arm up over my forehead dramatically, and almost fell on my ass in the process.
“Careful there, sweetheart.” Grayson caught me easily. “I know you’re falling for me, but there’s no point in getting hurt while you’re doing it. At least not before our night together.”
His voice was laced with an undeniable heat, and suddenly I wasn’t so sure where the lie ended and the truth began.
Chapter Thirteen
Harper
Itossed another sweater on the bed and then immediately grabbed it back. Too casual. Too warm. Too…ugh.
Why was I overthinking this? It was a simple overnight trip with Grayson. It’s not like it was a real romantic weekend.
One night.
Just for show.
I reached for the sweater again. It had a high neck, long sleeves. I shoved it in the bag.
Behind me, Grandma’s voice carried from her chair in the living room by the window. “You’ve folded and unfolded that sweater at least three times now. Just put it in the bag.”
I glanced over my shoulder. She looked small, wrapped in her blanket; the December light made her look extra pale and frail, but her eyes were sharp as ever.
“Maybe I shouldn’t go,” I blurted, shoving the sweater back in the bag. “You seem extra tired today, Grandma, and I hate to leave you when?—”
