Page 13 of One Pucking Surprise
I grin. “Fair enough.”
As the tailor finishes up and we start changing back into our regular clothes, I can’t help but let my mind wander. A fake relationship with Lainey could solve both of our problems—and it might be the most fun I’ve had in a while.
Mark raises an eyebrow. “You’ve got that look, Zach. Spill.”
Wyatt laughs, shaking his head. “This is going to be interesting.”
I just grin. “Let’s just say I think I have the perfect solution for both me and Lainey.”
Chapter 4
Lainey
Iforceasmileas Brad launches into another story about his latest work success, his words droning like background noise. He’s perfectly nice—steady job, well-dressed, ambitious—but I’m finding it hard to stay focused. My mind keeps flickering back to Zach, and I shake my head to snap myself out of it.
“…and that promotion I was telling you about? It’s really opened doors,” Brad is saying, his voice brimming with pride. “The corporate world is all about ambition and drive, you know?”
“Mm-hmm,” I murmur, keeping my smile intact, but my thoughts drift again. Images of Zach’s playful smirk and the way he made me laugh last night slip in, uninvited. I mentally slap myself.No, Lainey. Stop it.
I refocus, making a mental note:Brad fits my checklist.Reliable, confident, and well put-together. Perfect on paper, but as he goeson, I start to notice small irritations—the way he comments on my menu choice, the slightly patronizing tone when he corrects me about something trivial. Then, I notice him shooting the waitress lingering glances, his smile a little too friendly.
Finally, when Brad winks at the waitress as she walks away, my irritation boils over.
This is it.
“I’ll be right back,” I say tightly, rising from my seat and heading to the restroom to collect myself.
As I walk toward the bathroom, my gaze drifts around the restaurant—and freezes. There, across the room, seated with a stunning brunette, is Zach. He’s laughing, flashing that easy smile, and he looks completely at ease. Seeing him is like a slap to the face, a reminder of everything I’m supposedly not looking for.
I force myself to keep walking, ignoring the tightness in my chest. One foot in front of the other. Don’t stop. Don’t look back.
I can almost hear my own voice whispering.Stick to the checklist, or you’ll never get your happily ever after.
The moment I step into the bathroom, I head straight for the mirror. In my reflection, my eyes look a little too wide, my cheeks flushed.I take a few deep breaths, willing my heart to slow down.
Calm down, Lainey. You’re here for a reason. Brad’s a safe choice.
But as I make my way back to the table, I spot Brad leaning toward the waitress, flashing her that same cocky smile he’d used on me earlier. Then he smacks her behind, giving her another wink and a “Call me later.”
Oh, absolutely not.
Before I can say anything, I feel a warm presence beside me, and an arm slips around my shoulders. Startled, I look up—and there’s Zach, wearing that all-too-familiar smirk.
“Hey, baby,” he says smoothly, pulling me in close. My eyes widen as he murmurs, “Play along. Your date’s a sleaze.”
Before I can respond, Brad finally looks up and narrows his eyes. “Who’s this guy? I thought we were having dinner, not for you to flirt with random guys.”
My temper flares. “Excuse me? I didn’t do anything!You’rethe one flirting with the waitress,” I snap, grabbing my glass of water without thinking. With a quick flick of my wrist, I throw it right in his face.
Brad splutters, water dripping from his chin as he glares at me, stunned. I can’t help it—asurge of satisfaction pulses through me as I turn on my heel and stride toward the door.
“Enjoy dinner, buddy. I took care of the check.” I hear Zach say as I head toward the exit.
Once outside, I walk briskly down the sidewalk, cheeks flushed with embarrassment—and maybe a little thrill. I can’t believe that just happened.Oh my God.
“Lainey! Wait up!” Zach calls, catching up with me easily.
I whirl around, arms crossed. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you on a date?”
