Page 6 of Boyfriend Material
“Pretzels will work.” Theo reached for them, then passed Livie her coffee.
“Thank you.” Theo and Livie responded, and she laughed.
She made her coffee while Theo got his. After taking a sip, she felt his gaze on her. Of course, he was still waiting for her to answer his question.
“I think we’re done with interruptions for a while.” He tore open the bag of pretzels and offered them to her.
“No, thank you.” Where should she start? At his quirked eyebrow, she dove into her explanation. “Well, you already know I’m a medical student. Fourth year, actually. We’re one semester from graduation. I’ve wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember.”
“That’s wonderful, but it still doesn’t tell me why you need to bring a fake boyfriend home for Thanksgiving.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m getting there. My family runs a winery—it’s the family business, I guess you’d say. Everyone in my family works there but me. I’m the black sheep who deserted them.They love to remind me how I’ve let them down every time I go home. They really want me to settle down, have a family and toe the family line.”
“Really? They’re not proud of you for following your dream?”
“Unfortunately, no. I hoped after I started med school they’d get over it. But it just seems to get worse each time I go home. Dating is almost impossible with my schedule, or I should say meeting anyone is. But dating wouldn’t be easy either. Most guys wouldn’t put up with me being so busy. I can’t even remember the last time I was on a date, let alone had a boyfriend. If I bought home a fake one, I wouldn’t be a complete failure in their eyes. Maybe, anyway. It might take some of the pressure off for the weekend, at least.”
“Damn. I can’t believe they’re like that. I’m surprised you visit at all. If I wasn’t going home to surprise mine, I’d volunteer for the fake boyfriend duty in a heartbeat.”
“You would?”
“Yes, Livie, I would. Why not? You’re beautiful, funny, and smart. Everything I would want in a girlfriend. It wouldn’t be a hardship to pretend for a few days and make your life easier.”
“Wow. Your nice guy rep just increased one thousand percent. I know you don’t like “nice,” but seriously. I’m just happy you didn’t laugh at me. It’s a stupid idea, anyway.”
“If it would make your visit home more enjoyable, what’s wrong with it? You wouldn’t be hurting anyone.”
“I guess not. But it’s a moot point. So where is home? You never said.”
“Duluth, Minnesota. My parents are high school teachers. I haven’t been home in a few years, but my sister just had twins. I figured it would be fun to surprise them and see my new nieces and my nephew. He’s three now and I’ve never met him.”
“Wow. That’s a long time. They’re going to love the surprise. How old are the twins?” His family would be ecstatic when he walked in the door.
“Two months. They were a few weeks premature and had to stay in the hospital for a couple of weeks. But now everyone is home, and they don’t have any medical issues.”
“That’s great. It will be so much fun to see them when they’re so tiny. And your nephew will love his uncle, I’m sure.”
“Hopefully. I didn’t get to pick up any presents yet, but I’m hoping I’ll find something at the airport before my connecting flight.”
“I could help? I’m just picking up a rental to drive home. And as you know, I’m in no hurry to get there.” Livie grimaced.
“Really? That would be great. I don’t have the first clue what to get a three-year-old boy that isn’t a choking hazard.” Theo smirked.
“No worries. Usually, it’s right on the package. My sister has twin three-year-old daughters. So, I’ve got you.”
“More twins, huh?” Theo chuckled.
“Yeah, crazy, right?”
The rest of the flight passed quickly as he shared why he’d joined the Navy and gone into naval intelligence. Livie could have listened to his deep voice forever.
When the announcement came to prepare for landing, Theo laced their fingers together and gazed into her eyes. He kept eye contact until they were safely on the ground. For the first time, Livie didn’t freak out even a little.
CHAPTER FOUR
Theo
Theo and Livie were walking toward one of the main concourses at the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta when his phone vibrated. When he checked the message, he groaned.
