Page 106 of Real Fake Husband

He sighs. “With a capital L.”

“Sounds like you need a bulletproof vest, not a haircut.”

His eyes grow huge. “Anyway. Back to Josie, I’m sure she’ll be thrilled when you ask her to stay.”

“Let’s hope so. I mean, if she’s going to be looking for a new place anyway, it doesn’t make sense for her to go to her old apartment only to move again later. We should just stay together and find a bigger place for both of us.”

Theo studies me for a second. “You’ve thought this through a lot, haven’t you?”

“Ever since she started sleeping on the couch again. I hate the distance between us, hate that this stupid timeline from the will is keeping her from seeing what’s right in front of her.”

“I hope for your sake she says yes. You’re my bro, and I like Josie. But if she breaks your heart, I’m gonna have to have words with her.”

“You better wear that bulletproof vest.”

“Right.” He grimaces. “I’d probably wear two.”

We grin.

I appreciate Theo’s words. He’s my brother, and I know he’s got my back, just like I have his. “I’ve got this, bro. Not to worry.”

He inclines his head, reaching for his phone. “Let me help you out,loser. I’ve got a good realtor on hand. An English girl. Jane Deets. She’s a bit bitchy, probably doesn’t get laid enough, but she’sthebest of the best. Give her a call.”

That’s perfect.

Yes.

That’s it. That’sexactlywhat I need.

I’ve been meaning to hire a real estate agent to find a larger apartment for me, but haven’t had the time yet. An apartment for both of us will be a nice surprise. I bump Theo’s fist.

Before I head home, I dial Jane’s number. It’s past 11:00 p.m. and I only get her voicemail. I give her a few notes on what I’m looking for, and ask her to call me back tomorrow. I tell her it’s urgent.

When I get home, Josie is still awake. She’s waited up for me. I can’t help but stare at her. She looks at home here, like she belongs.

Shedoesbelong—withme. We share a glass of wine, and she asks me about my day. I ask her about hers. There’s still that lingering tension.

Mid-sip, Josie pauses, eyes meeting mine. “Is everything all right?”

I smile. “You’re gorgeous.”

She smiles back and empties her glass.

Just when I’m about to say, “Josie, I want you to stay with me,” she stands and reaches for our empty glasses to take them to the dishwasher. I grab her hand instead and pull her into a sweet, soft embrace. I want to kiss her, but I don’t want to overwhelm her. Our mouths are touching, but we don’t kiss, we just breathe each other in.

Josie pulls away and says goodnight.

“Wait, one more thing,” I say.

She looks tired. In the better light, I see that her eyes are bloodshot, and there are dark circles underneath, leading me to believe she didn’t get much—if any—sleep the night before. “Long day. Can we talk tomorrow?”

I want to kiss her like the starving, obsessed, mad man I am for her. I’m determined to make her see that we’re meant to stay together. I have to show and tell her how much she has changed my world.

“Sure, first thing, all right?” I say. “Sleep well.”

Not telling her about my plans and our apartment right now is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. But I pull myself together, because I can see that Josie isn’t receptive.

If my plan works out tomorrow, she’s going to stay.

---