The One Final Rule

Christmas in paradise with my best friend… what could go wrong?

I spend every Christmas Eve with Mateo Sanz. It’s a decade-long tradition, but this year, his family is spending the holidays in the Dominican Republic. Did I mention it’s a destination wedding? Or that his cousin is marrying his ex-girlfriend? Oh, and I offered to fake date him to avoid the god-awful familial pity that’s no doubt following him straight to the Caribbean?

It should be an easy task, except Mateo is not only confident, charismatic, hot as sin, and the kindest man I’ve ever known. He’s also the best friend I’d never want to risk.
But the only way to convince his family this fake relationship is the real deal is through a whole lot of PDA, and when he begins whispering sweet nothings in my ear or holds my gaze even when there’s nobody around, the lines begin to blur.
One thing I forgot to mention? I, Daisy Zimmerman, have been in love with Mateo for as long as I can remember, even though there is no way he feels the same.

It would ruin more than our friendship if my secret were to slip out, and I’m not ready to lose the most important relationship in my life over a fake dating fiasco.
I only have to survive the week in the tropical paradise without letting my feelings for him be known. It should be easy, especially if we’re never alone. All we have to do is keep our hands, mouths, and hearts to ourselves.

We can follow all the rules…right?