Page 94 of Faking it For Summer

“They do?” The thought doesn’t please me.

“Yeah, she and the girls come by maybe once a week, and there’s always a local tourist asking me if I know who she is and if she’s in a relationship and if she’s looking for some fun.”

“Well, great. That’s always good to hear,” I say sarcastically.

“It doesn’t bother you, does it?”

“No, of course not. She’s free to do what she wants. Obviously not right now, while we’re in this fake relationship, but once this is over, she can date as many tourists who ask about her as she wants. Like I care.”

I’m not about to admit I’ve been in love with her for over a decade, and I’m finding it hard to navigate fake dating without getting my real emotions and wants to surface.

“If you don’t care, then what’s the big deal? Just go back to being as platonic as possible when it’s just the two of you and just hold hands or something when you’re around your family.”

“I suppose so.” The thought doesn’t settle well in my mind. I don’t want to go back to just being friendly with Mia in the bedroom, but I don’t know if our current friendship can handle any more blurred lines.

Don’t even go there, Luke. Do not try to sleep with her.

“So, how’s business? I heard you’re doing amazing in the city.” He hands me the shot, and we down them. “No chance of you coming back?”

“Business is great, and it’s unlikely I’ll move back.”

“And your parents’ business?” he asks. “I assume it’s going well also?”

“No idea. Why do you ask?”

“Between you and me, I’ve noticed Rex has seemed a little anxious the last couple of times he’s come in, and I’ve overheard him arguing on the phone, and the calls seemed to be about money. I was just curious if it was business-related or wedding-related.”

“I’m sure it’s wedding-related,” I say, shaking my head. “My brother is the last person I thought would ever get married and settle down, and I’m sure he’s probably having second thoughts.”

“Yeah, he’s not exactly a monogamous sort of man, is he?”

I lean forward and look at Preston. “What does that mean?”

“It means that I might or might not have overheard him having a conversation a couple of nights ago, talking about wanting Mia Bishop and how gorgeous she was looking and how he would hate to have to ruin your relationship by having her want him again.”

“He said fucking what?” I clench my fists. “You’re joking, right?”

Preston shrugs. “I wasn’t going to say anything because what’s the likelihood of Rex really making a play for Mia when he’s about to get married? But I just wanted to make you aware. I know there was some history with Mia and Rex.”

“It’s fine. Thanks. I should get going. I know Mia is probably huffing and puffing, waiting for me.”

“Okay, cool. Well, you let me know if you want to chat anymore.”

“Thanks, Preston. And you let me know if you need to chat about Louisa.”

“Will do.”

“What do I owe you?”

“It’s on me today. I’ll catch you later.” He grins as I head out of the bar.

I notice Carter walking in, head down, deep in thought, as I make my way out.

“Hey, Carter. How are you doing?”

“Oh, hi, Luke. Good to see you again.”

“How’s it going at the bed-and-breakfast? It’s a really nice place that Wendy and her family have, right?”