Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
“Cammie and I had an instant attraction, but I realized real quick that I wanted a lot more than just her prec—more than just getting into her pants.” Chase’s cheeks turn pink.
We are all aware that he calls his girlfriend’s special parts her “precious” because he’s mistakenly done it more than once in front of us, usually when he’s drunk.
I refrain from commenting or calling him on it. Personally, I think it sounds nicer than some of the alternatives, and he and Cammie are their own brand of happy, horny weird.
“And you need that? Emotional connection before you get naked and stuff?” Gage doesn’t seem like he’s being an obtuse jerk, more that he’s genuinely curious.
“Yeah. It’s why I’ve hit the friend zone a lot in the past,” I admit.
“There’s merit to it though. I’ve hooked up a lot and most of the time we don’t make it past the first few dates because we don’t have anything in common,” Gage says. “Except I never hook up with my tutors, but sometimes the temptation is real.”
“Because they’re forbidden?” Chase asks.
“Maybe. Smart girls are hot, though.” Gage taps on the arm of his chair.
“There are lots of smart girls out there who aren’t your tutor. Ask one of them on a date,” Brody suggests.
“Smart girls don’t want to date dumb jocks,” Gage says.
“Way to stereotype yourself, bro. You have language learning disability. Just because the essay parts of your classes give you the gears doesn’t mean you’re a dumb jock. You’re basically a rocket scientist with the math stuff,” Chase argues.
“And you teach people ASL. Give yourself some credit.” I used to think Gage was just a run-of-the-mill fuckboy, but lately it seems less about wanting to be that way, and more about his self-esteem.
“Things to consider.” Gage rubs his chin. “Anyway, I agree on the blue shirt. And wear your black jeans. Those are good ass jeans, and I’ve caught Fee staring more than once when you wear them.”
“Good to know.” I change my jeans, brush my teeth, and spritz myself with cologne, then go back for extra deodorant before I return to the living room. “How do I look?”
“Like the kind of guy girls take home to meet the parents,” Gage offers.
“You look good.” Brody gives me a single thumbs-up.
“Are you bringing her flowers or a treat?” Chase asks.
“Yes?”
They all narrow their eyes.
“I’ll pick up flowers on the way.”
“Or get her popcorn since you already know she loves the stuff,” Chase suggests.
“Good call. If the flowers look weak, popcorn it is.”
Gage gives me props. “You got this, Mac! Go make your fake girlfriend your real girlfriend.”
CHAPTER 20
FEE
I’m so nervous. My palms are damp and it’s everything I can do not to bounce my knee, which would be bad, since we’re painting pottery and jiggling will screw everything up.
Mac looks so good, and smells so nice, and is so nice. We’re friends. We’ve hung out plenty of times. I’ve been posing as his girlfriend for weeks. We’ve even kissed—OMG that kiss will live rent-free in the bedroom of my brain for all eternity. I hope we kiss again tonight. Maybe we’ll even make it past first base.
I shut down those thoughts, because it’s one step at a time. Mac likes me. Mac asked me on a date, and he took me somewhere he knew I would like.
“Wow, yours looks really good,” he notes.
We’re sitting across from each other. Our feet are touching under the table. I could perish just from the innocent contact.
“So does yours.” My voice pitches up.
He glances to the table to the right, where a mom and her six-year-old son are painting plates. The six-year-old’s art is on par with what Mac has produced. I’m not even sure what it’s supposed to be. Maybe abstract?
“Uh, thanks for trying to make me feel better, but that is a lie,” he says cheekily.
“We can go do something else if you want,” I offer.
“No. He—ck no. You are totally in your element, and the whole point is to do something fun together and just talk,” he replies.
“But are you in your element?” I dip a brush in dark brown paint and add a little shadow to the bottom of each pussy willow.
“I’m always in my element when I’m with you.” His dimple pops. “That sounded like a bad line, but seriously, Fee, we could be peeling potatoes, and I’d be having a good time because I’m with you.” He drops his voice. “Plus seeing you create in real time is like…so hot.”
My heart gets all fluttery. “How long have you liked me?”
He dips his brush in the blue paint. “I’ve always liked you.”
My paint brush freezes mid-air. “Always?”
“Since we started hanging out,” he confirms. “You just never flirted with me, so I assumed you weren’t interested.”
“I didn’t flirt with you because you didn’t flirt with me. At least not until we started fake dating,” Fee says.