Faking It with the Frenemy

Vi seems to instinctively trust Josephine on this matter, so okay. I just pray Josephine doesn’t pull a Kim on me by selecting one crappy dress after another for Vi.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Kim

As I watch Jo take Vi under her wing, satisfaction and guilt twine inside me. Satisfaction because Jo will do a good job. Guilt because it’s Jo’s day off.

To make matters worse—and likely to ensure I don’t forget today’s her day off—she hissed into my ear, “I don’t work for clients I don’t know.”

“His name is Wyatt,” I whispered. “Now you know.”

“Wait, is this the guy who you’ve been trying to set up with London and Maria and all…?”

“Yes.”

“You never said he was hot.”

Of course Jo had to focus on the least important point. Or so I decided forcibly, pointedly ignoring how great his arms looked in his shirt. “Oh, just shut up and do this for me. I’ll buy you whatever drink you want.” I gave her my best pleading face. “I’m doing this for the kid, not him.” I don’t want Vi to feel awkward because her dress isn’t quite right. And I don’t trust Wyatt to know what to buy. “He thinks red isn’t my color. You know he’s totally wrong about that.”

Jo’s conflicted expression said she agreed with me, even though she really didn’t want to. “Girlfriend, you owe me more than a drink. You owe me a blow-by-blow when you hook up with him,” she said.

“That’s not happening.”

Jo’s eyes narrowed. “We’ll see.”

You can narrow your eyes all you want, but it’s still never happening. “Sure.” I smiled thinly.

Jo better not complain when she never gets the story she thinks she’s going to get.

Wyatt and I follow Vi and Jo until they reach the appropriate section of the store. He leans against a wall, watching them, and I stand next to him. As I do, I realize I’ve made a tactical error. I should’ve helped Vi myself. Or at least assisted Jo. Now it’s too late to join them without looking weird, so I’m stuck with Wyatt.

Crap.

We aren’t standing too close together, but close enough that people will probably assume we’re friends. His body radiates so much heat. Although it’s hot today and I should be gravitating toward the cool AC, his warmth pulls me closer, making me want to lean just a few degrees in.

It’s not just a thermal attraction, I decide. It’s also his scent. Not aftershave, but the laundry detergent. Something custom ordered from Satan, no doubt. I don’t know of any laundry soap on any Walmart shelf that smells this amazing.

My eyes dart in his direction. He’s looking at me, like he wants to say something. Or do something. Is he going to kiss me again? Maybe he’s wondering about it…like me. Or maybe he’s just trying to mess with my mind like he did before. And I’m letting him win by being weak.

Must. Stop. This. Now!

“You should’ve been more aware of Vi’s schedule,” I blurt out, bitchier than I want.

He frowns. “Yeah, sorry about that.”

“She said she mentioned it to you.” I exaggerate a bit because she never quite put it that way. But she sort of implied it, so close enough. “But you probably didn’t hear.” Because you have other, more important priorities.

The creases between his eyebrows deepen. “She did?”

I nod, relieved to be distracted from thinking about how hot he looks and smells. Focus on all the reasons he’s a terrible human being. That should dampen my misguided attraction.

He sighs. “I could swear she didn’t, but I’ve been busy and distracted this week with all the dates.”

“Hey, don’t you go putting that on me. I’m doing my best to help you out.”

“I know.” Brackets form at the corners of his mouth. “I’m just thinking maybe I shouldn’t bother.”

My gut tightens. “Why?” I’m not going to lose out on my bonus because Wyatt can’t do his part in finding a date. I need that statue! And knowing him, he won’t sell it if I don’t deliver.