Fake Marriage Box Set

ond, I sent her a few texts today. I still haven't heard anything back. You think I should have Dad go over and check on her?”

He had my attention, and I sat up as well. “I don't know. I sent her a text last night too and haven't heard anything either. Then again, she’s probably still irritated with me, so… there’s that. We’ll be home tomorrow afternoon, maybe we should just wait until then, ya know before we send in the calvary, and she thinks we don’t think she can handle being there by herself.”

“Right. But what if she got attacked by a bear? I mean twenty-four hours could be detrimental to her survival.”

“Really? Can we not talk about her getting attacked by bears, please?”

“I was just saying. Maybe it would be best if Dad just went and checked to make sure she was okay.”

“Fine, have him go by and check on her.”

“Okay. I'll send him a text.”

Ryan was quiet for about an hour before he spoke again. I had just begun drifting off to sleep.

“Her truck is gone.”

“Then I’m sure she’s fine,” I said.

“Yeah. She just usually emails me back the same day.”

“How many emails have you sent her?” I asked, a twinge of jealousy rushing through me.

“Recently?”

“Huh? How long have you been emailing her?”

“Well, I guess for a while?”

I rolled over, propping myself up on my elbow. “She hasn't lived here that long.”

“I know, but we emailed for a couple of months before she moved in.”

“Wait, you had been talking to her for two months, and it never crossed your mind to tell me anything about her?”

“If I had told you about her, then you wouldn't have allowed her to move in because you’d have been all whatever about her being a girl and all. Even though she was exactly what we needed.”

“What we needed, huh?”

“Yes. She was flexible on the lease and how long she’d be here, and I was kind of hoping you would fall in love and then it wouldn't matter if you bought me out or not. You may think I don't really know or care, but I do. I know you aren't like me; you’re looking for forever, while I am just looking for right now. I just thought she may be the right girl for you.”

“You did, did ya?”

“Look, I've gotten to know her pretty well, and she is exactly what you need. We’ve been chatting through Facebook and email, and if I was a betting man, I’d wager you guys would be married if the two of you would just look past your noses. I have never known two people that were better for each other than you and Emmy.”

I looked at him skeptically. “And you don't want her?”

“Dude, are you serious right now? Any red-blooded man would want her, but I don't want her. I’ve seen the way you look at her. That girl is off limits. Besides, if I tapped that, you wouldn't.”

“Truth.” I laughed at him.

“I just thought it would be nice to see you find someone. You're like my brother, and I want good things for you. And honestly, you need to get laid, like for realz.” He flipped me the bird.

“And there it is,” I shook my head. “I'm good, thanks.”

“I'm sure the callouses on your hands don't feel quite as good as—”

“Just shut up,” I demanded.