Fake Marriage Box Set

“You need to NOT go do that.”

“Why? She was my friend before she was your girlfriend.”

“She isn't my girlfriend.”

“Sure, she’s not.”

“She isn't,” I stated.

“So, you make out with her, second base, might I add. And then she gets all cold. What the hell did you do to cause that?”

“I pushed her, and I shouldn't have.”

“You regret it?”

“Nope, not even a little.” I couldn't help but smile at the thought of her in my arms.

“Well, once I talk to her, I'll give you the wedding date.”

“Oh my god, would you just leave it alone for now? She is going to come to the competition in Portland end of the month. Can we just be friendly until then?”

“Sure, if that's what you want. I just don't see the harm in chatting with her, maybe picking her brain.”

“You can talk to her all you want, but I would prefer that you didn't talk about me,” I explained.

He threw his hands up in unenthusiastic defeat, and I steered the conversation away from Emerson and back to the competition coming up.

I hopped in my truck and drove back out to the house. Emerson was on the porch when I pulled in, so I waved, smiled, and then walked into the house. I wanted to talk to her and I had mail in the truck, but I didn't want to talk to her at that moment. I just wanted to get in the house and try and get some sleep.

Chapter Eighteen

Emerson

Luke had been friendly but distant. I wasn't sure if he was upset with me or if he was just trying to give me the space I had asked for. I hadn't intended to not talk to him but more just not kiss him anymore.

“Emmy!” Ryan ran up and grabbed me and twirled me around in a hug. I hadn't really talked to him since he interrupted us the other night. I wasn’t sure exactly how much he knew, but considering how close he and Luke were, I just assumed he knew everything.

“Hey!” I laughed as he continued to spin us.

“You gonna run with us this morning?”

“No, I have a report I have to submit in the next few days. So, I really need to work on it.”

“Well drink up and get to work.” He smacked me on the back as I walked away.

I laughed, grabbed my coffee cup, and disappeared into the house.

***

My phone rang a few minutes after noon, and I reached for it.

“Hello?”

“Emmy?”

“Rachel?”

“Yes! I lost my phone and all of my contacts were in it. You have been avoiding social media obviously because you haven't answered any of my messages from last night!”