The Bookworm's Guide to Faking It (The Bookworm's Guide 2)

Fantastic.

I buttoned up my coat and put on my hat, scarf, and gloves, then grabbed my purse. Stepping out into the hallway, I shivered. It was much colder here than it was in my apartment, and I was so fucking glad I was wrapped up like a pig in a blanket.

I headed down the stairs and out of the building. It was still snowing, but no longer heavily. I could at least see the end of the street, so I pulled my hat down over my ears, dipped my head, and walked in the direction of the middle of town.

This weather sucked balls.

I had no idea why I still lived in Montana.

I hated the cold.

And the dark.

And it was.

Dark.

So damn dark.

A horn beeped three times behind me, and I startled at the sound. Turning, I saw the familiar sight of Kai’s truck pulling up behind me. He leaned over as the window rolled down and stuck his head out. “You’re walking?”

I peered behind him. “Where’s Ivy?”

“Already at the bar. I took Tegan to my mom’s.”

“Oh, right.”

“Jump in. I’m driving anyway, so it’s no trouble.”

He didn’t have to tell me twice.

“Thanks.” I got in the passenger side of his truck and was blasted with heat from the dashboard. It was absolutely amazing, and I settled in with the belt over me. “How is Tegan?”

“Screaming. Crying. Pooping. Vomiting.” He shot me a look with a little smirk. “Baby stuff, you know. It doesn’t really change at her age.”

“Yeah, you look real miserable about it.”

Laughing, he pulled away from the side of the road. “Oh, so miserable.”

I shook my head, but I was smiling. I loved seeing him with Tegan, and I was forever thankful that my sister had found someone who loved her as much as he truly did.

“She did smile yesterday. But then she farted, so I’m not really sure it was a real smile.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose and laughed gently. Oh, the joys of a tiny baby being around. “Is this really the first time you and Ivy have had alone time since she was born?”

A frown marred his brow for a moment. “Yeah, I think it is, actually. Wow. To be honest, the last few weeks have all kind of merged into one. There has been a lot of crying.”

“From Tegan?”

“All of us,” he admitted, fighting back a small laugh. “But it’s worth it.”

“I bet it is.” I smiled, then slid my phone out of my purse. I tapped out a quick text to my mom asking her to set a table for two for Ivy and Kai. Sure, I wanted the whole group together, but it was important that they had their time, too.

Besides, they could eat and have some quality time and join us after.

Kai eyed me as we pulled up to the intersection. “What are you doing?”

I beamed. “Mom’s setting a table for the two of you. You can eat alone.”

“Really? I thought Ivy told you no.”

“Perks of being the little sister,” I said brightly. “You never listen to your sibling.”

Kai laughed and reached over to squeeze my knee. “You’re the best sister-in-law ever.”

“I’m your only sister-in-law.”

“Yeah, but my sister would tell me to stuff it. You’re actually nice.”

“Whoa now, don’t go ruining my reputation.” I held up my hands. “I wouldn’t want people getting the wrong idea. And, by the way, you’re taking credit for this.”

“Done.” He snorted. “And the wrong idea about what? You’re hardly a closet assassin, Holley. The only thing you kill is time reading.”

“And a well-read woman is a dangerous one. Didn’t you know that?”

“Pretty sure that’s on one of those little motivational poster things your sister bought for our new house. I think it’s going over our bed.” He frowned. “What has my life become?”

It was my turn to laugh.

“Anyway, what’s going on with Seb?”

“What’s going on with Seb?” I repeated. “Nothing.”

“I was in the café today and rumor has it, you’re dating.”

I pursed my lips and shook my head. “Nope. Not dating.”

“For real.” He paused. “How is it even remotely possible that two sisters both ended up in fake relationships?”

“I did not agree to this,” I argued. “I was forced into it. I do not give consent!”

“Pretty sure I said something like that.” He turned into the parking lot of Bronco’s and pulled into an empty space, then looked at me. “Then I actually married her.”

“What are you saying?” I hurried out of the truck after him. “I hope you’re not saying what I think you’re saying!”

He held up his hands with a laugh. “I’m not saying anything.”

“Oh, you are!” I stopped to glare at him, then stalked into the bar through the door he’d opened. “And I don’t like it!”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He rested his hands on my shoulders and steered me through the busy bar to where everyone was sitting around a huge circle table.