“I’m not dating anyone, so it’s not a problem,” Carter says. He shrugs, as if I’m asking to borrow a cup of flour and not for him to test his acting skills. “We carry on with what we started last night. I certainly owe you after that. But can I ask why?”

“Because my parents think we’re together, and that’s the way they are. If their daughter is dating someone, they want to meet him and . . .”

“They’re protective of their daughter and want to know if I’m worthy. I get that, but why do you need a boyfriend? Why not tell them the truth about last night and go to the wedding without a date? It doesn’t seem like you to deceive your family.”

“It’s not, and I hate it. But . . .” But you don’t understand Rich. You don’t know how well he manipulates people into doing what he wants. You don’t understand how disappointed my parents are that he and I didn’t end up together. “Do you remember the last time I asked you to pretend to be my boyfriend? About a year ago?”

“The ex who was in town.” He chuffs out a laugh. “That’s the favor I was calling on last night. Of course I remember.”

“His name is Rich, and he’s going to be at the wedding. And staying at the mansion. He’s the reason I need a fake boyfriend.”

Carter

I grip the back of my neck, squeezing on the knots forming there. I only briefly met Rich that one time, but it was enough to know I didn’t like him—enough to know that whatever past they had together wasn’t good. If it was that obvious to me, surely her family knows how she feels too. “Why was he invited?”

She grimaces. “Rich and I were high school sweethearts. My parents adore him, and I know if they’re bringing him along, it’s because they want to reunite us.”

“And you . . .”

“Would rather chew on poisoned rat carcasses than be with him again.”

“That’s oddly specific and pretty intense.”

She shrugs. “It’s honest.”

“What did he do to you?” I ask softly. I’ve wanted to know since the day I met him, but she refused to tell me then, and I can tell by the determined set of her jaw that she’s just as unlikely to tell me now.

“It doesn’t matter.”

A shock of protectiveness surges through me. I’ll be damned if I’m going to leave her vulnerable when she’s scared of this guy. “I’ll do it. Be your devoted boyfriend, stay at the mansion, whatever you need. I’ll do it.”

“Are you sure?” Her gaze darts to Myla again. I can’t decide if she’s jealous of Myla or worried she might blow our cover.

“I owe you.”

“Do you? Doesn’t last night make us even?”

“Last night was . . .” So good. I can’t stop thinking about it. Can’t stop the memory from playing on a loop in my mind.