Her mom hadn’t known any such thing, but Audrey was grateful for the distraction as she let Clarke lead her through the crowd and out onto the rooftop patio. Since January was too cold to take advantage of the outdoor space, it was deserted. Clarke shrugged out of his jacket, dropping it over her shoulders. She didn’t protest.

“What’s going on?”

He shoved his hand into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone, scrolling until he found what he was looking for. She wasn’t surprised when she saw the issue stemmed from Instagram, but she was surprised by what she saw there.

Audrey’s eyes watered automatically. “He was married? Randy was married?”

“Apparently.”

She looked up at Clarke, blinking quickly to keep the tears from falling and smearing her makeup. “Why?”

He sighed. “Damn, Dree, I don’t know. Men are shits.”

She wiped her nose with the back of her hand. “How did Scandal Boy know?”

“I’m guessing his network outnumbers the rats of this city and is just as gross.”

“And now everyone thinks you and I are just doing this as damage control.” She let out a quick laugh. “Though, I guess they’re right, aren’t they? And now they’re just waiting for us to call it off so they can prove they’re right.”

“So, let’s not,” Clarke said.

“Let’s not what?”

He smiled. “Call it off.”

“Clarke.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting we get married. I’d make a terrible husband, and I certainly wouldn’t wish that upon my best friend. I’m just saying, what’s the rush in ending the charade? You said yourself that it was fun. Just a few more days. Until this blows over for real.”

“Yeah, but… it’s fun for me because I’m obsessed with bridal magazines, and yeah, okay, I’ve sort of always dreamed of taking my Instagram game into the wedding world. But don’t pretend it doesn’t put a major crimp in your love life.”

“It does,” he admitted. “But.” He leaned forward so they were face-to-face. “Turns out I care about you more than I do sex.”

Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. “You do?”

“Eh.” He grinned. “Mostly.”

He held out his hand for her. “Come on, bride. Let’s go tell people about how I proposed.”

“Oh, about that,” she said, setting her hand in his and letting him lead her back inside. “Do you know how to ride a horse…?”

Chapter Seven

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

Now, you’re sure you don’t want me to stay here in New York a few more days?” her mom asked for the fifth time since they’d sat down at the dining room table. “I always imagined that when you got married, I’d be dress shopping with you!’