We’re both sticking as far as possible to our own sides of the bed, but I can still feel his heat. Or maybe I’m only imagining it because I want to feel it. Either way, this isn’t helping in my fight to keep my body under control.

“Yeah,” I lie. “I’m good.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

BRENDEN

With the corporate retreat over, I can finally take a deep breath. Only one though. No time for more, because MayFest starts Saturday. Travis is helping Addison get the menus ready for the new influx of guests plus the booth we’ll have at the festival. But then he’ll be off the hook. I feel guilty that I’ve monopolized all his time for the past week, between him helping out here and pretending to be my boyfriend.

Speaking of pretending...

It’s only been a couple days, but Travis has already been doing such a good job at acting like we’re a couple that he’s almost got me convinced. When I woke up with him in my bed this morning, I had a moment—just one—where I forgot that he was only there as a favor. But I can’t do that again. I can’t forget for even another moment that this is all fake.

Because it is fake. F.A.K.E.

My newfound lust for Travis, on the other hand? I’m afraid that’s unfortunately very real.

But I’ll survive that. I’m no stranger to being alone and horny. I’ve never been the kind of guy to go for a quick hookup. I prefer dating, actually getting to know someone first. It’s been a while since I’ve gone out with anyone though. I got tired of meeting men who ended up disappointing me. There have been a few guys who didn’t disappoint, who lasted a little while. But even with them, it never felt entirely right.

Last night when Travis asked me what I wanted in a boyfriend, it was nice getting to imagine my ideal relationship. In reality, though, I’m not expecting to ever have that.

It would take a special kind of man to truly fit into my life. To want to fit in. To accept a preteen daughter and a crazy work schedule, and not to mention, me. I’ve got a lot of great qualities, I know that. But I’ve also got some not-so-great ones. I can’t cook, I hate cleaning, and I may be on top of things when it comes to my daughter and work, but when it comes to taking care of myself, I can be pretty scatterbrained. And I put on a good front, but underneath that, I’m hiding plenty of insecurities.