My father’s features grew taut, but I continued before he could express his own anger.

“I hired Rhys to pretend to be my boyfriend. Well, technically, I hired his younger brother, Dean, but Rhys found out and came to confront me at a dinner with my boss and Fairchild. However, when he realized there might be an opportunity with Fairchild to sponsor his gym, Rhys and I agreed he’d take Dean’s place and pretend to be my boyfriend instead.”

“What?” Easton slid forward in her seat, surprising me. I hadn’t realized she was listening. “You did what?”

I winced. “I know it was shameful—”

“It was genius,” Easton said, waving off my comment. “And obviously you and Rhys are really together now, right?”

My parents’ eyes bored into me with expectation. “Yes, it turned into something very real between us.” I waited as my parents exchanged a look I didn’t understand. “Well … do you forgive me for lying?”

“Did Rhys take any money from you?” Dad asked.

I shook my head. “No. I was supposed to pay him at the end of the first month, but we already knew by then that this wasn’t fake anymore.”

When they gave me nothing but silence in return, I squirmed in my seat. “Well?”

“Well, what?” Mom gave a delicate shrug. “I’m not happy you did this, but I’m also somewhat impressed by your ambition and tenacity. Moreover, if you two care about each other, that’s all that matters.”

“Is it?” Dad cut her a look before his eyes returned to mine. “If I find out this man is only after your money, Peanut, I will not stand idly by.”

My heart squeezed in my chest. I didn’t want Dad being suspicious of Rhys. Feeling defensive, I frowned. “As soon as you get to know him, you’ll realize Rhys isn’t like that. He’s the most honorable man I’ve ever met.” My gaze flew to the ring. “And he’s about to let some stranger smash their fists into his face.”

Mom suddenly squeezed my hand. “He’ll be fine. Just you see.”

I didn’t know if that meant Mom was on board with our relationship or not. I knew Easton was by the huge grin she kept shooting my way. Dad stared broodingly at the ring so I knew he wasn’t going to come around easily to my revelation. I’d suspected as much.

Yet, I had to hope it wouldn’t take him long to realize what Rhys and I had was real. That he’d see Rhys for the good man he was. That he made me happy.

He’ll be fine. Just you see.

God, I hoped so.