Back Simmer Down
Chapters (31)
  1. Cover
  2. Praise for Faker
  3. TITLES BY SARAH SMITH
  4. Dedication
  5. Chapter 1
  6. Chapter 2
  7. Chapter 3
  8. Chapter 4
  9. Chapter 5
  10. Chapter 6
  11. Chapter 7
  12. Chapter 8
  13. Chapter 9
  14. Chapter 10
  15. Chapter 11
  16. Chapter 12
  17. Chapter 13
  18. Chapter 14
  19. Chapter 15
  20. Chapter 16
  21. Chapter 17
  22. Chapter 18
  23. Chapter 19
  24. Chapter 20
  25. Chapter 21
  26. Chapter 22
  27. Chapter 23
  28. Epilogue
  29. Acknowledgments
  30. About the Author
  31. What’s next onyour reading list?

When I open my eyes, Callum’s lead pipe of an arm is on top of me, and I’m tucked securely underneath. I close my eyes and let out a long, silent breath so I don’t wake him. It’s so damn comfortable under here, under Callum, under his super soft bedsheets.

There’s a soft wheeze above my head. One pleasant surprise after all this time together is that he doesn’t snore like a freight train. His breaths are soft and slow, almost rhythmic. I turn my head to see the few inches of space between us. Everything about waking up next to Callum in his bed is soothing bliss. The feel, the sounds, that delicious musky spice his body somehow naturally produces.

But then my bladder reminds me that it’s early morning and I’ll burst if I don’t do something about it soon. Holding my breath, I slowly roll out from under him, slip on his T-shirt, and quietly pad to the attached bathroom.

I relieve myself and wash up, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My cheeks sport a healthy amount of pink still. Leftovers from last night when I embarrassed myself in front of Callum by admitting my jealousy to his face. I take a breath, thankful that he’s not yet awake so we don’t have to face the awkward aftermath. Because what do you say the morning after you almost spilled all your feelings to your fuck buddy?

I stand in the open doorway, gazing at his sleeping form like a creep. My heart thuds. What the hell will I say now? I can’t drag him into the shower for more sex. I mean, I want to, but he’ll see right through that. And then he’ll ask me about last night, why I got all angsty and emotional. And I may not have the strength to lie.

I take two slow deep breaths before taking a step toward the bed. And then I hear keys jangling at the front door.

“Oi, Cal!”

Finn’s voice booms from all the way at the other end of the condo. Callum slingshots into a sitting position, rubbing his eyes.

I grip the edge of the doorway. “Hide me!” I shriek-whisper.

Callum slow-blinks. “Wait just a—”

I karate chop the air in front of me to silence him. “No! No time. Finn can’t know that I’m here. Hide me. Now!”

“Callum, you still sleeping, you lump?” The sound of Finn’s voice grows louder.

Callum jolts up from bed and ushers me into his closet. “Sorry, he said he was going to be gone today and tomorrow. I didn’t know he’d be coming back.”

I tuck myself in the farthest corner and point my wide-eyed stare at him.