“Because she’s insane, that’s why!” Abby snapped.

“And you’re not over her? Still dream about her? Still love her? Still—”

“No, no, no. No, I do not still love her. We were together only six months. I don’t know if I was ever in love with her. It’s just…” What? She sighed. “Yes, I’m over her.” Surely to god she was.

“Then? What’s the problem?”

“She doesn’t think that I’m over her. She’ll flirt incessantly with me, just to prove it. I’ll cave and sleep with her again and she’ll have won once again. It’s a freakin’ game with her.”

“So it’s a competition thing and you’re weak?”

Abby narrowed her eyes. “Yes. Okay. Let’s go with that. I’m weak.” It was the truth, wasn’t it?

Nic leaned her elbows on the table. “So to combat all that, you need a date. And you want me to be your date?”

“Yes.”

“Why? You’re attractive and, dare I say, seemingly sane. Sort of. I doubt you’d have a hard time finding a date. Why me? A stranger.”

“Because it would just be pretend and if I took someone I might actually consider dating someday, then that would complicate things too much. And I thought about asking a friend, but how do you pretend to be in love with one of your friends? It would never work.” As soon as she said the words, she realized how it sounded.

“But you could pretend to be in love with a stranger? Me?”

“Okay, look, I already asked all of my friends, and none will do it and none of their friends will do it. They all think I’m crazy. And now I’m desperate.” She paused. “You’re probably seeing someone, aren’t you? Of course you are. That could be a problem, I guess. But if you explain that it’s all pretend and—”

“I’m not really dating anyone, no.”

Abby frowned. “You’re not? Why? What’s wrong with you?”

“Me?” Nic laughed. “You’re seriously asking what’s wrong with me?”

Abby smiled sheepishly. “Sorry. You’re right. I’m the crazy one here. But it’s a legitimate proposition. It’s all expenses paid. My father works at the ski lodge and gets lift tickets free. My mother will provide all the meals. It’s a chance for a white Christmas and as much skiing as you can stand. Snowmobiles, too, if you want. A trip down to Taos if you like shopping. It’ll be like a free vacation for you.”

Nic smiled at her. “A free vacation and I’ll get to share your bed? Tempting.”

“I’m desperate.” She met those blue eyes. “Please? I’m running out of time. And options.”

“Well, I will admit I’m intrigued. Let me think about it. What days are we talking here?”