“Whether you want to believe me or not, I’ve been saying that stupid phrase for years,” Luke explained, jaw tight. “But you’re right; I did get it from Notting Hill. I told you my sister loves rom-coms. That wasn’t a lie. After watching that movie together, I said ‘Whoops-a-daisies’ when I did something clumsy, as a joke. But it made her laugh, so I did it again, and what started as a joke stuck.”

“What about us? Are we a joke?” Julia took a breath. “What the hell, Luke? Your sister is the game master, the GM or whatever. Why didn’t you just say so?”

“That’s my fault,” Penelope cut in.

Julia turned to look at her. She’d been so focused on Luke, so entrenched in his betrayal, she’d almost forgotten the other woman was standing there.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but my brother can be, ah, a little awkward.”

“Thanks, Pen,” Luke grumbled.

“Joining the game has been a way to socialize more. Get out there and meet people.”

Luke’s sister seemed so sincere. And Julia had to admit, the explanation was plausible. She turned to Luke. “Are you playing the game as one of the actors?”

“No.” He shook his head emphatically. “I was never one of the actors.”

Like his sister, he seemed sincere, his words ringing true.

“Julia,” he said quietly, reaching for her hand. “I was never playing a game with you.”

And damn it, there went her heart again. Squishy, gullible, asshole heart.

“I’m, um … I’m going to let you two sort this out.” Penelope met Julia’s eyes. “I’m sorry if it seemed like we lied to you. And my brother can be mad at me for saying this, but I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you.” She paused, a sardonic grin identical to the one Luke made teasing her lips. “And he never, ever, sang to anyone else.”

Julia watched Luke sister’s stride away, returning to the center of the action onstage.

“I should probably tell you, I know about the review.”

Ice flooded Julia’s veins. She froze. “What review?”

He took a step closer and lowered his voice. “The one your friend is doing for TrendList.”

“Oh. Right.” She forced herself to breathe slowly. “My friend.” Of course, being the brother of the game master, he would know about that. Or would think he knew.

“I hope that doesn’t make things weird for you. Because, what my sister said? It’s the truth. I’ve never done anything like that for anyone before,” he admitted, almost shy as he met her eyes again. “I’ve never felt like this about anyone before.”