Risking It (Fake Boyfriend Duet Book 2)

by Madeleine Labitan

And maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but I’m hoping that helping him will make him fall for me, too.

  You never know, right?

  “That’s what I thought,” Indie sighs. “But you know Gray's gonna kill him, right? You'll basically sign his death sentence."

  "Isn't that a little overdramatic? I didn't react violently when I learned about you and my brother."

  "Brothers tend to be overprotective when it comes to boys, remember? Irrationally so, sometimes. I'm honestly thankful that Sammy is still a baby to act that way toward me. It would probably drive me nuts otherwise.” She winces. “Gray and Duane might be best friends. But it doesn’t mean that Gray wants Duane to involve you with his girl problems. Trust me, he’ll be against it.”

  “I’ll just have to deal with it."

  Honestly, I don’t know how. But I’d rather worry about it for another day.

  "Okay. But what if you end up with a broken heart? I mean, think about it. Why did Duane ask you to be his fake girlfriend?"

  "Um, I don't know."

  I'd been too stunned to react when Duane asked the question. And before I could tell him to clarify, his phone rang and he had to leave. He said we'd just talk tomorrow.

  Indie gapes at me. "Are you serious? You agreed to help him without knowing his reason behind it?"

  My cheeks flame. "Technically, I haven't told him yet."

  "But you already decided that you would." She shakes her head, disappointment flashing in her eyes, making me feel embarrassed even more. "What if he asked because he wanted your help to make Heather Nielsen jealous? Because he wanted to win her back? What are you going to do then?"

  I swallow hard, a sick feeling creeping into my stomach.

  Because why would Duane even ask me to be his fake girlfriend?

  You thought he wanted to take revenge on Heather for breaking up with him just like Indie did with Brad.

  "Oh, God. I'm so pathetic. I made the wrong assumption."

  Am I really that desperate for Duane's attention?

  Yes. Yes, you are.

  "Shut up." Indie glares at me. "You're not pathetic." She takes my hand in hers. "Here's what you're going to do. You'll talk to Duane and you're going to tell him that you're not interested. Tell him it's not your problem and he can ask someone else to help him get his ex-girlfriend back. Okay?"

  I give her a faint smile. "Okay."

  CHAPTER 3

  I should listen to Indie. She made a great point, anyway. Agreeing to be Duane's fake girlfriend for the sake of winning Heather back would be colossally stupid.

  I'm not that desperate yet.

  At least that's what I keep telling myself as I walk down the halls of Maple Grove High, ignoring the whispers around me about Duane and Heather's breakup. People are such gossip mongers. Why can't they leave the two alone? Especially Duane. He has to be hating all this attention.

  I'm tempted to search for him and see how he's holding up, but I'm apprehensive that he'll be able to convince me to help him. I need to avoid him—at least until he realizes that making Heather jealous is a bad idea. Until he realizes that she's not worth it. That there are plenty of other girls at school. That he only has to look next door to find the right one for him.

  I'm almost at my locker when someone suddenly grabs my arm and pulls me inside an empty classroom. Before I can protest, I find my back pressed against the wall, Duane's six-three frame towering over my fine-nine.

  "Hey." He's sporting a wide grin on his annoyingly handsome face.

  Ignoring the butterflies acting chaotically in my stomach, I scowl at him. "Did you really have to drag me in here?"

  "Sorry," he says sheepishly. "When I saw you, I just couldn't wait."

  If only it was because he couldn't wait to see me, but I know better than to make silly assumptions.

  "Listen, Duane—"

  "I really need your help, Beanie. You're my only hope of getting Heather back." His deep blue eyes are earnest and pleading as they focus on mine.

  Oh, man. Why does he have to look at me that way? I'm always a goner when that happens.

  Don't give in. Don't give in.

  I pull my bottom lip between my teeth and glance away. "Why do you want her back? She dumped you. Why can't you just move on? There are so many girls who want to be with you, why can't you choose them instead?"

  Why can't you choose me? Be with me.

  "Because I don't want anyone else. She's the only one I want." His words are like knives plunging into my chest all at once.

  I look away once again, not wanting him to see the pain in my eyes. God, why can't my heart take a hint?

  "Why me?" I whisper.

  "Because I think...Heather is jealous of you."

  That has my eyes snapping back to his face and my lips squeaking out, "Excuse me?"

  Heather Nielsen—one of the hottest girls in school—is jealous of me? He's got to be kidding me. Or he's just lying to convince me to agree to his plan. Well, that's just mean.

  "You don't have to come up with silly stories just to convince me, Duane. So unnecessary," I glare, angrily pushing my glasses up my nose.

  He shakes his head, panic streaking through his face. "But I'm not making anything up. It's the truth."

  I cross my arms over my chest and give him a skeptical look. "How so?"

  Exhaling a breath, he combs his fingers through his hair. "Remember last weekend? At the lake?" He waits for me to nod before continuing. "She got pissed that I hung out with you for a bit. She thought I was hitting on you or something."

  My eyes widen. "You're joking."

  "I'm really not."

  My heart starts to hammer against my ribcage. Does this mean I'm the reason why they broke up? The idea is so ridiculous and seems so impossible—but so is the apparent fact that Heather is jealous of me.

  I swallow hard. "Did she, um, dump you because of me?"

  A deep frown creases his forehead. "I wish I could say that, but no. There's another reason." Judging from the reserved look on his face, he has no intention of telling me exactly what it is.

  Maybe it's just as well that I have no idea. The less I know, the less inclined I'll be to agree to help him. At least, I hope so.

  But, just to be safe, I need to make myself scarce—right about now. I inch away slowly from the wall. "So, I'll be late for class. I'll just, um, see you later, okay?"

  I'm almost at the door when he speaks up again. "Allie, please. I need you."

  Maybe it's because of the desperation in his voice. Maybe because he said he needs me. Or maybe because I've always been a pathetic sucker when it comes to him.

  Cursing under my breath, I wheel around and find myself saying, "Fine. I'll help you."

  So much for holding my ground.

  Relief floods his features, then before I know it, he's hugging me. "Thank you, Beanie. You have no idea how grateful I am."

  If it isn't a painful reminder that he's doing it for her, only for her, then I don't know what is.

  Be sure to always keep that in mind, Allie.

  Suddenly annoyed, I push him off a little harder than intended. "Don't celebrate just yet. You still have to talk to my brother and give him a heads-up."

  His eyes widen. "Shit. I didn't even think of Gray." He gives me a thoughtful look. "Do you think you can—"

  "Nope. You're on your own on that one." I'm already out the door before he can even protest.

  I've helped enough. He can deal with my brother's wrath on his own.

  *******

  "You're not doing it."

  I glance up from my laptop perched on my study table to my bedroom door where Gray is standing and scowling at me.

  I blink at him innocently. "Not doing what?"

  He enters my room and walks straight to my iPod dock, which is currently playing "Breathe" by James Arthur. He turns the music off, and before I can grumble about it, he glares at me. "You're not helping Duane get Heather back."

  I stare at him, a
little taken aback. So Duane finally told him. I wonder how that conversation went. I sure hope no punches were thrown. Boys can be dumb, after all.

  I'll have to ask my fake boyfriend about it. Fake boyfriend. Just thinking about those words gives me a fluttery feeling in my stomach. It will take a little getting used to, that's for sure.

  "Allie, I'm serious. Let Duane handle his own problem. Don't put yourself in the middle of it. It was dumb of him to involve you in the first place."

  I flash Grayson a sweet smile. "It's cute that you think you can order me around."

  "Of course I can. I'm your big brother," he growls.

  I let out a snort. "Please. You're barely a year older than me. And aren't you being a hypocrite? You helped Indie with her problem, remember? You didn't see me acting like an overprotective sister about it."

  "This is different."

  "Funny. That's what your girlfriend said, too."

  "You should've listened to her then."

  That was my intention. But being a sucker for your best friend, I still ended up saying yes. Stupid, right?

  Not wanting my brother to read my thoughts on my face, I look away. "I'm just being a good friend, Gray. And you should be, too. He's your best friend. You should be supporting him instead of being such an asshole."

  Gray crosses his arms over his chest. "I would have been supportive, if he had decided to leave you out of it."

  "Well, I already agreed to help him and there's nothing you can do to stop me. So feel free to save your breath and close the door on your way out, k?"

  "Fine. Whatever. Do it your way," he growls before storming out of my room.

  Exhaling out a frustrated breath, I lean back against my chair and shut my eyes.

  Great. Gray is mad at me. And he probably feels the same toward his best friend, too. As much as I want to blame Duane for it, I can't. He didn't force me to do anything. I made the decision all on my own.

  Whatever. It's not like Gray wouldn't get over it. I'll give him a few days tops. If he still refuses to come around, then I'll just sic Indie on him. What's the use of being best friends with your brother's girlfriend if you can't use it to your advantage?

  A knock on my open door startles me. It's my dad. "Everything okay, sweet pea? I just saw your brother storm out. He looked pissed. Did you two fight?"

  "Oh, everything's fine, Dad. Gray was just being annoying. You know how he is sometimes."

  I mean, it's true. He was really being annoying, trying to get into my personal affairs and all, as if Indie isn't monopolizing his attention enough already. If he keeps it up, I'll ask her to never leave his side.

  The small frown on my dad's forehead smoothens out and he nods. "Just be sure not to fight at dinner later. Your mother doesn't need that kind of stress."

  I give him a reassuring smile. "Yes, Dad. I promise."

  Just as long as Gray won't bring up the issue again.

  CHAPTER 4

  My fingers are interlaced with Duane's as we walk into the school cafeteria. We're holding hands, and I'm not dreaming about it.

  Yep. It's really happening.

  But there's nothing to smile or swoon about. Aside from the fact that the whole thing is just pretend, I'm uncomfortable with the attention we're currently getting.

  Shocked whispers and stares follow us as Duane leads me toward the lacrosse guys' tables, making me feel exposed and judged. It reminds me of To All the Boys I've Loved Before, particularly the scene where Peter Kavinsky and Lara Jean Covey are entering their school cafeteria together. Indie and I had swooned over that scene several times during our numerous rewatch.

  And just like Lara Jean and Peter, Duane and I are pretending to be in a relationship to make his ex-girlfriend jealous. Only difference is that their story had a happy ending. I doubt mine will go the same route.

  The daggers Heather Nielsen sending our way from the Four Blondes' table should be proof enough.

  "Your hand is trembling," my fake boyfriend murmurs, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "Relax. It's going to be fine."

  I can't help it. Not when his ex is looking at me like she's going to scream bloody murder any second.

  "I think it's working. Heather looks ready to kill you," Duane whispers into my ear, muffling his words by pressing a kiss to the side of my head.

  "That's what I'm afraid of," I mutter under my breath.

  He chuckles. "Don't worry, I won't let it come to that."

  Yeah, good luck with that.

  I wonder how long will it take for her to come crawling back to him? And how quick will Duane take her back?

  My chest tightens at that looming possibility—a very real possibility that can happen any day. And then what about me?

  You'll be back to pining after the boy you've always wanted—what did you seriously expect would happen? Surely, you're no longer holding on to your delusion that he'll fall for you?

  I pull my hand back from Duane and go to sit across from Indie before he can protest. Indie and I have been sitting on the lacrosse team's table ever since she and my brother got together for real. Even though the guys are cool to be around with, there are still times that I miss when it's only the two of us.

  "Dude, are you dating Grayson's sister now?" Kirby Moseby hollers as Duane takes the seat next to me, glancing between the two of us, his eyes bulging out of their sockets.

  Next to Indie, Gray tightens his mouth in a thin line and glares at Duane.

  Duane shoots him an apologetic look, which my brother simply glowers at before turning his attention back to his lunch.

  Wanting to escape the tension in the air, I abruptly stand and blurt, "I'm gonna grab some food."

  "I'm coming with you." Indie is out of the chair and rounding the table in the next second. Hooking her arm through mine, she practically drags me toward the counter. "I can't believe you went through it. You said you wouldn't, or have you forgotten?"

  "I wasn't going to," I shoot back, keeping my voice close to a whisper while grabbing a tray. "But Duane was really persistent. He didn't give me the chance to say no."

  "Sure," she snorts. "That's what really happened."

  I don't react to that, simply watching the lunch lady put spaghetti on my plate. We both know I'd be lying if I continue to insist that Duane forced me to help him. Indie knows me too well. She can easily call me on my crap. Plus the fact that she's fully aware of my feelings for Duane.

  "Oh my God, Allison. That was such a big declaration!" I startle when Kiera Jacobs sidles next to me as I grab a chicken burrito for Duane, who's currently engaged in an animated conversation with his teammates and has appeared to have forgotten that he needs to eat.

  Indie aims a pointed glance at the burrito on my tray—she knows it's one of Duane's favorite snacks—before giving Kiera a saccharine smile. "Oh, was it?"

  I glare at her, which she promptly ignores.

  "Totally," Kiera exclaims, oblivious to the sarcasm. "It was like a scene from a movie." Grabbing a banana and a serving of the garden salad, she turns back to us. "So, how did it happen? Wasn't Duane, like, dating Heather Nielsen? I mean, I heard they broke up..." She trails off, her mouth gaping. "Oh my God, are you the reason behind it?"

  Indie scoffs. "Of course not, Kiera. Don't talk crazy."

  Elbowing her discreetly, I say, "No, Kiera. I had nothing to do with it."

  She doesn't seem to hear me though. She's clucking her tongue and shaking her head. "Duane sure moves fast, huh? But, hey, way to go girl." She winks at me before moving away.

  "I bet ten bucks she'll tell everyone you're the reason why Heather dumped Duane."

  I chew on my lip. That's exactly what I'm worried about. Kiera is a major gossipmonger in Maple Grove High. She's one of the first to spread news around school—whether it's true or not. So if—no, when—she decides to spread rumors about me being the cause of Duane and Heather’s breakup, things would turn ugly.

  And judging from the glares Heather just sent my way,
she wouldn't do a thing to set it straight. Something tells me she'll likely even use it to her advantage.

  I'm starting to think I'm way over my head with this fake boyfriend thing.

  *******

  I’m taking notes in AP History as the teacher lectures in front of the class when my ears catch the conversation behind me.

  “Seriously, what does Duane Hollis see in her? She’s a nobody compared to Heather.”

  “Is there even a comparison? They need to be at the same level for there to have any competition.”

  Mocking female laughter follows after, grating on my nerves, making me clench my jaw and tighten my grip around my pen.

  Ignore them. Don’t let their words affect you. They mean nothing.

  I’ve been telling those words to myself since I walked into the cafeteria with Duane, so much that they’ve practically turned into a silent mantra. I knew this would happen. Duane and Heather are among the most popular students in Maple Grove High. I knew pretending to be his girlfriend would get everyone’s attention, especially after he dated Heather. So I already expected that they would talk about us.

  But because Kiera had spread word about me being the “other woman”—just what Indie and I had thought—it became worse than I’d expected. Now, as far as everyone is concerned, I messed with one of the Four Blondes. Which means I’m public enemy number one.

  For hours, I’ve been getting angry glares and nasty words wherever I go. You’d think I just committed a heinous crime. That’s high school for you.

  I'm trying so hard to let the hurtful words roll off my back, but there's only so much I can take.

  Tuning out the stares and whispers, I make my way to the girls' bathroom after the class ends, wanting to get a little break from all the malicious hostility. But I regret the decision the moment I step inside. Because right in front of the mirror and applying makeup are none other than Heather Nielsen and her best friend Sydney Cox, another member of the Four Blondes.

  Abort, abort, abort! My mind is practically screaming at me, and I'm completely tempted to heed its advice. But what good will that do?