He flexed his arm. “What can I say? I’ve filled out.”
She snorted and rolled her eyes, but a smile curled up the corners of her mouth. She eyed the grocery sack. “What did you bring?”
“Peanut-butter-jelly-and-marshmallow sandwiches.”
Her laugh rang out. “You did not.”
“You’re right. I figure your tastes have changed since you were six.”
“Grayson is to blame for that one. He told me that was how all the rich people ate peanut butter and jelly, and I believed him.”
“Really?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Yes. I figured he knew what he was talking about, being ten and all. Never stopped to think about the complete lack of galas in his life.”
“Big brothers know everything.”
The canoe made a noise as the bottom scraped the sand in the shallow water. Blake set the oar down and swung his foot over the edge of the boat so he could stand without tipping it. He stood, grabbing the grocery bag. Sidney hopped out and walked up the bank. He followed her under the shade tree. She took the sack from him and peeked inside.
“I just threw together some ham sandwiches.”
“And you made potato salad?” She lifted the container out.
“Store bought. Sorry.”
“That’s okay. I’ve been craving it and haven’t had any this summer.”
He sat on the grass and she plopped down beside him. She took out the sandwiches and paper plates he’d stuck in the bottom and handed him a plastic fork.
As they ate, the mood turned more serious. Sidney looked like she was going to say something several times, but stopped herself. Finally, she said, “How long were you married?”
That wasn’t what he expected, and he blinked. “Two years.”
She lowered her gaze. “I’m sorry things didn’t work out.”
“They were working out fine for me. I had no idea anything was wrong until I came home one night and Melody was packing.”
Sidney gaped at him. “Seriously? That’s awful. You’d think if she was unhappy, she’d at least try to talk about it.”
The familiar ache in his chest started up. “I thought she married me because she loved me. Turns out, she loved the idea of being married to a doctor. Only, I was in residency and had loads of student loan debt. I guess I wasn’t giving her the life she’d always imagined.”
“She left you because you weren’t making enough money?” The shock on her face was evident.
He stared out at the gentle waves on the lake. “Apparently she was willing to wait for the money—until she found someone else who already had it. Some big shot who’d inherited a few million dollars. Melody said it wasn’t personal. Like it was a business transaction.”
His stomach soured at the memory.
“Oh, that’s terrible.” Sidney stared at her sandwich. “I’m sorry.”
He picked up his Coke and unscrewed the cap. “It was better to find out two years into the marriage, instead of twenty.”
She nodded, looking up at him. “You said the divorce was rough. Did she get a lot in the divorce settlement?”
“No. We’d not been married long, and we had no children.” He let out a mirthless chuckle. “She was livid that they denied her alimony. Her face turned purple when the judge told her to go get a job.”
Sidney laughed. “I bet that was priceless.”
He sobered. “Taught me a lesson. Not everyone in this world has good intentions.”
She looked away. “Yeah. Don’t I know it.”
He wondered if she would elaborate, but the silence stretched out between them until they’d finished eating. He started packing up the things, the thought of someone hurting Sidney making his gut feel tight. Maybe that was why she wanted to wear the fake ring. He understood the instinct to shield yourself from any more pain.
Sidney slid the dirty paper plates into the trash sack he’d brought and tied the top. “Thanks for bringing lunch.”
“Sure.” The mood was heavy and he didn’t know how to lighten it back up again. “Should we…” He motioned to the canoe.
“Yes.” She started down the small embankment to the water. After they were situated in the canoe, they began maneuvering out of the small area near the shore. Together, they paddled in silence as the canoe cut through the water, crossing the lake.
Sidney silently beat herself up. What had she been thinking, asking him about his divorce? Why would she want to kill the good mood like that? Now Blake sat behind her, a stony expression on his face as he pulled his oar through the water.
She should have known better. Who wanted to talk about their ex? She certainly didn’t. She bit her lip, trying to decide what to say. “Listen, I’m sorry I—”
“It’s okay,” he said. “No need to apologize.” He smiled, but it didn’t last.
“I really shouldn’t have pried. It’s none of my business.”
He cocked his head to the side. “We’re friends. Talking about the hard stuff is part of it.”
Friends. She liked the sound of that. She’d never been on that level with Blake before. She’d always felt like the little sister who tagged along. Grayson sometimes complained about her, but Blake would shrug and say, ‘She’s cool.’
“Yeah, I guess,” she said as she squinted from the reflection of the sun on the water.
“I’m sure you’ve had your share of heartbreaks.” Blake stopped paddling.
What did he mean by that? Did he know about Asher? Was he trying to get her to open up about it? She frowned. She didn’t want to talk about it. “Just like everyone. Hey, remember when we decided to explore that cave, and you freaked out?” She glanced behind her.
He laughed, the lines around his eyes crinkling. “I haven’t thought of that in years.”
“I thought you were going to have an aneurism, waving your arms in the air.”
“There was a bat!”
“That was Grayson, messing with you!” She laughed.
“You’re kidding me. All this time I thought a bat had nearly taken off my head.”
“You’re so gullible.”
They continued to paddle in companionable silence until they’d reached the other side of the lake. Blake wiped his forehead. “I guess we should be heading back.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
By the time they got back to the dock, her muscles ached from the exertion and she was ready for the break. After stopping the boat, Blake stood and extended his hand to help her out. She clasped it and took a step. The canoe rocked and caught her off balance. She yelped and grabbed ahold of him.
He caught her, his strong arms holding her steady. “Whoa. Watch out, or you’ll end up in the lake.”
She blinked up at him, her heart racing from the close proximity. Man, he smelled good. Like fresh out of the shower mixed with date night musk. She splayed her hand over his chest with the intention of pushing him away, but the feel of his muscles under her fingers mesmerized her and she stood there staring at him. If she tilted her head a little, their lips would meet. She could relive that kiss from so long ago. “No,” she mumbled.
“No?”
She shook her head to clear it. “I mean thanks.” She squirmed away from him and scampered out of the canoe.
What in the world was that all about? What was wrong with her? So Blake had muscles. And rock hard abs. Big deal. Why had she gone all butter brained? Stupid crush.
She helped Blake with the picnic sack as he climbed out, and they headed back to his truck. By the time they pulled out onto the highway, her heart had normalized.
Blake turned to her. “You all right?”
“Fine,” she said a little too quickly. Arg. Why couldn’t she just act normal?
“You got quiet all of a sudden.”
Great. What was she supposed to say, ‘My childhood crush took over my brain for a moment and I couldn’t stop thinking about kissing you?’ Not likely. “I’m not quiet. Just content.”
He looked like he was trying not to smile. “Content, huh?”
“I mean, it’s such a nice day out. And the lake was calming. That’s all.”
“I see.” He smirked as he drove, as if he knew a secret.
She wanted to smack that smug grin off his face but folded her hands into her lap instead. They were silent on the drive home. When he pulled up to her apartment, she saw a little red Toyota with a smiley face antenna topper sitting in the parking lot.
Natalie.
Dang. Why had she given her sister a key? She never used it for emergencies. She was probably in there eating Sidney’s Cracker Jacks and watching Netflix, the moocher.
“Well, thanks for the picnic. See ya.” She hopped out of the truck, hoping he’d just go away.
Unfortunately, he turned the truck off and got out. “What do you have planned for dinner?”
Just as the words left his mouth, Natalie came waltzing out of the apartment. “Blake? Is that you?”
Of course Natalie looked like she’d stepped out of a television show, her little daisy duke shorts and tight top showing off her fabulous figure. He did a double take. “Natalie?”
“Oh my gosh, I heard you were back in town.” She ran over to him and hugged him. “How are you?” She smiled at him.
Sidney ground her teeth. Little Miss Flirtatious was working her magic.
Chapter 9
Blake pulled back from Natalie. She sure hadn’t changed much from the last time he’d seen her. “I’m fine. How are things going for you?”
Natalie combed her fingers through her hair and smiled, her lashes lowered. “I’m good. Real good. We should get together.” She almost purred when she spoke.
“Well, I was just about to…” He glanced at Sidney and froze. She stood there, her mouth in a straight line, arms folded tight across her chest. Had he stepped into a family feud? He coughed. “Um, I was…”
Natalie grabbed his arm and saddled up beside him. “Come inside. We should catch up.”
Before he knew it, she was dragging him into the apartment. Sidney followed behind them, making sure they removed their shoes. “What are you doing here, Natalie?”
“I heard there was a doctor in town.”
Oh brother. He wiggled out of her grasp and took a few steps back. Just what he needed. Another woman like his ex, more interested in his profession than him.
Sidney’s face blanched, and she looked like she wanted to slap her sister. “Nat, where’s Gregg?”
Natalie’s expression soured and she looked at her fingernails. “We broke up.”
“Aw, I’m sorry.” Sidney’s face betrayed her lie. “Sit down. You must be upset. I’ll bring you a Diet Coke.” She turned to him. “Do you want a soda?”
“Sure. Thanks.”
Natalie plopped down on the couch and Blake took the opportunity to snag the accent chair. “How long were you dating Gregg?”
“Two weeks.” Natalie looked bored. “But that doesn’t matter. What have you been up to?” She leaned closer.
“Just getting everything unpacked.”
She grinned. “If you need any help—”
“No, thank you.” He could imagine what kind of help Natalie would be.
“Moving is hard.” She sighed dramatically. “But it’s nice to already know people here.”
He nodded, unsure of what else to say to her.
She squinted at him. “You’ve got something on your…” She pointed to her face.
He wiped his face, but didn’t feel anything.
“No, you didn’t get it.” She got up and sashayed over to him. Before he knew what to do, she was sitting on his lap. She crossed her legs and ran her finger across his lips.
“There.”
Stunned, Blake just sat there.
Sidney walked into the living room to see Natalie sitting in Blake’s lap. Heat warmed her face and she was about to clear her throat when Natalie laughed and said, “Do you remember when you kissed me behind the trees in our backyard?”
The drinks in her hands slipped and fell to the hardwood floor. She watched in horror as Coke, ice, and shards of glass flew everywhere. Blake jumped out of his chair so fast that Natalie bounced off and landed on her butt.
He took a step towards Sidney. “Are you okay?” Before she had a chance to answer, he said, “Don’t move. There’s glass everywhere. I’ll go get a broom.”
He tiptoed like Dick Van Dyke doing one of his Mary Poppins dances as he tried to avoid the glass and get into the kitchen. Sidney stared at her sister, speechless. It suddenly made sense why Blake had kissed Sidney so passionately that day. Why he’d called her Natalie. They’d been kissing in the shadows all along. The old hollow feeling worked its way into her chest, but with a new humiliation attached to it.
Blake called from the other room. “Where’s your broom?”
She sighed, unable to do anything but just stand there. “The closet by the back door.”
He came into the room and started sweeping the mess into the dustbin. When the glass had been contained, Sidney walked through the kitchen to get the mop. She filled a bucket with water and squirted some floor cleaner in.
Blake took the mop from her. “Here, let me.”
“Fine.” She brushed past him, irrational anger making her shake. She stalked into her bedroom and pulled off her socks, now dripping with soda. How could she have been so stupid? It had been obvious. Blake had always liked Natalie. That was no secret. Dumb of her not to realize Blake had been kissing Natalie all along.
Idiot.
And now here he was, back to flirting with Natalie. And he’d said he didn’t want to be with her, which made it ten times worse. He had no intention of getting serious. He was just playing the flirt. What a jerk.
She shoved her feet into clean socks and walked back into the living room. Blake wrung the mop into the bucket and turned to her. “All cleaned up.”
Natalie was sitting on the couch, a pout on her face.
“Thanks.” Sidney took the mop from him and went to rinse it out. She twisted on the faucet and let it run.
“Hey.”
She turned to bump into the solid wall of Blake’s chest. Geesh, what was he doing, trying to give her a heart attack? Her heart thumped against her ribcage as if it wanted out.
He held up the bucket. “Can I dump this in here?”
“Better dump it in the toilet.”
He paused, staring at her for some insane reason. Why did his gaze make her feel all wobbly inside? “Down the hall?” he asked.
She nodded.
He left and she could finally breathe. What was wrong with her? Why did her crush on him suffocate her like that? It was dumb. He and Natalie had obviously picked up right where they left off. She needed to get them out of her apartment.
She put away the mop and went to talk to Natalie. Her sister approached her as she entered the living room. “We should make Blake a welcome home dinner.” She was back to her coy self.
“Actually, I have something I need to do.” She waited for her sister to move, but when she didn’t, Sidney said, “So…goodbye.” She motioned toward the door.
Natalie huffed. “Fine. But I’m calling you later, and you’re going to spill it.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You and the good doctor. I want to know what’s going on.” She grabbed her purse and slipped on her shoes, then walked out the door.
Blake spoke behind her. “Natalie had to leave?”
She turned to see Blake leaning against the wall in a handsome GQ pose. Man, she needed to get away from him. “Yes. And if you leave now, you can catch up to her.”
“Why would I want to do that?”
His question took her by surprise. “You know. Saturday night. You could take her out. Eat dinner.” Make out behind the trees.
He crossed the room and stopped a few inches from her. “I thought we already established she’s not a good match for me.”
Wow, h
e sure was something. Making it painfully obvious he was just fooling around with no intention of getting serious. She looked up at him and inched back. Her stupid schoolgirl crush was sucking the air out of the room. She stood still, hoping he couldn’t hear her shallow breathing. “I just thought…”
“Do you have any thyme?”
She stared at him. “Time for what?”
He chuckled. “Not time. Thyme. When I was here earlier I noticed you have raw chicken in your fridge.”
“You mean when you were snooping.”
“Yep,” he said unapologetically while he brushed past her. “I know a great chicken recipe.”
Why was he headed toward her kitchen, instead of out the door? She wanted to tell him she had other plans, but she lacked the energy to argue with him. Plus, she hated to cook, and it looked like Blake was going to make dinner for her. “The spices are in the second cupboard. Help yourself.”
“Found it.” His voice was followed by the sounds of him searching for other kitchen items.
She should plop down on the couch and let him do it, but guilt forced her into the kitchen. “What else do you need?”
He listed off a few things, and she got them out. As he worked on the chicken, she pulled out a tube of crescent rolls and popped it open.
“Good idea. That will go great. I can make an easy green bean dish as well.”
They worked alongside each other for a while in a companionable silence. The stifling awkwardness had dissipated, and Sidney was glad things were back to normal. She flipped on the radio and he rolled his eyes at her pop station but didn’t say anything.
“You and your sister…looks like you don’t get along?” He slid the glass casserole dish into the oven and raised an eyebrow at her.
What could she say to that? Natalie was just…Natalie. Self-absorbed. Never around when Sidney needed a sister, but always there when Natalie needed something from her. She sighed. “It’s complicated.”
Blake turned a chair around and sat backwards, his arms resting on the back of the chair. “How complicated?”
A Fake Marriage Romance Collection Page 55
