Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
I nod and offer him a smile as I slide a french fry out from the pile. I’m hopeful the wedding discussion is over, but when he’s halfway through with his sandwich, Max picks right up where he’d left off.
“In addition to being an excellent dance partner, I know how to have a good time. I can tell that this wedding has been causing stress for you, and as your date, I’ll make sure you have a lot of fun.”
“Ha! Fun is far too much to hope for. At this point, I’ll be glad just to get through it.”
He tilts his head, his eyes soft and warm. “Because of your ex?”
“Because of him, and my mom, and all of the responsibilities I have as maid of honor.”
“I’d be happy to help with any of those responsibilities that I can, and as far as your ex goes, we can play it however you like. I’d enjoy making him miserable with regret over losing you, if you’re up for that.”
Max is undeniably more attractive than my ex-fiancé, like not even in the same category of man. It would be interesting to see Rick’s reaction if I were there with Max, but I’m not sure I have the energy or motivation left in me to try to rub anything in his face.
Rick has such a big ego, though. It would be nice to take him down a notch or two.
Max’s brows lift in question. “What do you say, Callie? Can I be your fake boyfriend?”
Deep in the back of my mind, the faint sound of an alarm struggles for my attention. It has to ring for quite a while to pull my focus from this handsome man’s thick brown eyelashes, the strong line of his nose, and the angular cut of his cheekbones, but eventually I hear it.
Narrowing my eyes at him, I ask, “What’s in this for you?”
CHAPTER 11
MAX
Callie’s question gives me pause. The girl is perceptive. Either that, or I’m not being as smooth as I think I am.
Luckily, I have several legitimate reasons suitable for sharing with her.
After a draw from my drink, I say, “For one thing, you’re not bad to look at.”
“Gee, thanks.” Her sarcastic tone makes me smile, but then she gets serious. “If you were to pose as my boyfriend, nothing would go on between us.”
Despite her declaration, a faint blush appears on her cheeks. Interesting.
I raise my hands in innocence. “I didn’t say anything would be happening, not unless you want it to. I’m simply saying you’re attractive.”
Without responding, she takes a bite of her food, and I do the same, as the rose of her cheeks deepens.
“Then, there’s my mission to do good deeds,” I say. “A multi-day wedding would add several credits.”
“I don’t want to be a charity project.”
“I’m joking, but honestly, the resort looks like a great place, and I’ve been working hard. I could use some relaxation time at the beach—when I’m not helping you with wedding tasks, that is.”
All of this is true, as is my brother’s observation that I have a savior complex. I’d want to help her even if I didn’t have my own motives.
“What kind of work do you do?”
“Want more fries?” I offer, pushing my basket closer to Callie, who shakes her head. “I’m a software consultant. I like it, but it’s boring to talk about for anyone who’s not directly involved.”
She nods her head, and I’m relieved not to see any signs of familiarity in her expression.
“We’d need to know each other well if we’re going to pretend to be in a relationship,” she says, and internally, I breathe a sigh of relief.
“I’m good at remembering details. We should be able to fit in a few study sessions before the wedding.”
“My family is pretty big, and some of them can be overbearing.” She still sounds hesitant, but the deal is all but done.
“I’m good with families, too. We’ll have a fun time, Callie. You’ll see.”
She shakes her head, but there’s amusement in her eyes. “If you’re sure … I have to admit it’ll be a relief to be able to give my mom a name for that all-important place card. What did you say your last name was?”
“Pruitt.” I spell it for her as she types it into the notes app on her phone.
“Is Max short for anything?”
“Maxwell, but you can just use Max.”
She nods and sets her phone on the table, the deal done, as I finish the last of my sandwich.
While she eats the rest of her shrimp, we discuss possible times to get together, and I learn how busy Callie is. She teaches three morning yoga sessions five days a week, immediately followed by long shifts at the sandwich shop. No wonder she’s at her breaking point.
I’m curious about what drives her to work so hard, and I’m looking forward to finding that out, along with much more.