I ponder his words. He’s not wrong.
Is that what’s holding me back... Fear? And if so, why?
“Look,” he finally continues when I don’t respond, “if you’re worried I’m somehow going to tarnish your reputation...”
“That’s not it.”
“Then what is it?”
“I just... I just don’t like the thought of lying to everyone.”
“What’s one little lie if it gets you what you want?”
I think on that for a long moment, my shoulders tensing when I hear laughter coming from the woods. I shudder to think what she and Ethan are doing, and the thought sends my uncertainty over what Callum is proposing straight out the window.
“Fine.”
“Fine?” He arches a brow.
“I’ll go along with your plan. But just so we’re clear, I don’t like you. This is for one purpose and one purpose only. Ethan.”
“Understood.”
“So,” I shift my weight from one foot to the other, “how exactly is this going to work?”
“You let me worry about that. I’ll plant the seed. It won’t take long before everyone is talking about it. Then we just need to make it a point to be seen together. We have to sell it or no one will buy it.”
“Are we really doing this?” I ask, already second guessing myself.
“Hey.” He steps in close. Too close. “I got you. I promise.”
“Not sure your promises mean all that much to me.”
“Meet me back here in one hour. We’ll go to the bonfire together,” he instructs, not commenting on what I just said.
“Okay,” I agree, not sure what choice I have at this point. I’ve already committed to this ludicrous plan. The only thing to do now is see it through.
He smiles at me, making me feel weirdly off kilter before turning and making his way into the cabin next to mine.
What are the odds that his cabin would be the one directly next to the one I’m staying in, and how did I not know that before until now?
Shaking my head, I quickly make my way inside, a hard knot planting itself firmly into the pit of my stomach.
“UM, HELLO. HOW FREAKING cute do you look right now?” Camila asks when I exit the bathroom.
I look down at my plain white tank and jean shorts.
“Huh?” I question stupidly.
“You look freaking hot.”
“Um, it’s a tank and shorts,” I point out.
“Yeah, a tank and shorts that look amazing on your curves. And your hair.” She points to the messy bun on top of my head. “I can’t remember the last time I saw you wear it up.”
“It’s hot outside.”
“Well, whatever the reason, you look super cute.”
“Not really what I was going for, but I’ll take it I guess.” I shrug, slipping into my flip flops. “I’ve gotta go. I’m meeting Callum...” My words die on my lips when I realize what I said.
“Come again?” She gives me a questioning look.
“Callum,” I say on a hard swallow. “I told him I’d hang out with him tonight.”
“Hold on. Say what?” A wide smile pulls up her face.
“Don’t.” I shake my finger at her.
“Don’t what? Say that I knew there was more to that conversation you guys had earlier, because we both know I did. So what, are you guys a thing now?”
“No, nothing like that. Well, I don’t think it’s like that.” Less than an hour in and already I’m failing miserably at this pretend relationship thing.
The thought of lying to my friends turns my stomach. But I know Camila, and even though she would promise to keep it to herself, she’d slip up unintentionally and everything would be blown.
No, the only way to make this believable is to make everyone believe it.
“What about Ethan?”
“Ethan’s spent the last two days with his tongue down Heidi’s throat. I think that ship has sailed.”
“Really? But you were so excited to finally make a move.”
“It is what it is. I’m not going to throw myself at someone who clearly isn’t interested in me.”
“That’s my girl.” She nods in approval. “So then, do you like Callum?”
“Maybe.” I nervously pick at a loose thread on the side of my shorts.
“I knew it,” she announces excitedly, jumping to her feet. “I knew there was something more between the two of you. The way he’s always looking at you...”
“What are you talking about?” I question, having no clue what she’s referring to.
“Oh come on. You can’t be that blind. He stares at you... Like constantly. He always has.”
“No he hasn’t.”
“Says you. But let’s be honest, you’re not the most observant person in the room.”
“If he’s done it that much, why are you just now mentioning it to me?”
“Because I didn’t think it mattered. You made it pretty clear you despised the guy. Or so I thought.” She crosses her arms in front of herself. “Damn it, that means April was right.”
“Right about what?”
“She’s always thought your hatred of Callum was a cover for how you truly felt about him.”
“She what?” I gawk, pretty sure my best friends don’t know me as well as I thought if they ever imagined I had a thing for Callum Hanson. Then again, it does make selling the lie that much easier.
“Oh relax. Obviously, she was right.”
“I’m not doing this right now,” I tell her, grabbing my cell off the top of the dresser before stuffing it into my back pocket.
“Right. Because you’re going to be late meeting up with Callum fucking Hanson.”
“We’re just hanging out. It’s not like that.”
“I hear you. I don’t believe you, but I hear you.” She grins. “But seriously, how am I the only one in the trio that hasn’t gotten a single bite since we’ve been here? Meanwhile my two best friends are both getting hugged up with hot football players.”
“One, I am not getting hugged up with anyone. Two, you could have anyone out there you want and you know it. I think it’s more you’re not interested in them than the other way around. And three, we’ve been here less than forty-eight hours. I think it’s a little premature to toss your cards on the table and fold.”
“You know what, you’re right.” I can physically see the wheels turning in her head. “You go, I’ll meet you guys out there in a bit.”
“You sure?”
“Yep.” She nibbles on her bottom lip.
“Uh oh, I know that look. What are you planning?”
“Oh nothing.” She smiles like she’s up to no good. “Just thinking it’s about time I pulled out the dress.”
“The dress?” I arch a brow, knowing the one she’s talking about. It’s more like a tight tube than a dress. It’s so tiny it barely covers from her chest to the bottom of her ass cheeks.
“The dress,” she confirms on a wink. “I’ll be damned if you and April are the only two having a good time this week.”