Page 47 of Just One Spark

I swallowed."Because our relationship will be over."

He placed a hand on my leg over the thick blanket."I know I've said this before.But I really appreciate you upending your life to do this for me.

"It's not a problem."My heart was beating hard, and I was warm all over.I was a little embarrassed that I let myself fall for him.I prided myself on staying distant from everyone.But I hadn't done it in this case.Maybe it was him.I was incapable of maintaining any distance.I was destined to be drawn to him.

We'd had sex, but I was an idiot for letting myself think that he was getting feelings for me.I clearly hadn't been careful with my heart.

"I'd better get back to work."He stood and held a hand out to me.

My heart ached.I thought this was a romantic setting for us.Not another staged event to prove what we had was real.What if it already was?

I was in so much trouble.I brushed off my clothes and waited for him to turn off the candles."I'll clean this up later."

Because he wouldn't be needing it again.This was just a set.A way to broadcast our relationship to others.

We headed downstairs.Rowan kept a tight hold on my hand, and we approached the table where his family was gathered.He cleared his throat."We have an announcement to make."

Everyone looked at us expectantly, and I wanted to disappear into the floor for believing any of this was real.

"I asked Hattie to marry me again on the roof, and she said yes."

There was a chorus of cheers and good wishes.Everyone seemed to get up at once, wanting a closer look at the ring.

I held out my hand for everyone to ooh and aah over the diamond.But I felt numb.I smiled until it felt like my face was going to crack.I accepted hugs and well-wishes, wondering when I could be alone with my thoughts.I had to remain calm on the outside while I was reeling on the inside.

"Oh, I want to see the ring."Judy touched my hand, angling my finger so she could get a better look at the diamond.Then she surprised me by pulling me into a hug and said, "Welcome to the family."

My eyes stung with unshed tears, and I was finding it difficult to breathe.My chest was tightening with every kind word of congratulations.This wasn't real, and I had a sneaking feeling that I wasn't the only one who'd be hurt when the truth came out.

I dutifully stood next to Rowan while each person congratulated us, giving us hugs and slapping Rowan on the back.

Thankfully, no one was asking for more details about dates, locations, or dresses.I didn't want to get in deeper with the Hart family.They were all so nice.I'd violated their trust, and I hated it.

Clara was the last one to approach us."You have to let me go dress shopping with you."

My heart squeezed at that because I didn't think we were close enough for that.But then again, she thought she was going to be my sister-in-law."I'd love that."

"I can't believe we're going to be sisters," Clara exclaimed before engulfing her brother in a tight hug.

I sucked in a breath, wondering why it felt like I was drowning.When she moved away with Beck, Rowan said, "I should get back to work."

"I think I'm going to head home.I'm tired."

His brow furrowed."Are you sure?"

"Unless you need me to stay?"I'd already tried everything there was to sample, and I'd done it without him at my side.The one moment he stole me away wasn't even real.I was ready for this night to be over.

He stepped close and brushed a strand of hair off my forehead."I might wake you up."

I should have said that I was sleeping in my room tonight, or that I was getting a new place to live, but my traitorous heart wanted more time with him."I won't complain."

He chuckled, kissing me softly."It's not every day that you get officially engaged."

I smiled."That's right."

He pressed another kiss to my lips."I'll be home soon."

Malcolm called him over, his gaze narrowed on me.He saw me as a distraction.I was doing everyone a favor by getting out of here.I'd already acted out my part, and it was time to back away.What was I doing?