Page 54 of Almost Not Quite Engaged

“Feeling sentimental and mushy? You like like me now? Do I have to check a box on whether I like you back?”

“Jesus, Kat, take the compliment. But you should know I prefer you with messy hair, baggy cargo shorts, and my Wilco t-shirt. But no matter what you’re wearing or doing, I’m always going to think you’re gorgeous.”

She looks at me the way she looks at me when I’ve said something she doesn’t know what to do with. She mutters, “You must get laid left and right. You don’t have to compliment me. We’re not a couple.”

“But I’m a man with eyes. That’s all. If I saw you on the street I’d consider stalking you.”

She leans over and pecks my cheek. There’s a warm amber scent to her like someone grounding your soul. That’s some damn good perfume. “Ready?”

“Sure. I’m becoming quite the actress.”

“From what I know about you so far, you already were.”

It lands wrong. I see it the moment it comes out. Her face goes somewhere private and embarrassed. I know it’s true and I think she knows it’s true, and I think that’s exactly the problem.

“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to make you angry or figure you out. I was trying to be clever.”

She looks out at the view as we whiz past the other Villas and turn to the main part of property. “It’s fine.” She pulls her phone out and turns it on for the first time today.

“We are telling them, right?” She holds up the screen full of text alerts. I’m sure mine is just as crowded.

“Read me some.” I’m trying to get us back on the same page. Common enemies almost always work with an alliance.

She clears her throat as I drive down the path. “What are we telling them?”

“The truth I guess.” I don’t want to lie to the only people who seem to be in my corner. Or at least Colin is.

“I need a little truth in my life. That can work. Not so sure about Courtney since she might think it’s cruel but I can work on her.”

“I need six months if I’m honest to turn the contract around. I have dates and a route all plotted for the next five. It should get me a deal for a couple more seasons and I need the money through then. Can you be healed in 6 months? If we shorten the timeline, I’m sure Court won’t think it’s too cruel.”

“Can I have six months with an option?”

I pick up her hand and kiss the top of it. There’s a shiver that runs from my lips on her skin straight to my damn balls. Fuck. I have to stop touching this woman.

She clears her throat in an exaggerated manner and reads.

COURTNEY: A heads up would have been nice. What the fuck am I supposed to say to her?

PORTER: I can’t deal with this information. Please don’t make me do or undo anything legal.

“At least we saved Porter on this front, there’s nothing permanent, unlike Colin and Ginny. Or having to get out of a ton of wedding service contracts like Court’s.”

“That is true. Here’s Ginny’s.”

GINNY: Tis a lie, no?

We both laugh.

“Anna wants to know if it’s true love like she hoped.” We laugh even harder.

“Group text this shit, pull the band aid. Let them all stew together. And we only have to say it once.” Colin will be pissed but he had to see this coming.

She reads the text as she types. “Zane and I woke up one day and figured out we are everlasting soulmates. I hope you’ll all respect our privacy at this time.” I can barely see with the tears in my eyes. I’m trying to keep us on the path.

“Tell them you’re pregnant.”

She wipes drool from her mouth. And then the phone pops off in rapid succession.