Page 6 of Marry Me Forever
“Most especially Aunt Lori. I need the world to believe this is real, and while my aunt can keep secrets most of the time, she isn’t great when it comes to keeping them within the family. She’d tell my siblings, and then who knows what would happen. No, to everyone but you, me, my assistant, and my lawyer, we’d be engaged for real.”
I bit my bottom lip and tried to imagine fooling my best friends, my sisters, my brother, and even my parents. Well, my parents would be the easiest, truth be told, since they were desperate at this point to have any of their children get married.
But Emmy, Abby, and Amber were my sisters in all but blood. We’d been that way since we were children and had formed the BFF Circle.
Could I really keep this from them?
And was I really contemplating saying yes?
Nolan reached out a hand, touched my arm, and it eased a little of my tension. He said, “All I ask is for you to take a few days to think about it. Please. And just know that if you agree, then I promise to help you every step of the way, protect you any way that I can, and pay for anything you might need to attend events and the like.”
Not even the promise of a high-end shopping spree would distract me from my biggest question. “I still don’t understand why you’re asking me to do this, Nolan. I mean, there are probably thousands of other women out there who could not only do this better, but keep it secret without blinking an eye. So, why me?”
He tapped a hand against his thigh. “Well, the reason I asked you is because my family trusts you. Which means I trust you. And…”
I searched his eyes. “And what?”
“And I think you’re a little like me, in that you love Starry Hills but also want to see and experience the world beyond.” He turned more toward me. “I want to give you that chance, Katie. I’d rather make the dreams of someone close to my family come true instead of doing it for a stranger.”
I really looked at Nolan for a second and wondered if he’d always been this thoughtful and considerate. He’d left Starry Hills for his first big role in an indie film at eighteen and had rarely been back much since.
Which made me wonder—who was he really, apart from my best friend’s older brother?
Nolan stood and put out a hand to help me up.
I shook my head. “No, I want to sit here and think a little longer about your proposal. When do you need an answer?”
He lowered his hand. “The week before Thanksgiving. If you say yes, we need to get everything figured out before we attend Thanksgiving at my family’s house as boyfriend and girlfriend.”
Wouldn’t that be a surprise? “And if I have more questions?”
“Text me anything, anytime. I can call, too.”
I stared up at Nolan and tried to imagine fake dating him. Holding his hand, kissing him, and snuggling against his side—all those little things couples did that if we didn’t do them, it’d raise eyebrows.
However, doing those things wouldn’t be a hardship, far from it. Really looking at Nolan, looking at him as a man and not my friend’s sometimes annoying older brother, I could admit he was sexy. And the shy smile of his always made me wonder what he was thinking. Not to mention he was far kinder than the assholes I’d dated over the last few years.
Not that we’d be dating for real, but still.
“I’ll think about it and give you an answer soon.”
He nodded. “Thanks for not running away and screaming.”
I smiled. “You forget that I’m a tour guide. Once people are tipsy and full of cheese, some love to overshare. Like, really overshare. TMI doesn’t even register.” I shuddered. “I’ve heard and seen things I’d rather forget.”
He frowned. “Your brother should do a better job of looking out for you.”
“Kyle does fine, I promise.” I sat up a little taller. “Besides, I’m a grown-ass woman. One who isn’t afraid to knee someone in the balls if they try to cross a line.”
He grunted. “You still shouldn’t have to deal with that kind of stuff.”
“Nolan, it’s fine. I’m fine. I promise.”
He studied me, as if trying to read my mind. In this, at least, I was truthful. While I may never have the chance to face my childhood bullies and stand up to them, I sure as hell tried my best not to let others walk all over me as an adult.
He blew out a breath. “I still don’t like it, but I won’t say anything else about it. For now. If you end up agreeing to my plan, I will protect you. So be prepared for it.”
Maybe if some other guy said that, I’d hate it. Because maybe they’d be overbearing or treat me as a weak, helpless woman, or some other such bullshit.