Fake Friends - Saxon James Page 0,25

like it would hurt anything, right?

And I’ve already said I forgive him for what happened. If there’s anything Mom taught me it’s not to offer forgiveness lightly, because once it’s given, you lose all rights to throwing that thing back in their face.

I remind myself of Leon’s advice. Maybe I do need to fuck this thing out of my system.

Given Rowan is still closeted, I know that shit is unlikely, but maybe his advice is close?

Maybe I just need to give myself permission and see where this shitshow leads.

After all, at this point is it even possible to be any more emotionally screwed up than I am already?

At least this time I have the heads-up he’s leaving.

That reminder is the excuse I need to move forward and take the place beside him.

Let’s burn this thing to the ground, shall we?

I grab a brownie, and it’s possible I’ve forgotten how good these bastards are, or maybe Rowan’s gotten even better at cooking since I last had one, but the chocolate melts in my mouth.

“Oh God. Am I drooling? I think I’m drooling.”

“Can confirm there’s no drool.”

I nudge the container toward him. “Well, go on. I can’t be the only piggy out here.”

“Nah, they’re all yours.” He pats the tank top over his toned stomach. “With no gym in Sunbury, I have to keep an eye on this.”

I consider offering to keep an eye on it for him. Or his ass? I could definitely keep a close eye on that. See? I’m a generous guy.

“Is that how you got so ripped? The gym?”

“Yep, I love working out.” He flashes me a quick smile. “Good to see you noticed.”

“There was a lot I couldn’t help noticing about you the other day.”

“Yeah, and you were so impressed, you let people think we were dating.”

“Total marketing move.”

“As long as you believe that.”

And like, I’m 99 percent sure he’s messing around, but I’m also low-key worried I’ve been that obvious. “Well, I’m not the one who said they have a deal.”

“Ah.” He shifts a little. “Yeah, that. So I’ll begin by saying this was a completely random thought, but I actually think it would work out for both of us.”

“Listening.”

Rowan turns, tucking a foot under the leg still hanging over the cliff wall, and faces me. “Like I said the other day, I don’t want to go anywhere.”

“You’re going back on your word. I’m shocked.”

“If you still want me to leave after I’ve said my piece—” He takes a deep breath. “—I will. That was our deal, and thanks to us getting paid extra, I’m set up to do it.”

It’s my turn to shift. Us getting paid more? Total lie. But the last thing I need is more money, and he could clearly use it. Anything to get him out from relying on his family.

“And what makes you think you can change my mind?”

“You said you’ve been getting a lot of attention because people think you’re dating some mystery dude, right?”

“Him. Yes. Total heartthrob, who I’m apparently madly in love with.”

“Well, that wasn’t always untrue.”

“Lucky I refined my judgment.”

Rowan slides the tray of brownies away—rude!—and shifts a bit closer. “You know, I lost count of the number of times I almost kissed you up here.”

Whoa. I swallow. “If you’d given me even the smallest sign, I would have mauled you like a bear.”

“Noted.” He reaches across me, and I almost suffocate on air as he reaches into my pocket and pulls out my phone. He leans his weight onto one arm behind me and lifts my phone with the other. “You’ll need to shut that pretty mouth of yours.”

He’s right. Gaping is not a good look. I play along, because what the hell, tilting my head so he can press his face to my shoulder. The hat completely covers him.

Rowan takes the photo and hands my phone back.

“I thought you didn’t want any more photos?” I ask cautiously.

“That’s my deal. You be okay with me staying, and I’ll give you whatever sort of boyfriendly shots you like.”

Oh, that’s so, so tempting.

I ended up deleting the photo I posted of myself last night because all people wanted to know was where my boyfriend was. That’s not the kind of attention I’m interested in, but if I give the people what they want …

“I thought you were worried about your family finding out?”

“Oh, man, I’m terrified of that. But the thing is, I can deny it. Tell them I’m just taking the photos to make some cash, and