life. Katie was genuinely happy for whatever it was that was going on with her and Brody, who was also a great person.
“So what does this have to do with mountain biking?”
“That’s the best part,” Faith said. “I heard through the grapevine that you were hoping to start up a rental shop and offer tours and things. And…when Sarah mentioned that she’d never tried it…well, it seemed like the perfect fit. And then after I spoke to Damon last night, I had this great idea that it might be more fun with more people and—”
“Right,” she interrupted, despite the fact that she’d mostly stopped listening after hearing Damon’s name. It was ridiculous the way her body reacted at the mere mention of him. Again, she had to remind herself that Damon was just her friend. That was all. She was acting like a ridiculous teenager. “Sounds fun to me. And like I said, I could totally use the distraction.”
“Perfect! We’re all going to have so much fun.”
“Who is we all?”
Faith laughed again. “Sarah, Brody, myself, and Damon of course.” Of course. “Oh, and Logan,” she added as an afterthought.
Katie ran her hand through her hair.
“So, this afternoon then?”
Getting out on the trails never failed to clear her head. But with Damon? And her big brother? This was a plan that had trouble written all over it. With a sigh, she shook her head and turned to look back at the bedroom door that Damon hadn’t emerged from yet. The trails did seem like a good alternative to driving herself crazy with Damon’s proximity. Besides, it was actually market research for the business she wanted to start now that she was done with her exams.
“This afternoon is great. We’ll load up the bikes and meet you at the trail head. I’ll text you directions.”
Damon felt more than a little proud of himself for having such a great idea the day before. Sure, they probably should have been thinking about getting ready for their nuptials, but going mountain biking would be way more fun. And if he were lucky, it might take his mind off how badly he actually wanted to take his bride-to-be, push her up against the wall, and do things to her that would definitely make her blush.
Maybe if they spent a little time together doing something active and surrounded by other people, the weirdness that had been shrouding them ever since they moved into the cottage would disappear. Or at least, diminish a little bit. It was making him crazy.
Ever since they’d kissed—and then kissed again—and again—something had changed. And Damon knew Katie felt it too. How could she not? There was definitely something between them. And it was a whole lot more than friendship. It was sexual tension so thick that it threatened to consume them both if they didn’t keep it in check.
But would that really be so bad?
That was the whole problem. Damon didn’t know what could happen if they gave in to it. Was a little sexual release worth ruining their friendship? Would it ruin their friendship?
“This one’s ready to go.” Katie wheeled a mountain bike up to the truck where he’d been standing, lost in his thoughts while she prepared the old bikes they’d found in the Langdons’ barn. “Can you load it up for me?”
His eyes caught hers and held them for a second. “Of course.” Damon reached for the bike and his hand covered hers. She stiffened under his touch, but didn’t pull away. “Katie, I—”
“If you two lovebirds are almost ready, let’s get going.” Logan stormed out of the barn, wheeling his own bike next to him.
Katie’s mouth was open in a small O, as if she’d been caught doing something she shouldn’t, and on an impulse, Damon leaned forward and placed a quick peck on her lips.
“Seriously.” Logan groaned. “It’s bad enough that this is all happening in the first place.” He waved an arm in the air. “I really don’t need to see it.”
But he did. They all did. Damon knew it was selfish, and maybe he had all kinds of motives that he hadn’t originally had when this whole deception began, but the more everyone saw them acting like a loved-up couple, the more everyone would believe it and maybe… He winked at Katie, who shook her head at her brother’s opposition.
Maybe they would even start to believe it themselves?
Damon knew he was playing with fire even by letting himself think such things, but he’d been trying