Trouble with the Fake Boyfriend (Rock Bottom #3) - Holly Renee Page 0,23

gold while I answered. “I just don’t want my mom to get hurt because she falls in love with you and then I rip you away.”

“Don’t worry.” She held her clothes close to her chest as she made her way to my bedroom door. “Nobody is going to fall in love with anyone.”

When the door shut behind her, I wasn’t sure if she meant my mom or me, but she was right. This was nothing but a lie, and it would be over before either of us could screw up anything.

Seven

His Past

Brooke

I felt terrible.

I couldn’t believe that I allowed Liam to talk me into this. His parents were wonderful, truly, and I felt so much guilt every time his mama smiled at me like I was somehow solely responsible for bringing all the joy into her life.

It was almost enough to make me want to kill Liam.

Because I just wanted to tell her the truth. I wanted to tell her that I wasn’t dating her son, but that he was still wonderful. I was pretty sure she already knew that though.

I had spent the night with his skin plastered against mine as he curved around my body in his small bed. I could smell him all around me. Hell, the entire room smelled like him, and I wasn’t naïve enough to think that it didn’t affect me. That being here with him and his family wasn’t going to mess with me.

But it didn’t matter.

Liam Gentry was the key to making my dreams come true. I hated it. I hated that I needed him or his help, and I hated that I so willingly jumped at the opportunity.

I shifted in my seat as we pulled up to the small parking lot that was overflowing with trucks, boat trailers, and more guys in backward hats than I had ever seen.

Liam looked almost identical to the rest of them. He was wearing a plain white t-shirt, a pair of solid black swimming trunks, and a black ball cap that was thrown backward and keeping his hair out of his face, but he stood out without even trying.

It was a blessing for him, but starting to become a curse for me. Because as soon as we stepped out of his truck, every head turned in our direction, and I’m not just talking about the good ol’ boys that he went to high school with. Every single female whipped their head around so quickly, it was as if the prodigal son had returned and their available bachelor meter was going haywire. And God, I didn’t blame them.

There was something about him that made your baby maker wake the hell up and take notice.

I was shifting my bag on my shoulder, irrationally nervous for no good reason, and I hated that he made me this way. I never got nervous. Not for some guy and definitely not to meet his friends.

We walked up to a small dock where most of his friends were waiting, and I smiled when Ryan was the first person I saw. He didn’t waste any time as he made his way over to us, and I was surprised when he wrapped his arms around me and picked me up in a hug.

He didn’t have a shirt on, and his very firm, very attractive chest was buried against my hands as he squeezed me. “Well, hell.” He grinned as he set me back down on my feet next to a very stiff Liam. “I didn’t realize you were coming or I would have worn something nicer.” He winked, and I swear I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Ryan.” His name sounded so rough coming out of Liam’s mouth. “Don’t flirt with my girlfriend in front of me or I’ll throw you off the damn boat.”

It was what he should have said. Any good boyfriend would have, but the way he said it with his shoulders tense and his face scrunched up like he hated the way the words tasted on his lips, made me smile.

Liam was so far out of his element.

Ladies’ man or not, he had no idea what he was doing.

“Girlfriend?” Ryan raised his eyebrows like this was the news of the century, and I guess for Liam, it was.

I shrugged my shoulders, and that only seemed to piss Liam off more.

“He somehow won me over with all that charm.” I waved toward his still irritated face. “I mean, how could I resist.”

Ryan laughed, but Liam’s eyes narrowed in my direction. “I don’t