My Fake Fiancé by Lisa Scott Read Free Book Online Page A

Sam’s face went white when she heard her voice.
    I swallowed, uncertain what to say.
    Carrie spotted Sam, even with her back to
her. “Samantha, what’s going on?”
    Sam turned to face her, saying nothing.
    Carrie’s eyes flicked between the two of us.
“I thought you were a big shot Australian CEO. Suddenly, you’re
just a waiter—with an American accent?” She stifled a laugh and my
stomach dropped. I was a joke; it was true.
    Sam pursed her lips and jumped off the stool.
She planted one hand on her hip and pointed at Carrie with the
other. “You know what? Justin is better than that fake bio we
created. He’s smart, he’s creative, and he cares about people.
Yeah, I asked him to pretend to be someone he wasn’t to impress
you. But you know what? I don’t care what you think. What a waste
of energy. I was never good enough for you and I never will be. So
what? But at least coming to your wedding and asking Justin to pose
as my fiancé proved to me that there are good people like him in
the world, and that if I’m lucky enough, one day I’ll have someone
like him.”
    Carrie covered her mouth, not hiding her
laughter very well.
    I stood up and took Sam’s hand in mine. I
looked at her and felt the tightness in my chest morph into a
smile. “Sam, you do have me. I’m crazy about you. Honestly.” I
shrugged. “But I know I’m nothing like the dream guy you want.”
    Her eyes widened, and glistened with tears.
“Justin, that’s not the person I want.” She jabbed her thumb at
Carrie. “I only thought that’s what would make her jealous. I
thought we’ve just been pretending.”
    I slid my hand around the back of her head
and pulled her to me, kissing her hard. I stepped back and looked
at her. “Did that feel like I was faking it?”
    “No,” she whispered. She blinked a few times,
then looked at Carrie. “And I’m not an artist. I’m a receptionist,
but Justin and I are opening a new company together.” She wiggled
her fingers and looked at the engagement ring. “We’re not engaged,
but if we ever do get married, I’ll be sure to invite you.”
    Carrie rolled her eyes. “I won’t hold my
breath. You two enjoy your sad little charade.” She looked Sam up
and down. “And your tits are still small.” She walked away and I
shouted after her, “They’re not small, they’re perfect! And hers
are real.” Then I pulled Sam back toward me.
    Sam blew out a breath and rested her head
against me. “I’m not even upset. I don’t even care what she thinks.
I only care what you think.” She laughed. “How incredible. Thank
you.”
    “I need to tell you something.” I knew my
voice sounded serious.
    Her smile fell and she pulled back. “Oh, no.
What now?”
    “My mom’s cancer came back and she’s
desperate to get this wedding underway.”
    Her face paled and she nodded. “I should give
this back. So you can tell her the truth.” She twisted the ring on
her finger, but didn’t take it off.
    I felt that same punch to the gut Rob had
delivered. But this time, as resignation slid through me like I
deserved what was coming, something inside me shouted, no. I wasn’t
going to let that feeling rule me this again. I was done feeling
like I didn’t deserve anything good in my life. I looked at her and
held out my hand. “I do need it back.”
    Her eyes flicked away from mine, and she took
off the ring with a shaky hand.
    I looked at the ring and remembered what it
had meant for my mom; what it had meant for me and Sam, if only for
a very short time. Why did life have to be about suffering and
hurting and constant disappointment? If Sam had taught me anything,
it was about taking risks, and chasing dreams. Sucking in a deep
breath, I dropped down to one knee. “This might sound crazy, Sam,
but I don’t want to give you up. I love you. Will you marry me? For
real?”
    Her jaw dropped and tears fell and I hoped
that was a good sign. Then she nodded yes. I jumped up and slid the
ring on