Just Act Natural: A Fake Dating Small Town Romantic Comedy (Love in Sunshine) by Genny Carrick

Author:Genny Carrick [Carrick, Genny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-26T00:00:00+00:00

NINETEEN

LILA

“I like all your sides.”

It’s sad that my fake boyfriend is the first man to say something like that to me, isn’t it? Even when we were at our best, Josh always had little criticisms. Helpful suggestions for how I could change myself to be a better girlfriend or a better employee. I wanted to make him happy, and he didn’t shy away from telling me exactly how I could. Perfect match, right?

The reality was, I was constantly scrambling, trying to keep up with his ever-changing expectations.

But Grant and his “I like you just as you are” line? I don’t know what to do with it. Well…I want to dive in and swim around in it until I get all pruney from the unbounded acceptance. But I should put up “Swim at Your Own Risk” signs to remind myself how much heartache waits for me in those waters.

I can’t get attached to my fake boyfriend like a leech in the shallows. Even though that’s exactly what I want to do—I want to glom on and hold tight until he shakes me off when he goes back to Texas.

Like right now—it’s taking a crazy amount of willpower not to attach myself to his arm while we stroll downtown Sunshine. I point out businesses and shops, giving morsels of town history along with a dozen glowing recommendations for anything that might be on his shopping list.

I’m probably going on too much, but I can’t help it—I’m excited to show off our little town. I haven’t had a true visitor here before. It feels like a taste of what’s to come with my future job.

Hopefully my future job.

“That one across the street with the red storefront and the canary yellow door? That’s my sister’s gift shop.”

Even from here, I can see she’s got a few customers inside. I love it.

“That’s a must-visit, I’m guessing?”

“It’s one of a kind. She’s an artist. She paints vibrant, cozy scenes.” Her bright orange and red dahlia painting helps keep the gloom away in my apartment. “She sells all handmade items, most of it from local artists. That store is the biggest threat to my paycheck each month.”

“I should stop in and get gifts for my mom and sister-in-law sometime. Maybe you’d help me pick out a few things?”

“I would love it. I already have so many ideas.” Somewhere in my purse, my phone buzzes. It’s done that at least ten times since I left my apartment to meet him. “Uh, speaking of moms.”

Not the best transition, but this was never going to feel perfectly natural.

“My mother would really like to confirm you’re coming to Hope’s engagement party this weekend. There’s no pressure, of course. You don’t have to do it⁠—”

“I want to.”

“Oh. Okay. Great.” He’s surprisingly chill about the whole fake dating thing. Me? I’m a tangle of frizzy nerve-endings. “I hope you’re prepared to act like a smitten boyfriend.”

“I’ll be ready.”

We slow down in front of the old, empty department store. It’s a sad gap in an otherwise busy street, but Mom hasn’t found a business willing to lease such a big space.

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