Aria Lane had made a lot of bad decisions in her life — tequila shots at Gwen's cousin's party, trusting Gwen with literally anything, and most recently, challenging Ethan Cole to a feelings bet.
But agreeing to a fake date just to make Gwen's obnoxious friend Vanessa jealous?
Top five bad ideas. Easily.
"So, remind me," Ethan said as he buttoned his dark blazer, looking infuriatingly good. "Why are we doing this again?"
"Because Vanessa's the worst," Aria muttered, adjusting her dress in the mirror. "She's been trash-talking me for months, and Gwen's betting good money you'll flirt outrageously just to shut her up."
Ethan grinned. "You're using me for my devastating charm. I'm honored."
"Let's not get carried away, Casanova. Just be convincingly interested in me for like, two hours."
"Lane, I've been convincingly interested for months."
She scowled at him, though her heart did a traitorous little flip.
---
The restaurant was one of those annoyingly trendy rooftop spots, all string lights and overpriced cocktails. Gwen waved them over the moment they walked in, a wicked glint in her eye.
Vanessa was already seated, perfectly made-up and already halfway through her second glass of wine.
"Aria! And Ethan!" Gwen beamed, way too pleased. "So glad you made it."
Vanessa gave a tight smile. "Oh, this is your date?"
Ethan leaned down, pressing a casual kiss to Aria's cheek. "Couldn't stay away."
Aria nearly short-circuited.
She managed a weak smile, praying her face wasn't bright red.
And just like that, Operation Make Vanessa Jealous was in full swing.
Ethan draped an arm over Aria's chair, whispered snarky commentary about the menu in her ear, and basically acted like the perfect boyfriend she didn't actually have.
It was maddening.
And perfect.
When Vanessa finally excused herself to the bathroom, Gwen leaned in.
"Holy hell, that was hot."
Aria shoved a breadstick at her. "You owe me for this."
"I'll buy you a drink later. Also — did you see how he looks at you?"
"What? No. He's just… being Ethan."
"Girl. He is not just being Ethan. He's one wrong move away from declaring you his soulmate."
Aria rolled her eyes, but inside, her stomach did an uncomfortable little swoop.
After dinner, Ethan offered to walk her home, and she didn't argue.
The city was cool and quiet, streetlights reflecting in puddles from an earlier rain.
"So," Ethan said, hands stuffed in his pockets. "Wanna confess you're in love with me yet, Lane?"
She snorted. "Please. You're not that lucky."
"Could've fooled me tonight."
They stopped at the corner outside her building.
Ethan hesitated, then reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I'm serious, Aria."
She swallowed hard, every nerve in her body suddenly on edge.
"I… I can't do this, Ethan. Not if it's a game."
"It's not. Not for me."
For once, his smirk was gone. Just honesty in those dark eyes.
And damn it — she wanted to believe him.
"Night, Cole," she said softly, turning toward her building.
But as she reached the door, she glanced back.
He was still there, hands in his pockets, staring after her like she was the last good thing in a world full of disasters.
And God help her — she didn't hate it.
Not one bit.....