𝐂𝐎𝐖𝐁𝐎𝐘 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐌𝐄 • 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐝

꧁ 9 ꧂

꧁☘︎︎𖢻☘︎︎꧂

𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐲

After what felt like a million thorough paces of my room and two million checks of myself in the mirror, I finally worked up the courage to walk downstairs and face whatever I would be facing. I had multiple planned scenarios in my head for what would happen depending on who was down there.

My family, nothing much.

Billy, obnoxious flirting even though I know I love it.

Rusty, I'll need a Xanax.

Billy and Rusty, a fight or Billy doing some stupid, childish, shit just to get a rise out of Rusty.

Billy, Rusty and my family... I have no idea and that's what scares me. I don't know if Billy would start our fake dating thing in front of all of them or try and hold off.

I let out an abnormally long exhale as I walk into the kitchen, seeing Billy already there, leaning against the counter with a cup of coffee in his hand, hat on his head. He glances up at me and flashes me a slight smile.

"Sleep well?" He inquires, sipping from his mug.

He seems relaxed but there's a sparkle of playfulness in his blue eyes that makes me roll mine as he looks me up and down.

"Somewhat." I shrug and step forward, gesturing to the coffee pot on the counter behind him in a silent request.

"Just somewhat, huh?" Billy says as he pushes off of the counter and fills up a new mug with coffee for me.

"Thanks." I step a little away from him subconsciously before sipping the liquid and feeling it burn my tongue, causing me to curse and Billy to frown in what looks like recognition.

Fortunately for us, there isn't an awkward silence to be had because Billy fills the space with his voice quickly.

"Look, I know this might not be your talent..." He starts and follows when I step away. "But if you want to send that rich little prick for a loop and tick him off, you have to not be so nervous."

"I'm not."

"Are."

I move and sit at the island in the middle of the kitchen, making sure to be on the side where I'm facing him. "Fine. I just don't know how to do any of this. I've never had to pretend to be with someone before and my only serious relationship was him."

"Doll, it just has to be believable. Every relationship is different."

"And how do we make it look believable?"

"Well, first we need to decide how affectionate we're gonna be around each other." Billy says and sits opposite me at the island. "I still stand firm with making out in the living room."

"I do not."

"Fine." He exaggerates and I can't stifle my laugh. I notice how he looks at me for a few seconds before continuing. "Uh- how comfortable are you with me touching you? Like holding your hand, arm on shoulders, things like that."

My head tilts. "...Fine with that."

He asked if I was comfortable with that? Seriously? This tall, strong, brash cowboy is making sure I'm comfortable with him holding my hand? Rusty didn't even ask me that when-

"-And we don't even have to pretend at the rodeo because if Rusty asks we can just say that we don't want our relationship in the public eye." Billy finishes the sentence I wasn't listening to in the first place and I nod quickly.

"Mm. Sounds good."

"Alright. How about other stuff? Like kissin' your forehead or something like that - you okay with that?"

"Yep."

Billy arches an eyebrow, an amused smirk curving on his lips. "Just 'yep'?" He repeats. "No hesitation at all?"

I deadpan him. "Fuck off, William."

"You called me that last night, don't make it a habit. Only my mama can call me that." He just points at me accusingly before resuming our plan. "We need a cover story. Your family will need an explanation as to why we're fake dating because, no offence, but they are all kiss asses for your ex."

"Tell me about it." I roll my eyes. "... Honestly I think we can just make them believe it's real too. My parents are always trying to set me up with boys or encourage me into a relationship and they like you so there shouldn't be a problem."

Billy snorts softly. "They do seem to favor me, huh? That could work."

I nod before catching Rusty approaching the main house through the window. "He's comin', by the way."

Billy grins like a child with a new toy. "Ready to have some fun?"

"Not really." I whine.

"Look, we'll be in the honeymoon phase, yeah? So whatever I do, your reaction just needs to be completely flustered or really horny." He says as he stands up and approaches my side of  the island.

My eyes widen and my mouth opens to scold him for the second one but I don't have the chance to before the cowboy is placing his hat on my head and cupping my neck with both of his hands. His eyes look so intently into mine before we hear the front door open and footsteps coming down the hall. Once they're just outside the door, Billy makes up some bullshit to say that really does get me flustered.

"Now, how many times do I have to tell you to wait until your coffee has cooled a bit to drink it? I swear, every day this week, baby."

My heart falls to my stomach at his words, his tone, his phrasing, his 'baby', his scolding... just him.

Then my trance is broken by Rusty's annoyingly loud and unnecessary announcement of his arrival.

Billy just looks over his shoulder at him for a glance and nods in acknowledgment before back to me. "Ross is gonna be waiting for me. Wanna come watch? He's getting a hell of a lot better."

I shake my head, smiling up at him constantly like a little girl with a crush. "Got horses to exercise. If you want you could come riding with me later, though?"

"Mhm." He leans forward and kisses my forehead after shifting the hat out of his way. "Yeah."

He goes to step away but I hold onto his arm and subtly shake my head. Billy frowns before waving a finger to him then me, silently asking if we should go together rather than separately. I nod.

There are three men in this house that I would trust to walk me home at night and Rusty Taylor is not one of them.

꧁☘︎︎𖢻☘︎︎꧂