Fake Dating The Enemy

13

Elizabeth

The relationship between Conrad and I has grown stronger over the past month. We both started out not wanting something serious, but now we can't get enough of each other. We've been taking it slow, but I genuinely feel happy with him. There's a knock at the door, and a smile forms on my face.

"Hi there, beautiful." Conrad greets as I open the door. He pulls me in for a kiss, and I smile against his lips. "Are you ready to go?" I nod, shutting and locking the door behind us.

Today is the final get together before Luke and Ashley head back to Florida. Having Conrad on my arm when we get there brings all eyes on us. There's one pair of eyes that mine immediately find. I tear my eyes away from his gaze and look up at Conrad. He leans down to kiss me, and I feel my cheeks turn red.

"Elizabeth! Conrad!" Ashley calls, rushing over to us. She engulfs us in a hug. "You two are looking amazing as always."

"It's nice to see you, too." Conrad says, smiling at her.

"Have you two given any thought to what I suggested?" Ashley wants the two of us to come down a month before the wedding to spend time with them in Florida.

"I can't, unfortunately. Work won't allow it, but I am going to drive Elizabeth down and stay the weekend before heading back."

"That's better than nothing." Ashley says, excited. "Oh, Luke also invited Thomas to come down as well. If it's an issue, we can figure something out." I shake my head.

"No, it's fine." She gives me a sincere look. "I'm going to get a drink." I say, slipping from Conrad's arm and heading to the bar. "Strawberry daiquiri, please." The bartender nods before putting my drink together.

"Fancy seeing you here." I turn to see Thomas has joined me at the bar.

"Thomas."

"You look beautiful." He says, and I sigh. "What? Can I not compliment you? Will Connor beat me up?"

"Conrad." I say, correcting him. "And he might." He rolls his eyes.

"Yeah, I'm sure pretty boy will totally beat me up."

"Ashley said you're going to Florida the month before the wedding. Did you know I'll be there, too?" He tries to hide a smirk.

"No, I didn't." He takes a sip of his drink.

"You alright over here, honey?" Conrad's arm slips around my waist, his eyes narrowing at Thomas.

"I'm doing better now." I lean up and kiss his cheek.

"Wow. America's favorite couple, everyone." Thomas says, clearly drunk. "I hope you two have a happy life together." He downs the rest of his drink before stumbling off. The bartender hands me my drink, and i sip it while Conrad rubs circles on my back.

"Don't let him get to you." He says, clearly noticing the shift in my mood. "Come, let's dance." I smile, sitting my drink down on a nearby table.

He takes me by the hand, leading me to where others are dancing. He holds me tight against him, his hands placed firmly on my lower back. We sway to the music while my head rests on his chest.

"You look absolutely stunning this evening." He says, causing me to look at him. "I don't know how I got so lucky to have you." He crashes his lips to mine, and I get lost in the kiss. My hands move to his hair while his move down to my butt, rubbing gently before moving up to my waist. "How would you feel about me spending the night tonight?" He asks before placing soft kisses along my neck and collarbone.

"I- I don't know." I've been honest with him about me never having sex before, and he's been extra patient with me.

"We don't have to do anything. I just want to be with you." He says, kissing me softly. "But if things get heated, I won't be opposed." He smirks, and I bury my face in his chest.