Hidden Secrets (bxb)

[Novel One: The first installment in the Fake Boyfriend series, with each novel serving as a standalone story.]

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I'm halfway through my second cup of coffee when Vinnie storms into the living room, radiating chaos and enough confidence to power a small nation.

His damp hair curls at the edges like he's just escaped a shampoo ad, and he's wearing sweatpants, a hoodie that's seen better days, and a grin that screams trouble.

"Noah!" He claps his hands together like he's about to lead a pep rally. "Put down the coffee. We're going on a fake boyfriend mission."

I lower my mug, narrowing my eyes. "Define 'mission.' Because if it's like last time, when I had to hold your hand in the quad for twenty minutes while you monologued about astrology, I'm busy."

"Excuse you, that was educational," he says, pointing a finger at me. "But this is next level. We're taking Instagram couple pics."

I blink. "Do I look like someone who takes Instagram couple pics?"

"No. That's why I'm here. You're my canvas, Picasso." He flops onto the couch next to me, nearly knocking my mug out of my hand. "And lucky for you, I'm an artist. A master of illusions."

"You mean delusions," I deadpan. "And since when are you an Instagram expert? You only figured out filters last week after posting six versions of the same sunset."

He waves this off like it's ancient history. "The sunset was iconic, and I learned from my mistakes. Anyway, we're burning daylight. Wear this."

A shirt smacks me in the face before I can respond. It smells like his detergent-citrusy and a little too comforting. I pull it off my head and hold it up.

"Why does it say 'Property of Vinnie Hacker'? Are you branding me now?"

He grins, all teeth and mischief. "Of course. It's called commitment to the bit. You're my fake boyfriend. Own it."

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