Big Spark

The deal was simple: one fake engagement to help her out—no feelings, no complications.

Fresh out of a messy divorce, the last thing I want is more drama. But when Kelley Bolt—the sweet girl next door who’s all grown up now—asks for my help, I can’t say no. Her mom’s dying wish is to see her “happily engaged,” and I’m the guy who can make that happen.

We both agree that it’s just a temporary thing. A few dates, some staged photos, and we’ll both walk away unscathed. Easy, right?

Except nothing about Kelley has ever been easy. She’s all soft smiles and nervous lip bites, and suddenly, I’m noticing things I shouldn’t. Like how her laugh makes my chest ache. Or how her touch sparks something I haven’t felt in years.

The more we pretend, the harder it is to remember what’s real and what’s not. And as much as I tell myself this is just for show, I’m starting to want her for real.
But Kelley’s been burned before, and I’m no good at love.

This was supposed to be temporary…so why does letting her go feel like I’m losing everything?