I hired a stranger to be my boyfriend for one afternoon because my ex was bringing the woman he chose over me. I expected whispers, pity, maybe a cruel laugh by the pool. What I did not expect was for that stranger to notice one tiny habit of mine and make everyone see who had taught it to me first.
I almost canceled when Daniel stepped out of his car.
He was too handsome.
That was my first ridiculous thought.
Not kind-looking. Not safe-looking. Handsome.
He was too handsome.
Tall, broad-shouldered, dark-haired, with sunglasses pushed into his hair and a white shirt rolled neatly at the sleeves. He moved like the walkway belonged under his feet.
I stood on my porch in my blue sundress, gripping the doorframe.
The dress had faded from years of washing. Comfortable. Soft. A little tighter around my waist than it used to be before three pregnancies and 15 years of family dinners where I ate last.
I had changed outfits six times before putting the blue dress back on.
The dress had faded from years of washing.
Daniel smiled when he reached the steps.
