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Unexpected encounter
Last Updated:
2025-01-12 00:03:31
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Pretend to be mine Reconnection
Avon was pretty sure he was going to like Diana. She seemed cool. “Hi,” he said, once they were alone. He touched her bare arm and this time didn’t let go. “Can I, um—can we talk for a minute?” Now that he’d seen her, he couldn’t just walk back to his barstool. She looked in the direction that Nolan and Diana had disappeared in, and then back at him. Shit, was she going to tell him to go away? “Sure,” she finally said. He grabbed her hand and pulled her deeper into the corner. “Look, I’m sorry about what I said. In the texts, I mean. I wasn’t thinking,” he said, once the din around them was a little quieter. He wanted to step closer but didn’t want her to back away. She squeezed his hand. “No, Avon, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have started all of that. It wasn’t . . . I didn’t want . . .” He looked down at her. That strapless dress she was wearing . . . he wanted to pull down the neckline and kiss her in that hollow between her breasts. “I wasn’t,” he blurted out. “I mean, I’m not.
Last Updated : 2025-01-12Pretend to be mine Rekindling Joy
“I’m growing to like elevators quite a bit,” she said as the doors opened for his floor.He fumbled in his pocket for the door key and realized two things. One: he wanted to pick her up and throw her on his bed again. Two: he really had to pee. Shit. He’d better make it quick.He pulled her inside the room.“Don’t move. Give me one second. I’ll be right back.” He flew into the bathroom and hoped that the look on her face hadn’t been irritation or—oh God—a change of heart. Maybe she’d remembered she was mad at him? That thought made him zip his pants quickly, in case he had to convince her to stay.When he opened the door, she wasn’t standing in the entryway where he’d left her. She hadn’t left, had she? He looked around the room and . . . holy shit.She was propped up against the pillows on the bed, wearing that leather jacket, those heels . . . and nothing else. He unbuckled his belt.“I thought I told you not to move?” he asked her as he approached the bed.She nodded, her fingers
Last Updated : 2025-01-12Pretend to be mine Lazy afternoon
Avon woke to the warm afternoon sun streaming through his kitchen windows, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. Lucia's head was still nestled in the crook of his shoulder, her body relaxed against his. They'd somehow shifted in their sleep, now lying almost flat on the couch. His stomach growled, protesting the lack of sustenance since their pier excursion. The hot dogs and cotton candy had been a delightful snack, but they wouldn't sustain him forever.Lucia stirred, squeezing her eyes shut as she turned into his chest, away from the sunlight. She kissed his chest, and the gentle caress sent warmth spreading through his body. "Mmmngry," she mumbled into his collarbone.He stroked her hair, his fingers tracing the remnants of the temporary flower tattoo on her cheek. "Hmmm?" he replied, his voice low and husky.She lifted her head, her eyes still sleepy. "I'm starving."He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're speaking my language now."Lucia pulled his head d
Last Updated : 2025-01-13Pretend to be mine “Low-key,high-feelings”
Lucia and Nolan and their deputies huddled and came up with an acronym (Supporting Teens Through Arts Rehabilitation, or STAR, a name she and Nolan knew they’d be mocked about forever), a deadline (the city council meeting in July), and a schedule of community meetings to hopefully garner support. This all meant Lucia was at work until eight or nine the whole week, and spent a few more hours working at home on her couch every night. She probably would have worked a few hours less that week if she hadn’t been texting with Avon in between every meeting, but she couldn’t help it. His texts always made her smile, made her relax after tense moments, and sometimes made her blush. Him being so far away was starting to make her go crazy. Why couldn’t she drive straight to his house from one of her long workdays to get rid of some of her frustration in the best possible way? Why couldn’t she wake up with him in her bed in the mornings, so at least she’d have those five minutes befo
Last Updated : 2025-01-13Pretend to be mine The space between
Nolan narrowed his eyes at Lucia as she walked into the office on Monday morning, her usual bright smile noticeably absent. "Coffee. Let's go," he said abruptly, already heading toward the door. She hurried to catch up with him, her purse bouncing against her hip. "What's wrong?" she asked, but Nolan just shook his head and kept walking. It wasn't until they were outside, walking down the sidewalk, that he finally spoke up. "What's going on? Were things bad this weekend? Was Avon an ass about you needing to work?" he asked, his voice low and concerned. Lucia sighed, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside her. Had her poker face gotten that bad, or did Nolan know her that well? "No, he was great. He was great about everything. It's just...we're both busy next weekend, so it's going to be a little while before we see each other again, that's all," she said, trying to downplay the situation. But Avon wasn't buying it. He steered her toward a nearby coffee shop, expertly navigating
Last Updated : 2025-01-14Pretend to be mine The weight of uncertainty
His irritation washed away when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He grinned at the text from her: a picture of a pile of doughnuts, arranged and stacked like a wedding cake.Look at what they had at the community meeting!He walked into the hallway to text her back.They obviously don’t know you that well. None of them have sprinkles.After two more texts, he gave up on the party and disappeared out the back door to get to his car. He called her before his car was out of park.“Hey!” she said, that warm sound of laughter in her voice. Was she laughing because of his texts, or was she out with other people?“Hey! How was the meeting?”He heard noise and chatter in the background. When she said a muffled, “Be right back,” the noise receded. So she was with other people.Not that she wasn’t allowed to go out when he wasn’t there, but he’d sort of pictured her sitting home on the couch missing him.“It went really well, I think! I hope we have lots of parents and teachers on our side. Get
Last Updated : 2025-01-14Pretend to be mine Finding solace
He was glad he finished with appointments early that day. Hopefully, he could leave the office without running into anyone. He didn’t want to see or talk to anyone. Well, there was one person he wanted to both see and talk to, but that was impossible. She was far away from this hospital right now.Except . . . she wasn’t that far, was she?He made it to his car without talking to anyone and drove straight to LAX.Lucia was still depressed from the meeting on Sunday night. Even though she’d huddled with Nolan and the mayor on Monday morning, she was convinced they had no chance of victory, at least not this time. The people here had too much influence. They were rich and they cared less about the poor. She knew who the city council was more likely to listen to.She got home that night and shed her dress, bra, and heels as soon as she walked in the front door, too tired and discouraged to bring them into her bedroom. She changed into yoga pants and a hoodie and stood in front of the
Last Updated : 2025-01-15Pretend to be mine A personal stake
Lucia took another sip of her wine and fought the urge to lay her head on his shoulder. Then she wondered why she was fighting it. She curled up against him, and he put his arm around her. “Yeah, so did I, but Sunday there was another meeting and it was . . . different.” He rubbed his hand up and down her arm. “That doesn’t sound good. What happened?” She attempted to not sound as defeatist as she felt as she told him everything. “Lucia , this is just one group of people. You don’t know that they represent everyone in the hills,” he said when she was done. “Plus, now you know exactly what you’re up against, and this will make you all the more prepared for battle.” She smiled, buoyed by his confidence in her. Maybe she should have called him on Sunday night. “I know, it’s just . . .” She took another sip of her wine and put her glass down on the table. She twisted her fingers together and didn’t look at him. “What is it? Tell me.” She finally looked up. He smiled at her, with s
Last Updated : 2025-01-15
Latest chapter
Pretend to be mine Epilogue
Asher had long since moved out, starting his own family with his beautiful wife, Sophia. Ellie, now a stunning young woman, had grown into her own, spreading her wings and exploring the world.As the seasons changed, Avon and Lucia found themselves surrounded by the next generation of their family. Asher and Sophia's kids, Ava and Ethan, were the apples of their grandparents' eyes. And Ellie, well, Ellie was busy making her own dreams come true.“Look at you,” Avon said as he walked through the door.“Hi, Dad.” Ellie smiled as she turned around and looked at him. He took in a deep breath as he shook his head. “You’re so beautiful, Ellie, You look just like your mother did on our wedding day. Where did the years go? My little princess is all grown up and getting married,” He said as his eyes started to swell with tears.“Daddy, don’t. You’re going to make my mascara run and then mom will kill you.”“You’re right, and we can’t have that.” He smiled.“I can’t believe I’m getting marrie
Pretend to be mine All grown up
Few years later….. Asher, now a handsome and confident 18-years- old, stood tall at 6’1” with broad shoulders, chiseled features and a bright, charming smile. His once-messy brown hair was now styled neatly, framing his bright blue eyes that sparkled. He stood by the door way with a suitcase in his hand. Lucia couldn't help but feel a lump form in her throat as she looked at her son. How had time flown by so quickly? It seemed like just yesterday she was changing his diapers and singing him lullabies. Avon put a reassuring arm around her shoulders. “Hey, its okay,” he whispered. “He's going to do great things. We're so proud of him.” Lucia nodded, trying to hold back tears. “I know, I just can't believe he's leaving us already.” Asher smiled, his eyes shining with excitement. “I'll be back, mom. I promise. And I'll stay in touch.” Ellie, who had been quietly observing the scene, suddenly piped up. “I'm going to miss you, Asher! Who's going to play with me now?” Asher chu
Pretend to be mine A night out
Lucia was busy getting the kids ready for bed when Avon walked into the house, a smile on his face."Hey, beautiful," he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "I've got some news. Dr. Smith from work is having a party this weekend and he's invited us."Lucia's eyes lit up. "That sounds like fun! What's the occasion?"Avon shrugged. "I'm not sure, but I think it's just a general get-together. He's renting out a private room at a restaurant downtown."Lucia nodded, already thinking about what she would wear. "That sounds great. I could use a night out."Avon grinned. "I'll make sure to get a babysitter for the kids. We can make it a date night."Lucia smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. She loved spending time with Avon, and a night out without the kids sounded like the perfect way to recharge.The day of the party arrived, and Lucia spent hours getting ready. She curled her hair, put on a new dress, and did her makeup. Avon whistled when he saw her, making her blush."You look stun
Pretend to be mine New Year’s Day
The New Year’s Day sun streamed into Lucia’s cozy living room, painting golden stripes across the floor. Avon, Lucia’s husband, was already up, his hands busy making pancakes. The kitchen buzzed with happy chaos. Six children – two of Lucia’s and four of her sister Susan’s and Carolyn’s – tumbled over each other, giggling. Their shrieks of laughter mingled with the sizzle of the pancakes and the clinking of mugs. Eight year Lily, Susan’s eldest, was carefully arranging tiny plastic reindeer on the windowsill. Her younger brother, six-year-old Tom, was attempting, with limited success, to build a tower out of pancake batter. Baby Ellie , was gurgling contentedly, clutching a bright red ball. Across the room, Carolyn’s children, ten-year-old Chloe, seven-year-old Ben, and Asher were engaged in a boisterous game of hide-and-seek. Susan herself bustled into the kitchen, her cheeks flushed with the cold morning air. Behind her trailed her husband,carrying a large,decorated cake. Carolyn
Pretend to be mine Merry Christmas
Five months later… Baby Ellie had been born. Avon took his family to dinner. Christmas fast approaching and Asher was excited to see Santa Claus. They sat in the restaurant, waiting for their food. Asher was sitting next to Avon, and Ellie in her stroller close to Lucia. Asher was coloring a picture. Asher kept looking at the group of men who were at the next table. They kept looking over at Avon. Avon noticed them looking at Lucia , but he didn’t say anything. The waitress walked over and set our their food down in front of them. “Asher, eat your food,” Avon said. “I will, Daddy, don’t worry,” he responded as he kept looking at the table next to them. Avon knew those men were staring at my his wife. After Lucia has Ellie. She got more attractive and her skin was glowing more than usual. Avon had a problem with those men. But he'd toned it down, and he didn’t embarrass Lucia as much. Out of the clear blue, Asher looked at Lucia. “Mom, those men keep staring at us and that’s ru
Pretend to be mine A medical Trip
Avon walked into the living room, where Lucia was sitting on the couch, reading a book. Asher was playing with his toys on the floor, and Lucia’s belly was noticeably rounded with their unborn baby. “Hey beautiful,” Avon said, giving Lucia a kiss on the cheek. “ I need to talk to you about something.” Lucia looked up from her book curious. “What is it?” Avon sat beside her. “I’ve been invited to attend a medical conference in Chicago with some other doctors, including Dr. Kim. It’s a great opportunity, but you have to be careful. You’ll be traveling with other doctors, but you still need to watch other for yourself. Avon smiled, reassuring her. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I’ll be with a group of doctors, and we’ll be staying at a hotel in the city. I’ll be perfectly safe.” Lucia nodded, seeming to relax a bit. “ okay just promise me you’ll be careful .” Avon promised, then turned the conversation to Lucia. “How are you feeling ? Will you be okay taking care of Asher and …?” He g
Pretend to be mine Diana's big day
Three months later…. The sun was shining brightly on the day of Diana's wedding. Lucia was bustling around, making sure everything was perfect for her bestfriend's special day. She had been looking forward to this moment for months, and she couldn't wait to see her friend walk down the aisle and marry the love of her life. Avon was helping Martins get ready, making sure his tie was straight and his shoes were polished. Asher, who was now able to walk, was running around. The area faced the breathtaking sunset. At the end of each seated aisle, scented candles hung from naked tree branches. Spread down the aisle was white leaves, as far as the eyes could see, slightly moist so they wouldn’t crack when you stepped on them. Diana had a small group of close family and friends dressed in beach attire for comfort. On either side of the aisle, they sat in white chairs set up for them on the sand. Just then, Diana appeared , looking stunning in her white wedding dress. Lucia's eye
Pretend to be mine Asher is one
It was Asher's first birthday and party. Lucia and had spent the last two months planning for his birthday. Lucia worked from home and occasionally went into the office. Caterers had been in and out of the house all day, preparing for Ashers party. He had just started walking and took his first steps. His first word was “dada” and Lucia was not happy with that. All around the house were balloons that were hanging everywhere, Avon walked up to Asher's room, where Lucia was getting him ready for the party. The minute he saw Avon, he said, “Dada” and smiled. As soon as Lucia put on his dress on him, Asher walked over to Avon and hugged his legs. “Can you keep an eye on him while I go and get ready?” Lucia asked. “Of course I can,” Avon said as he picked up Asher. Avon took him out of the room and went downstairs. He smiled and pointed when he saw the balloons. “Those are for you,” he said as he kissed his cheek. Asher looked at Avon and then screamed to hold one. Avon
Pretend to be mine The proposal
“I’m so sorry. Please tell me you forgive me,” he begged as he buried his face deep into Lucia's neck. “I forgive you, but we need to talk,” she said. “I know, and I’ll do anything to make things right. I love you, and I missed you so much.” Lucia broke their embrace and placed her hands on his face. “I missed you too,” age said as she kissed him. “Come sit down and have some coffee and the hangover cocktail I just made.” “You know I hate that stuff.” “I know you do, but it works and you have to be feeling pretty lousy right now.” “I am,” he said as he rubbed his head. Lucia picked up the glass with the cocktail in it and sat down on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and as she brought the glass to his lips. “Drink.” she smiled. He looked at her, made a face, and took a sip as she tilted the glass. He took it from her hand and chugged it down as fast as he could, then placed the glass on the counter. “Where’s our baby?” he asked. “He’s at my mom's with Dian
