Joe sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "Yeah, buddy… it's a bit of a mess," he said, his voice lower than usual. He glanced at Summer, then back at Rajiv, a flicker of nerves in his eyes. "Long story short, my aunt's trying to set me up with this girl—daughter of my uncle's old comrade-in-arms. You know my uncle's political connections have been a goldmine for my business."
He leaned forward, his tone shifting to a mix of pride and exasperation. "This girl's dad and my uncle are tight, like brothers. She's their only daughter, and earlier this year, when I visited my uncle's place, she was there. Guess what? She took one look at me and fell head over heels." Joe smirked, puffing out his chest. "Pfft, being this handsome is a damn curse. Women just throw themselves at me."
Summer rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched with amusement. "Oh, poor you," she teased, her voice dripping with mock sympathy.
Joe's smirk faded, his face turning bitter. "Yeah, well, she found out I'm single and got my aunt to play matchmaker. I couldn't just say no, so I lied—told them I've got a long-term girlfriend, living together, practically engaged. But then my aunt blindsided me. She's coming to my place today to meet this 'girlfriend' and stay for a bit. I've never lied to her before, and she's dead-set on hooking me up with this girl. I'm screwed, man!"
He gulped down a big swig of iced coffee, his expression almost comical in its distress. "The romantic general Norris, tied down by one woman? No way. But if I marry a girl like that, she'll have me on a leash for life."
Rajiv laughed, leaning back. "Dude, you're surrounded by a harem of gorgeous girls. Just pick one to play the part for a few days!"
Joe shook his head, his eyes narrowing. "Raj, you know those relationships are all smoke and mirrors. Half those girls are after my money, not me. If I pick one to fake it, she'll probably cling to me afterward—out of the tiger's den, into the wolf's!" He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Besides, who could compare to the big star Summer? She's smart, gorgeous, and… well, she's perfect. My aunt would buy it in a heartbeat."
Rajiv's pulse spiked. yes, Joe was right—Summer was a rare gem, her beauty matched by her wit and grace. Her flawless skin, her plump curves, her long, sculpted legs—she was a vision, and the thought of her playing Joe's "girlfriend" sent a thrill through him. He imagined her at Joe's side, her dress slipping off, their bodies pressed close in a staged intimacy that could turn real.
"Bruh… this is…" Rajiv started, his voice catching as he glanced at Joe, then Summer.
Joe grinned, his confidence returning. "Alas! Come on, buddy! Man! Homie! I swear, it's just a few days. I'll handle my aunt, make sure that girl backs off, and your honey comes back untouched." His eyes locked onto Summer, lingering on her curves with a hunger that wasn't entirely playful. "I promise, Summer, I'll be a perfect gentleman… unless you don't want me to be."
"Please, buddy! Just lend me your wife!" Joe said, winking at Rajiv with a knowing glint. Joe was no stranger to Rajiv's NTR fetish, having listened to his drunken confessions over late-night drinks, and his playful tone was laced with just enough mischief to set Rajiv's pulse racing.
Summer's eyes widened, a flush creeping up her neck as she raised her head with mock arrogance. "You stinky, perverted men!" she huffed, her voice a sultry mix of indignation and intrigue.
"What exactly is going on in those filthy brains of yours? What kind of thing do you think I am?" Summer's lips curved into a smirk, and she leaned forward, her cleavage subtly accentuated, the movement deliberate and teasing. "You think I'm just gonna play your fake girlfriend, Joe? What's in it for me, huh?"
Joe's grin softened, his eyes locking onto Summer with a sincerity that caught Rajiv off guard. "Summer, Raj is my buddy, and you're my bestie too. You're such a kind-hearted girl, always ready to help a friend out. You and Raj are husband and wife, so of course I had to ask him first. But your opinion's just as important, Summer. Please, I'm begging you—help me out, beautiful lady." His gaze flicked between Rajiv and Summer, earnest but tinged with that playboy charm.
Summer turned to Rajiv, her eyes searching his, and he saw the spark of curiosity there, the same playful fantasy that had always danced between them. His heart pounded, a hot flush creeping up his face.
He swallowed hard, his voice husky. "Fine, but you can only adore her, Joe—no touching. What do you think, honey?" He turned to Summer, his hand tightening on her thigh, feeling the warmth of her skin through her dress.
Joe's face fell into an exaggerated pout, his voice mock-sobbing. "Buddy Summer, please save me!" he pleaded, clasping his hands dramatically.
Summer scoffed, crossing her arms with a playful glare. "No way, I'd rather watch you make a fool of yourself!" she shot back, but Rajiv felt his heart tighten at the teasing lilt in her voice, the way her eyes lingered on Joe.
Joe leaned closer, his expression comically tragic. "Summer, my esteemed elder sister, you're the kindest goddess! You wouldn't let a poor soul like me crash and burn, would you?"
Summer burst into laughter, her straight face crumbling. "Pfft! Haha! Who's your elder? You're older than me, you jerk!" she said, swatting the air. "Well, the mighty Boss Norris looks so pitiful now. Fine, I'll help you this time." Her tone was teasing, but her eyes softened, her kindness shining through as always.
Joe's face lit up, and he clapped his hands together. "You're a lifesaver, Summer! Thank you, thank you!" the man said, his grin returning full force.
Seeing Joe's earlier desperation morphed into a confident grin, Summer shot him a speechless glance, her tone playful but pointed. "Tsk, seriously Joe. You guy really need to settle down. That showgirl model last time was adorable—young, still in college, so down-to-earth. And those dishes she cooked? Delicious." She raised an eyebrow. "Rajiv couldn't stop praising her when he got home."
Rajiv laughed, a dry, embarrassed chuckle, his cheeks flushing. "Guilty as charged."
"Yes, yes, you're right, ma'am!" Joe said, nodding eagerly, his grin wide. "After this mess with my aunt, let's celebrate. I'm treating you both to a weekend in Hawaii—my dime!" He glanced at his watch, his tone shifting to urgency. "But right now, my aunt's plane is landing soon. Summer, I need you to come with me to the airport to pick her up. You'll stay at my place for the next few days, play the part of my girlfriend."
Summer's beautiful blue eyes widened, her pout returning. "Huh? That soon? I haven't packed a thing!" she protested.
Rajiv grinned, seizing the chance to tease. "Don't worry, babe, Let your husband handle it. This husband will pack your clothes and send them to your new 'love' home."
Summer swatted his arm, her cheeks flushing a deep pink. "Hey! That's not okay!" she huffed, her tone shy but laced with amusement. "Keep talking nonsense, and I'm out."
"Babe, come on, I'm just teasing!" Rajiv said, his hand sliding higher on her thigh, feeling her shiver.
Joe clapped his hands, his grin returning. "Come on, you two, save the lovey-dovey stuff! My aunt's plane is about to land. Raj, my man, I'll call you later. I've set up a dinner tonight—you can join us and talk to my aunt about that economic dispute case you're handling. A five hundred thousand dollar lawsuit, bro! You nailed it!" His tone was all business now, but his eyes lingered on Summer, a glint of hunger beneath his charm.
"Sounds fantastic," Rajiv nodded, his mind half on the case—a thorny dispute he'd been trying to settle for months—and half on the fantasy unfolding before him.
They left the Starbucks, the warm air outside wrapping around them like a caress. Rajiv watched as Summer slid into Joe's Porsche Cayenne, her dress riding up slightly to reveal more of her stunning legs. Joe flashed him a grin before climbing into the driver's seat, and the car pulled away, disappearing into the city's glow. A strange feeling washed over Rajiv—a mix of anticipation, jealousy, and raw, unfiltered excitement.