Fake Engagement with my Brother’s Best Friend

Chapter One Grace

Chapter One

Grace

The resort is even more stunning than I imagined. As I step out of the taxi, I’m greeted by a warm breeze that carries the scent of the ocean and blooming tropical flowers. The resort sprawls out in front of me, a mix of elegant villas and lush gardens that spill over onto the white sand beaches. Palm trees sway gently, their leaves rustling like whispers of secrets waiting to be uncovered. The air is thick with the promise of relaxation and adventure—exactly what I need.

I take a deep breath, letting the salty air fill my lungs. I can already hear the faint sound of the waves crashing in the distance, a soothing rhythm that instantly puts me at ease. This place is like something out of a dream. The main building is all white stone and dark wood, with wide terraces . The kind of place where, for the next two weeks, the outside world simply doesn’t exist.

My heart skips a beat when I spot my brother, Joseph, standing by the entrance, his arm casually draped around Emily, my best friend since forever and his soon-to-be wife. They’re both laughing about something, completely lost in each other. Seeing them together like this, so happy, fills me with a mix of excitement and a little bit of that weird, bittersweet feeling. My baby brother is getting married.

“Grace!” Joseph calls out as soon as he sees me. He waves enthusiastically, breaking into a huge grin that makes me smile back instantly.

I hurry over, my suitcase bumping along behind me. “There’s the happy couple!” I say, pulling them both into a hug. “This place is unreal. You guys really went all out.”

“We wanted it to be special,” Emily says, beaming. “I can’t believe we’re finally here. Two weeks of nothing but fun, sun, and getting ready to marry this guy.” She playfully nudges Joseph, who chuckles.

“Speaking of which,” Joseph says. “Everyone’s already here. The whole wedding party. We’ve got the next couple of weeks to enjoy this place and get everything set up.”

“Sounds perfect,” I say, feeling the excitement bubble up inside me. There’s a little part of me, though, a part I hate, that wishes I was anywhere but here.

My little brother, getting married before me. My parents won’t let me forget it.

Even so, I suck it up and say, “I can’t wait to see everyone.”

“We’re all meeting for a welcome drink at the beach bar in an hour,” Emily adds. “Gives you time to settle in and freshen up.”

“Great,” I reply, glancing around at the beautiful surroundings once more. “I’ll just drop my bags in my room, then.”

As I start to head inside, Emily calls out, “Oh, and Grace, guess who’s here early?”

I stop and turn back, raising an eyebrow. “Who?”

She gives me a knowing look, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Logan.”

My heart does a little flip at the mention of his name. Logan, Joseph’s best friend, CEO of Titan Tech; and the one person who always knows exactly how to get under my skin.

“Of course he is,” I mutter, shaking my head but smiling despite myself. “This should be interesting.”

Without allowing myself too much time to think, I stroll into the grand lobby of the resort, my suitcase rolling behind me as I take in the high ceilings, polished marble floors, and the massive windows that offer an uninterrupted view of the ocean. The place is breathtaking, all sleek lines and understated luxury, designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped into paradise.

The check-in process is quick, and before I know it, I’m stepping into my room. It’s just as beautiful as the rest of the resort—soft, neutral tones with a splash of coral, plush bedding, and a private balcony overlooking the ocean. I take a moment to savor the view before unzipping my suitcase and pulling out a few essentials.

After a quick shower, I change into something more fitting for the warm, breezy evening. I pick out a flowy, white sundress with delicate spaghetti straps and a subtle floral pattern. It falls just above my knees, light and airy, perfect for a casual evening by the beach. I slip on a pair of tan leather sandals and add a touch of gloss to my lips before running a hand through my hair, letting it fall in loose waves over my shoulders. Simple, but just right for a summer night.

Feeling refreshed, I grab my room key and head downstairs. As soon as I step outside, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses drift up from the beach bar. The sun is beginning to set, casting a golden glow over everything. I can see the wedding party starting to gather, scattered around the bar and the nearby lounge chairs.

I wave as I spot a few familiar faces—Emily’s cousin, Jess, , and Matt, one of the groomsmen. Jess grins and waves back, already holding a cocktail in one hand, looking every bit the carefree bridesmaid.

“Grace! Over here!” Jess calls out, and I make my way toward her, glad to see a friendly face.

As I approach, I can’t help but scan the area, my eyes darting around, searching. I know I should be mingling, catching up with everyone, but a part of me is on alert, waiting for—

“Looking for someone?”

I freeze. That voice. Low and smooth, with just the right amount of a teasing edge. I turn slowly, already knowing who I’ll see.

Logan stands a few feet away, leaning casually against one of the wooden posts that hold up the thatched roof of the beach bar. He’s dressed in a simple gray T-shirt that fits just a little too well, showing off his broad shoulders, and a pair of dark shorts. His hair is tousled, probably from the wind, and there’s that trademark smirk on his lips, the one that says he knows exactly how to rile me up .

I muster up my best indifferent expression. “Logan. Didn’t see you there.”

He pushes off the post and takes a few steps closer, his eyes doing a quick, not-so-subtle sweep over my dress before meeting my gaze again. “Clearly. You looked like you were trying to avoid someone.”

“Not at all,” I say breezily, refusing to give him the satisfaction. “Just enjoying the scenery.”

“Sure you were,” he says, his smirk widening as he moves to stand beside me, his presence annoyingly magnetic. “You know, if you’re looking for someone to keep you company, I’m always available.”

I roll my eyes, biting back a smile despite myself. “I’m sure you’re in high demand, Logan. I wouldn’t want to take up too much of your time.”

He chuckles, a deep, throaty sound that I feel more than hear. “For you, Grace, I can always make time.”

There he goes — straddling the line between teasing and something more. My heart does a little somersault , but I keep my expression neutral, refusing to let him see that he’s getting to me. “How generous of you.”

“I try,” he says with a wink, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Before I can respond, Jess saunters over, drink in hand, effectively breaking the moment. “Grace, you have to try these cocktails. They’re amazing.” She eyes Logan and adds, “Logan, being as charming as ever, I see.”

He grins, unperturbed. “Just doing my part to make sure Grace feels welcome.”

“Oh, I feel very welcome,” I say, turning my attention to Jess, grateful for the interruption.

Logan chuckles again but doesn’t push it further. “Well, don’t let me keep you two from your drinks. I’m sure I’ll see you around, Grace.”

With that, he walks off, leaving me feeling both relieved and slightly off-balance. Logan has always had that effect on me—annoying, intriguing, and just a little bit dangerous. I shake my head, trying to clear the lingering tension as Jess hands me a drink.

“To wedding vacations and avoiding trouble,” Jess says with a grin, raising her glass.

I clink my glass against hers. “I’ll drink to that.” As I take a sip, I can’t help but wonder how much trouble I’ll actually be able to avoid with Logan around. Something tells me it won’t be much.

Emily appears out of nowhere, a wide grin on her face and a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Ladies, we need to kick this wedding vacation off right,” she declares, holding up a tray of shots she must have snagged from the bar.

“Oh, you’re trouble,” I laugh, but I can’t resist her infectious energy.

Jess cheers, and we all grab a shot glass. “To Emily and Joseph!” I toast, raising my glass.

“To the best two weeks ever!” Emily adds.

We clink our glasses together, and I knock back the shot, feeling the burn of tequila slide down my throat. It’s quickly followed by a warm, heady sensation that makes me feel like the evening is off to a perfect start. Then I realize how quickly the buzz is hitting me.

I sway slightly, giggling at nothing in particular. “I think I might be the one in trouble,” I admit with a laugh. “I didn’t eat much on the flight. The airplane food was disgusting.”

“We can’t have that,” Emily says, her eyes wide with concern that’s only half-serious. “Let’s get you something to soak that up.”

We make our way to the appetizers laid out on a table by the bar. The spread is amazing—mini sliders, shrimp skewers, and an array of dips that look too good to pass up. I grab a plate and pile it high, feeling my stomach growl in appreciation.

The three of us find a spot to sit near the bar, but even as we chat and nibble on the food, I can’t ignore Logan in my peripheral vision. He’s making his rounds, effortlessly charming everyone in his path, which only makes me roll my eyes.

Just as I’m about to take a sip of my drink , Logan walks by, smirking. “Careful, Grace. Wouldn’t want you to get too tipsy before the real party starts.”

I can’t help it—the comeback slips out before I can stop myself. “You worried you won’t be able to keep up with me, Logan?”

His smirk widens, and he stops just long enough to shoot me a look that’s equal parts challenge and amusement. “I think we both know who’s more likely to tap out first.”

I raise an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. “Keep dreaming.”

He chuckles, low and smooth, and continues on his way, leaving me a little flushed and a lot irritated .

“You know, you two should just kiss already,” Emily teases, nudging me with her elbow.

“Shut up,” I say jokingly, though my cheeks are still warm from our little exchange.

The truth is, that moment felt a little too close to flirting for my comfort. I shake it off and stand up.

Emily says, “I’m going to find Joseph. He’s probably off talking to everyone.”

As I watch her weave through the crowd, I decide to leave the table too; but I’m only a few steps away when Jess’s words reach me.

“By the way, Grace, I noticed the ring. Logan picked a nice one. Didn’t peg him as the type to go for something so classic.”

I freeze mid-step, my heart skipping a beat. My hand instinctively goes to the ring on my finger—my late grandmother’s engagement ring. It’s always been a sentimental piece for me, nothing more, but the thought of Jess mistaking it for my actual engagement ring sends my mind spinning.

She thinks Logan and I are engaged.

Part of me wants to turn around and correct her, set the record straight. For some reason, the words catch in my throat. Maybe it’s the tequila making me bold, or maybe it’s the little thrill I get from the idea, but I find myself walking away without saying a word, leaving Jess in her misunderstanding.