Kiss For The Camera

Raina Cole

Goddamn, he drove me crazy.

He played the part well. Too well

I wasn’t here for closure. I was here to smile so sweetly that it burned Shawn alive inside.

But even now, I could still feel where his fingers had been, a phantom warmth that refused to fade.

My parents adored him already. Shawn sat across from me, jaw tight, fork unmoving. I could feel the jealousy bleeding off him. Good.

My sister just stared, disbelief flickering behind her fake smile like she couldn’t believe I’d actually brought someone… perfect.

“Raina, oh my gosh, I love him,” my mom whispered as soon as he left.

My dad joined in. “How long have you two been together?”

My brain blanked. Shit. Ken and I hadn’t talked about that.

“Uh… a year now,” I lied.

I smiled, hoping they couldn’t tell. I made a mental note to get my story straight with Ken.

“A year?” my mother gasped. “And you never told us!”

I gave a shy laugh. “It happened fast.”

Ken came back and took his seat beside me, my mom looking at him with loving eyes.

He slid a hand over mine on the table, his thumb brushing over my knuckles slowly. My pulse spiked, but I kept my smile steady reminding myself that it was acting. It was all an act.

I plastered a smile on my face, leaning onto his shoulders, my eyes flickering to Shawn.

My mother smiled wider. “You two are perfect together.”

“Thank you,” Ken said easily. “I try.”

Across the table, my sister sawed at her steak like it had personally offended her. The knife screeched against the plate, sharp enough to make everyone glance her way.

She smiled sweetly. “Wow. A whole year? That’s funny you used to say you didn’t do relationships.”

Ken’s lips curved. “Maybe she just hadn’t met the right man.”

“Wow, sis, didn’t think you’d actually settle down.”

I forced a smile. “Neither did I.”

So, Ken,” Shawn said suddenly, leaning back in his chair. “Did Raina tell you we used to date?”

Of course, he chose the low move. Bastard.

I was about to clock him and put him in his place, but Ken spoke up.

“Oh, she did,” he said easily, leaning back in his chair. “You knew her before she knew what she deserved.”

My mum stifled a laughter.

Shawn cleared his throat, color creeping up his neck. “She’s a bit complicated. Well, I’m glad she found someone… supportive.”

“Complicated’s good. Only weak men walk away from complicated women. And did you say supportive? Try lucky. I’m the lucky one here. I’m so lucky she chose me”

He slid his hand over my shoulder and brought me closer to him, planting two kisses on my cheek

A blush crept onto my face. He was improvising, exactly what I said he shouldn’t do, and I didn’t know whether I wanted to kiss or strangle him.

The table laughed.

Except Shawn. He looked like he wanted to throw his wine glass.

My dad raised a glass. “I’m glad you two found each other. A match made in heaven indeed.”

“Come on, give us a kiss” my mom chirped, pulling out her phone. “For the camera”

I stiffened. “Mom, please-“

“Just one!”

Ken’s mouth tilted into a teasing grin. “You heard them.”

I turned to meet his gaze to glare at him for encouraging them but he was so close to my face

He held my chin, rubbing it slowly. He leaned in and whispered. “Relax, it’s just a show”

My mom cheered and if looks could kill, Shawn’s eyes would’ve killed us by now.

Our lips were mere inches apart and all I could think was fuck it. Shawn should definitely watch and feel the way I felt when I walked in on him dick deep in my sister.

I told myself I was doing this to hurt Shawn but my heart…. It was whispering something different. Something I wasn’t ready to listen to.

I closed my eyes and inched closer to him. Our breaths mingled. His lips hovered a heartbeat away from mine, close enough to feel the warmth, not close enough to touch.

Then—

a glass hit the floor.

I turned. My father was on his feet or trying to be, clutching his chest.

Then he collapsed.

“Dad!” I screamed, running to him as chaos broke out.

Everything turned to noise.

My mother shouting. My sister calling for help. The guards rushing in.

I dropped beside him, shaking, helpless.