Falling for the Pilot by Jean Stokes

For someone whose eyes are always on the sky, sometimes the perfect happily ever after is standing right in front of you.

Kate: I’ve always been one of the guys. I love my friends dearly, even if being the friend of four giant, intimidating Marines isn’t exactly getting me on the shortlist for dating partners. I suppose it doesn’t matter, even though finding someone who loves me and wants to settle down with me is always something I’ve wanted.
Tony is one of my best friends, and I’ve never thought of him like that, but lately I’m starting to. There’s so much at risk—our friendship, our friend group—and I have no idea what the future holds. I don’t know if Tony is worth the risk.

Tony: Every member of my family is happily married with kids. To get my parents off my back, I told them I had a girlfriend, and I would bring her home for Christmas. Well, Christmas is here, and I only know one single woman—my best friend, Kate. So I need her to come home with me and pretend that we’re dating. I have no idea if it’ll go well. I’m used to taking risks, but I’ve had a crush on Kate since the day we met, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep my cool with her so close.

Well, every great discovery comes with a little risk, right? If Kate is willing to pretend, then I can step up and pretend with her—even when I realize how much I like her and how badly I want to be around her more.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. I can control myself around her, and keep my cool. Probably. I hope.