'Double standards much?' Nora thought, scoffing inwardly. A minute ago, he swore up and down he didn’t have a girlfriend. Now he was pulling one out of thin air just to shut someone down? Wouldn’t a simple "no thanks" have worked?

'Oh, come on.' Nora mentally rolled her eyes. Why was she being dragged into this mess?

The girl, of course, turned to Nora, waiting for confirmation with wide, hopeful eyes.

Nora glared at Samuel, ready to set the record ...