Looking forward to planning our epic romance
I hit send before I can overthink it, then head out to my Explorer. As I slide behind the wheel, my phone buzzes with her reply:
Just to be clear, this is strictly business.
Shortcake
I smile, starting the engine. Another text comes through:
And don't be late.
Shortcake
This woman is something else. Bossy, defensive, sharp as a tack—and I can't wait to spend the next however long trying to get past those walls she's built so carefully around herself.
"Game on, Shortcake," I murmur, pulling out into the street. "Game. On."
My usual confidence returns as I drive, formulating a plan. I know exactly how to play this. Be attentive but not overbearing, charming but not flirtatious, honest about wanting to make amends but not pushing for anything more than she's willing to give.
For the first time in my life, I'm not interested in the quick win. Charlie is worth the long game.
By the time I pull up to the restaurant, I've got my nerves under control. This isn't a date—it's a strategy session. But if I play my cards right, maybe it could be the beginning of something real.
As I hand my keys to the valet, I spot her walking toward the entrance, and my carefully constructed composure threatens to crumble. She's wearing a simple black dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, her auburn hair loosearound her shoulders. She hasn't seen me yet, and for a moment, I just watch her—the determined set of her shoulders, the slight furrow in her brow as she checks her phone.
This woman asked me to pretend to be in love with her. To help convince everyone that we're madly, deeply entangled in something real. That I'm the guy who makes her laugh, who holds her hand across restaurant tables, who whispers things in her ear that make her cheeks flush that perfect shade of pink I've already become addicted to seeing.
Little does she know, I might not have to pretend very hard at all. There's something about her that's gotten under my skin since we first met. Something beyond those killer curves of hers and those gorgeous hazel eyes. It's the way she challenges me, the glimpses of vulnerability beneath her armor, the quiet determination in everything she does. The irony isn't lost on me that I've spent years keeping women at arm's length, and now I'm walking straight into a charade that feels dangerously close to the truth.
I straighten my shoulders and head toward the entrance. Time to be the best fake boyfriend she's ever had.
Chapter thirteen
Charlie
I smooth my black dress one more time, checking my reflection in the car window. Not that I'm trying to impress him or anything. This is a planning meeting. For a fake relationship. With the man I've already had incredible, mind-blowing sex with and now works ten feet from my office.
Totally normal Thursday night.
My phone buzzes for the third time in two minutes. I pull it out to find the group chat has exploded:
GET IT GIRL!!!!
Em
Details. We need ALL the details when you get home.
Lily
Is he wearing a blue shirt? He looks hot in blue.
Em
How do you know what he looks like in blue??
Lily
Instagram stalking. Duh.
