I’m a heartbeat away from claiming her mouth with the hunger I’ve been holding back when the crowd bursts into applause, shattering the moment.
Vivienne steps back from me, eyes wide and lips swollen as they part in shock. Her cheeks turn a bright shade of pink, and I let my hand glide down her waist, lingering as it brushes over her hip.
A loud whistle of appreciation sounds off from the back—it’s Sutton—while Grayson’s amusement seems to have amplified tenfold. The smirk. The knowing eyes. He’s the reason I had the best kiss of my life in front of a few dozen people.
“You’re welcome,”the motherfucker mouths with a wide grin.
“You’re dead,”I respond, dragging a finger across my neck.
My best friend shrugs, as though none of his actions could have negatively impacted the deal he’s very aware of.
By the time I’m done threatening him, and I turn back to apologize to Vivienne, she’s nowhere in sight.
CHAPTER 11
NATE
“Can you punch any harder?” Grayson heaves as he shuffles around the black-and-white boxing ring.
Sweat trickles down his forehead and onto his already soaked gray shirt. I take a controlled breath in, smiling mischievously at the sight and at his words.
If he’s asking for a harder punch, who am I to deny him?
I pivot, circling the canvas to gather my strength. When I feel ready, my fist rises, his brow furrows, and as I’m about to swing in his direction, Grayson leaps back, raising his hands in surrender.
“That was sarcasm. I was beingsarcastic.”
“Really? I couldn’t tell?” I back down with a bounce.
I pivot with one thought in mind—water and a towel.
His glare burns into my back as I reach the stool with my belongings. I sit my tired ass down, pat my face dry, and grab my water bottle. I’m seconds away from feeling the ice-cold liquid hit my tongue when it’s snatched right out of my hands.
“What was that all about?” Grayson waves frantically in front of my face.
The air, a byproduct of his quick movements, cools down the heat emanating from my skin. It’s a nice breeze. Light. Airy. I close my eyes, enjoying the free air-conditioning, when a hard sting emerges across my cheek.
My eyes fly open, facing the culprit behind the source of my pain. “I could ask you the same!” I palm the ache, the imprint of his slap still searing.
“I am not your personal fan,” he declares as his gaze hardens.
“That’s right, you’re mybiggestfan.” I correct him. “Only a true fan ships two strangers and plays matchmaker at afakeengagement party.”
Grayson deadpans, crossing his arms over his chest. “Tell me you’re still not hung up on that.”
I look off to the side, not wanting to answer that question.
It’s been five days, twelve hours, and thirty seconds since that kiss.Not that I’m counting.And five days, twelve hours, and fifty-five seconds since I last talked to the woman who’s made herself the star of my dreams.
The only person I have to blame?Grayson. Hence, why I came into our weekly Wednesday boxing session with the intent of making it hell on earth for him. A little sweat was just what he needed as payback, and honestly, I don’t think he has the right to complain.
Graysonknewthe promises I made to that woman. HeknewI couldn’t touch her if we weren’t in public—and somehow, he pulled a situation out of his ass where it would be appropriate for me to do so.
Since then, what-if after what-if keep twirling in my head at what could have happened between us if we weren'tin this stupid arrangement.
The teasing, the flirting, the everything. That kiss proved one thing—we’ve got chemistry. And if it weren’t for our circumstances, I’d be chasing that girl.
Unfortunately, I’m bound by honor and my word.
