‘It’s in The Shelbourne.’ Her voice cracks and she swallows hard.
Good. If she wants to play games with me, she needs to know I’m the ultimate opponent. I don’t lose. Ever. I have a heap of freshly stamped divorce decrees to support that statement.
I’ve only had one glass of wine, but it’s enough to lower my inhibitions. Let’s see how far she’s willing to take this game. ‘I love The Shelbourne. Shall we book a suite there to save either of us trying to get taxis home?’
‘Oh, that sounds like fun.’ Penny nods her approval. ‘I knew I liked you, Cillian.’
I inch up higher over Ava’s inner thigh in a circular motion. Let’s see how she handles a little pressure.
‘Careful, or I will start calling you daddy.’ Ava whispers into my ear.
Oh, she’s good. Is it possible I’ve met my match?
‘It’s a big occasion, a year in business. It’s essential we mark it.’ I tear my fingers from Ava’s thigh before I snap completely. The urge to find out exactly what’s she got underneath that dress is consuming me.
Note to self – do not touch my fake girlfriend. Because if I start, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop.
Ava smirks, like she knows she won this round of whatever fucked-up game we’re playing. But winning a round, and winning the entire game, are two entirely different matters. It’s a long month and we’re only getting started.
Frank places his cutlery together on his plate and squeezes his wife’s hand over the table. ‘That was delicious, Pen. Thanks.’
Ava wasn't exaggerating. The love between them is obvious. A tiny hint of yearning tugs at my tummy.
‘You’re so welcome.’ Penny returns his squeeze before picking up her fork again and turning her attention to me. ‘So, Ava tells us you’re coming to Nate’s wedding?’
‘Yes.’ Although I have no idea who’s going to mind Phoebe for four days.
Like a mind reader, Ava’s head flicks round to mine. ‘Who will mind Phoebe?’
‘My mother, hopefully.’
‘Phoebe’s welcome to come.’ Frank offers.
‘Nate and Holly wouldn't mind.’ Penny backs him up. ‘The place will be filled with kids.’
I pause for a beat, trying to articulate the right words but Ava beats me to it.
‘Thanks, Mam, Dad.’ She eyes her parents steadily over the table. ‘It’s just that we’re so new, and Phoebe has had such instability from her mother, we don’t want her to know about our relationship until we’re a sure thing.’
She has it in one. I could kiss her. Except I can’t. And not just because I made the stupid rule, but because if I do, I might never recover.
‘Oh, you two are so cute!’ Penny grins across the table. ‘You guys are already a sure thing. Trust me. I’m never wrong.’
Ava shifts in her chair, guiltily. Are we the worst people ever for faking this relationship? I rub a thumb across the stubble dotting my chin.
No. It’s essential. Ava needs a date for her brothers’ wedding to secure his investment.
And I need Teagan out of my life.
‘She’s right.’ Frank gazes at his wife with a wistful admiration. ‘You guys are perfect for each other. Even if you don’t know it yet.’ His eyes twinkle with mischievousness.
We could be perfect for each other. For a while.
But then what?
It’s a chance I can’t take. Which is why I should keep my wandering hands to myself.
After dinner, Ava and I clean up. Each time our hands brush over the dishwasher, my stomach twists like a corkscrew. I want her. I wanted her from the second I saw her, but now I know how smart her mouth is, I can’t stop thinking about all the things she could do with it. And how I’d love to see it drop open as she surrenders herself to me. As she writhes and wriggles beneath me.
