I give him a look. “That sounds like something a mediocre kisser would say. And I bet you’ve had a los of practice”
He clutches his chest. “Ouch. That’s a personal attack.”
“Prove me wrong,” I tease, then instantly regret the words when his eyebrows shoot up.
His gaze drops to my lips for a half-second before he smirks. “Don’t tempt me, Ross.”
I toss a piece of tostone at him. “Back to the list, Romeo.”
He catches it mid-air and pops it in his mouth. “Fair.Okay, next, do we sleep in the same bed while we’re there, or do I have to sleep on the floor?”
I narrow my eyes. “What kind of fake engagement is this? Are you trying to get me in your bed?”
He raises his hands innocently. “I’m just saying, if we’re staying with his family, it might be weird if we ask for two rooms. We’ll have to figure that out based on the situation.”
I sigh dramatically. “Fine. We can share a bed. But you stay onyourside.”
“My side just so happens to be the middle.” He grins, smug as ever.
“You’re so annoying.”
“And you’re so into it.” He catches the napkin I throw at him.
We’re both laughing when Esteban leans back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head. “Okay, so we got our story straight,” he says, still grinning. “Now I need to know a little bit more aboutyou. I mean, I know you studied chemistry, want to launch your own skincare line, and you’re Instafamous or whatever?—”
I snort. “I’mnotInstafamous.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Your brother said people stop you in the mall.”
“That happenedonce. Maybe twice.” I shrug, trying to play it cool.
He smirks like he doesn’t believe me, but lets it go. “Alright, fine. You’re a humble celebrity. So what’s next?”
“Well…” I sit up straighter, kind of excited to talk about it. “Ashton offered me a spot at his salon downtown. I was planning on launching an online store to sell the products I already promote, and once I’m done developing my own line, I’d sell that there too.”
His eyes widen a bit. “That’s badass.”
“Right? And having a physical space means I can meet clients, give mini-consultations, talk to people about their skin. It’s not just about selling. It’s about educating.”
“Like skincare therapy?”
“Exactly. Obviously, I’ll keep creating content because that’s what’s bringing in steady money right now, but yeah, that’s my plan.”
Esteban nods, clearly impressed. “Damn. You really have your shit together.”
“Fake engagement or not, I don’t play when it comes to my goals.”
“I can see that.” He gives me a crooked grin. “So now I have a question: what kind of product shouldIbe using? Do men evenneedskincare?”
My jaw drops in mock offense. “Do men need—Esteban! Your face is literally yourfirst impression!”
He chuckles, holding up his hands. “Okay, okay! School me, Ross.”
“Everyone needs skincare,” I say, launching into teacher mode. “It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a good cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and SPF. Always SPF.”
“What about the fancy dropper bottles?”
“You mean serums? Depends on your skin type, but yes, some serums can work wonders. In fact—” I pause, a new idea clicking into place. “I’m testing a new line for men. You should be my model.”
