“You guys… uh… you don’t seem like a likely pairing,” Mark finally says. “Kaylee’s a relationship kind of woman.”
I open my mouth to speak, but Kaylee jumps in first.
“Don’t presume to speak for me, Mark.” She eases the words by softening her voice, but I know she’s annoyed.
Still, I get what Mark’s saying. He thinks I’m a player, but I’m not. Sure, I do the casual sex thing. It’s fun and easy, but I’m looking for a serious relationship. I just haven’t found the right woman and usually realize pretty quickly whoever I’m with isn’t the one, so I end things and don’t look back.
Why dwell on the past when the person wasn’t right for me to begin with? But the ease with which I move on has given me the reputation of a playboy. I’ve never let anyone’s opinion bother me.Iknow I don’t use woman and discard them, so gossip doesn’t matter.
I realize Mark is still staring and I need to step in. “I guess I’m just lucky Kaylee gave me a chance despite my reputation,” I say to her ex.
I’ve never liked the man. He’s Eric’s best friend, so we’ve hung out a few times, and he comes across as too self-involved. All he ever talks about is himself. Though I have to admit, he’s not doing that now. In fact, he’s stewing in silence as he grinds his teeth together and glares at us in silence. His girlfriend, meanwhile, is shifting from foot to foot, obviously uncomfortable.
I sip my beer and keep my grip on Kaylee who’s staring at me in shock. I absentmindedly rub my thumb along her hip, and she shudders. She’s so sensitive and responsive, my cock grows heavy in my pants. A crowded restaurant isn’t the best place to get an erection, but I doubt anyone will notice.
To help sell our relationship, I tuck a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear and stare into her eyes, silently willing her to relax. For just a moment, everyone else in the restaurant fadesaway. Kaylee’s breath escapes through her plump, parted lips. Only inches separate us and her pupils expand as she looks into my eyes. The air is thick with sexual tension, and I forget about pretending for the sake of Kaylee’s ex. I forget about the reason we’re even here. She’s awakened a hunger inside me and Ineeda taste.
But just when I’m about to lean in and steal a kiss, Mark clears his throat. “There’s no need for the two of you to be all over each other,” he says, jaw tight.
Kaylee shifts away, and the interruption is like being doused with cold water. The rest of the world comes back into focus around us, and the fire that’s burning through my veins cools. For now.
“Come on, Shannon. We’re going to get a drink.”
She stares at us, brow furrowed, eyes narrowed, and I wonder if he realizes how obvious his jealousy is.
He turns away and stalks toward the bar, not bothering to make sure Shannon is following.
“What the hell was that?” Kaylee asks, sounding more confused than angry. “What were you thinking declaring us a couple?”
I let out a chuckle. “Isn’t it obvious? I just saved you from an awkward situation.”
She shakes her head. “You know we’re here for the nextthree days, right? If we don’t keep up the ruse, it’ll be way more embarrassing for me.”
Something I’d never let happen.
I like Kaylee. We’ve known each other for a while, though we aren’t close. But I’ve noticed her whenever she’s at the club with Rainey. Not only is she pretty, she smiles often and, best of all, she’s self-aware and unpretentious. Given her friendship with my best friend’s fiancée, I’ve steered clear. We’ve never interacted one-on-one for a prolonged period of time. Neverbeen this close before. Her hair smells like coconut, and I can feel the warmth of her skin through the thin fabric of her dress.
“Well?” she asks, and I realize my thoughts drifted.
At this point, I’m noticing too much about her, and I step back and take another sip of my beer. “Well, sweetheart. I guess that means I’m your boyfriend for the weekend.”
Which won’t be a hardship for me.
CHAPTER FOUR
Kaylee
There’s a knotforming between my stiff shoulder blades, and I can’t seem to stop bouncing my leg. Ever since Tristan pronounced us as a couple, I’ve been worried. Mark is watching our every move and my family is here. I’m going to have to lie to them and I hate the thought.
We’ve moved into the main room and are seated at a long table next to a window. I’m hyperaware of Tristan on my right. He’s correct when he says he saved me from an awkward situation, and I appreciate he stepped in when he did, but I’m out of practice being casually intimate with arealboyfriend. Pretending to have that kind of relationship with Tristan, a man I’m so attracted to, feels impossible.
Beneath the table, he places a hand on my knee, stopping my leg from bouncing. At the feel of his palm on my bare skin, a shiver runs down my spine, and I whip my head in his direction so fast I feel dizzy.
“Relax,” he whispers.
I look at him, stunned. Unlike me, he seems completely at ease, which he proves with a wink in my direction. “You seem a little on edge, sweetheart.”
Sweetheart.That’s what he called me earlier. The term of endearment slips so easily from his lips, and hearing it feels way too good and natural. Like this thing between us is real.
