Page 18 of My Real Love Affair

“I don’t even know you.”

“We can fix that over cocktails.” His hand was still extended, waiting. “Come on, baby girl. Take a chance.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Why not? Your face did this cute thing when I said it earlier.” He gestured vaguely at my cheeks, which were definitely still burning. “All pink and flustered.”

“I was not flustered.”

“You absolutely were. Still are, actually.”

God, he was infuriating. Arrogant and cocky and way too aware of how attractive he was. This was definitely a bad idea.

I reached out and shook his hand. The contact sent a little thrill up my arm that I absolutely was not going to think about.

“Fine,” I said. “But we need ground rules.”

“Such as?”

“No more surprise kissing.”

“What if it’s for the cameras?”

I hesitated. “Then you warn me first.”

“Deal. What else?”

“No more ass-grabbing.”

He grinned. “Even for the cameras?”

“Especially for the cameras!”

“You’re no fun.” But he was still smiling. “Fine. No ass-grabbing. Unless you ask nicely.”

“I’m not going to.”

“Try to look like you’re having a good time. We’re supposed to be into each other, remember?”

“That’s going to require some serious acting.”

“Ouch.” He pressed a hand to his chest in mock offense. “I’m wounded. Here I thought we had chemistry.”

We did. That was the problem. That kiss had been way too good.

“Ready to go back out there?” he asked.

I took a deep breath and checked my reflection in the mirror. My lipstick was smudged, my cheeks were flushed, and I looked like I’d just been thoroughly kissed.

Which I had been.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Austin unlocked the door and held it open for me, gesturing grandly. “After you, baby girl.”

“I said don’t call me that.”

“And yet here we are.” He flashed me that devastating smile again.