Page 27 of My Real Love Affair

“I’m suggesting we grab dinner sometime. Or lunch. Or coffee. Whatever you want.” I kept my tone casual, even though something about her uncertainty made me want to work harder to convince her. “No cameras. No audience. Just us.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Come on, Melody. What’s the worst that could happen?”

“You could turn out to be a serial killer.”

“I’m not a serial killer.”

“That’s exactly what a serial killer would say.”

“Fair point.” I grinned.

She sighed. “I’ll give you my number, but I don’t expect you to call, okay? You got out of your situation and saved me from mine. I appreciate it.”

I held out my phone. “Give me your number.”

She punched it in and I quickly stored it in my phone.

“Goodnight, Austin.”

I reached out and grabbed her hand before she could climb out. “Can I kiss you again?”

The question surprised her. I could see it in the way her eyes widened, her lips parting slightly. For a second, I thought she’d say yes. Her gaze dropped to my mouth. I could see her debating internally.

Then she smiled, soft and a little teasing. “No.”

I blinked. “No?”

“No.”

“Can I ask why?”

“Because I want to keep you guessing.” She reached for the door handle. “Good night, Austin.”

And just like that, she was out of the car, walking up the steps to her front door. I watched her unlock the door and slip inside, the lights in her townhouse flickering on moments later.

“Huh,” I said to myself.

I couldn’t remember the last time a woman had turned me down. For anything. It should’ve stung my ego, should’ve made me want to prove something. Instead, I found it kind of hot.

Melody was a mystery. Sweet but sharp. Confident but vulnerable. She didn’t throw herself at me despite knowing exactly who I was and what I could offer. She’d turned down a kiss even though I was pretty sure she wanted it as much as I did. I couldn’t figure her out.

And I fucking loved that.

The car pulled away from the curb. I was already thinking about when I could see her again. My penthouse wasn’t far, but it gave me time to text her.

She thought I wasn’t going to call.

Me:Sleep tight, fake girlfriend.

Read. Tiny bubbles. I waited to see what her response would be.

And then the bubbles disappeared.

“Oh, you’re cold, Miss Melody.”

I laughed and put my phone down.