Page 73 of Weddings, Revenge & Fake Dating

“Yes, wedding nerves,” I say.

I glance back and see Nathan pat Roman’s shoulder. It causes Roman’s nostrils to flare. If I’m not careful, he’ll pull Nathan into a headlock.

Not that Nathan can’t handle himself, but I’d feel bad if things escalated. Or maybe I’d be jealous. I’d rather be the one to take down Roman.

In the elevator, we chat about the upcoming day. Sophia has an appointment with the catering company, while Roman has his own wedding errands. We part ways in the lobby when Nathan and I stop for a coffee at the café.

“What were you and Roman talking about earlier?” I ask Nathan as soon as we finish our drinks. He grabs my hand and pauses in an alcove, his expression turning serious.

“Where are we today? Are we back to making Roman jealous or are we being real?” he asks.

I shift from foot to foot, unsteady, not expecting to face this question yet. I’m only starting to figure things out for myself. Placing my apprehensions aside, I decide to give Nathan my honest assessment. I owe it to him and to myself.

“Would it be weird if we continued this?” I wave a hand between us. “For now, I’d like to keep things real.” I stumble over my words, unsure how he’ll take this development.

I’m not ready to give up what we had this morning, last night, yesterday, or even the days before. I haven’t felt this alive in years.

What Nathan does to my heart and my body breathes hope into my broken soul.

Imagine what this relationship would feel like when I’m whole again. It’s hard to fathom, but after sampling what could be, Nathan has convinced me that some form of relationship with him would be life-altering.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Way, way ahead.

“Until further notice?” He tilts his head, appearing elated.

“Are you available for that job?” Feeling flirty in his acceptance, I sway my hips in my new sundress.

“I’ll have to check my calendar.” He places a finger to his ear like he’s making a call to his internal secretary. “Ah, yes. Can we clear my schedule? Something’s come up.” He looks down at his shorts.

I snort.

“Looks like it’s you and me, twenty-four seven.” He pretends to hang up.

“What would you be doing right now if you weren’t here?” I ask.

“Jacking off while thinking of you.”

“Stop it. For real.” I nudge his arm.

“Technically, I should be on my way to Tallahassee. Then I’d be traveling to New Orleans and then Dallas.”

“Tallahassee!” My jaw drops.

“My agent shifted my schedule.”

I frown. “Your fans, though, they’ll be disappointed.”

“There’s only one person I care about disappointing.” He places a gentle kiss on my cheek.

Somehow, everything between my thighs throbs again, and I sigh.

“If we keep this up, we’ll never make it to brunch.” I tug him toward the food.

“You’re all the food I need.” He hugs me from behind and snaps his teeth.

I wiggle out of his grasp with a yip and quickly make my way through the corridor toward the poolside restaurant. Nathan follows, playfully grabbing at my behind.

Before we pass through the parting glass doors, though, we halt in our tracks. Tucked into a nearby alcove, we discover an irate Roman yelling at someone.