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He winks while sipping on his coffee.

His proximity sends a shiver down my spine, and I can’t help feeling like I’m on fire. Maybe I should have ordered an iced drink to cool myself down from the inside out.

Having Beau so close, his arm brushing against mine, feels so good. Too good. A feeling I could get used to, but I shouldn’t. But it’s a sensation I’ve come to crave, the closeness, the intimacy… besides the wedding, it’s all I can think about.

And as I steal a glance at him, I catch a glimpse of the same warmth reflected in his eyes.

Despite the purpose behind our charade, there is something more here. I know there’s a connection between us, one that goes beyond the façade we’re putting on.

This is easy… too easy.

Maybe it’s because we’ve already slept together. Maybe it’s because he knows more about my body than a stranger should. But as we sit side by side in the cozy booth, I can’t help but revel in the feeling of him being next to me, knowing that no matter what happens, no matter the expiration date, we’re in this together. If I fail, he fails.

But it’s not failing I’m worried about… it’s falling.

I need to focus on something besides the way his leg keeps brushing against mine.

A list! Maybe I’ll make a list later about the pros and cons of having him here.

Pro: I get to have his eyes on me.

Con: I can’t help but want to have more than his eyes on me.

Bad idea.

No more lists.

At least not that type.

“What’s the plan?” Beau shifts ever so slightly, his leg brushing up against mine.

“I—um—” I stutter, shaking it off. “What?”

“What’s on your agenda.” He reaches over and points out my notebook. “What’s on your list.”

“Oh!” I try not to laugh. “The list.” I open it to the marked page, all color coded and highlighted.

“That would be the one.” He leans back in the seat and places his hand on my thigh.

I tense.

Beau’s frown deepens as his eyes meet mine, a flicker of concern passing through them. “Eyes,” he reminds me.

I don’t know why I froze. It’s not like I haven’t had his hands on me, but this time feels different. Maybe it’s because before, it was for me, and now, it’s for them. Either way, I can’t mess up. I can’t react that way, or our cover is going to be blown.

“Sorry,” I mouth.

“It’s okay,” Beau reassures me softly. “Let’s just focus on staying in character.” His lips press against my forehead in a tender kiss, and for a moment, I close my eyes and allow myself to bask in the warmth of his affection. It’s a fleeting moment of intimacy amidst the crazy chaos of our charade, and I cherish it before reality comes crashing back in.

“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice barely above a breath. “I guess everything is catching up with me.”

As I look up at him, I’m struck by the intensity of his gaze. It’s as if his eyes are devouring me whole, igniting a fire deep within me. I feel myself getting lost in the depths of his stare, my breath catching in my throat.

“You okay?” Beau smirks. He knows what he’s doing. He has to. So, I play it off.

“I suck at this acting thing,” I confess. “But you… you’re a natural.”

There’s a flicker of something in Beau’s eyes, a raw hunger that sends a thrill coursing through me. A feeling I haven’t felt since that first night. “Who says I’m acting?” he murmurs, his voice low and seductive.