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“So, I probably shouldn’t mention the nightie either?” I waggle my eyebrows. “That’s not what you’re wearing tonight is it?” My voice is teasing, but I actually really want to know. Because if that’s how she sleeps, I’m definitely making a pallet on the floor. I told myself I would never mention that sexy nightgown … the wine must be getting to me already. I set the glass down on the side table to avoid getting even more loose with my words.
Molly gasps. “Brooks Windell! You did not just reference my nightgown! And no, that’s not what I’ll be sleeping in tonight.”
Relief washes over me … paired with a pinch of disappointment. Let’s be honest: I’d be crazy to not want to see her in that little nightie again. I’m a hot-blooded man and all that.
Steak.
Beer.
Hunting.
Silky nightgowns.
I laugh again and she rolls her eyes. “You’re horrible. Why do women even like you?”
Standing from the water, I give her my best bodybuilder poses. She attempts to act annoyed but I can tell she’s trying not to laugh.
“This is how,” I say while flexing and posing.
We laugh again, and I’m happy things are normal and not awkward between us. Thank goodness this fake dating nonsense hasn’t ruined the best thing in my life … which is my relationship with Molly. Not to mention we own a business together… Neither of us can just quit if things get weird.
“Speaking of you and women …” she trails off for a second. “How’s your dating ban going?”
I take a deep breath. “Honestly? Not that bad. I’ve never dated anyone seriously, and it gets old going on dates with women that are just … meh.”
“Meh?” She sounds shocked. “I’ve seen the women you date, Brooks. They’re way more than just meh.”
“I mean, in looks, sure.” I scoff. “This might be difficult for you to believe …” I gesture at the opulence surrounding us. “But most of them just want to date me because they know my family has money.”
She wrinkles her nose and takes another small sip of her wine, which is almost gone now. “Yes, that would get old. I think that’s one reason I stayed with Todd so long … His family is also wealthy, so it wasn’t awkward or weird. I knew he didn’t want to date me because of my family.” She considers her words. “Well, other than the fact our parents are good friends.”
I nod once. “That makes sense. But I still think he’s a twat waffle.”
Chapter 16
Molly
“So, tell me,” I say before draining my last drop of wine. “How do you woo all these gorgeous women? Besides the Windell cheek bones.”
He huffs out a laugh. “Should I be offended that it’s so difficult for you to see why women like me?”
I scoff. “Come on. Give me your best smolder.”
His eyes narrow on me, and I suddenly regret drinking that entire glass of wine. He shakes his head slowly from side to side. “Nope. Not going there.”
“Please!” I beg. “You’ll have to smolder at me eventually anyway, for our ruse."
He scoots away from me. “No way.”
“Why not?” I ask, already knowing the answer. Because it would be weird. But, oddly, I’m dying to see how he acts around other girls. The romantic side of him I’ve never seen before.
He quirks a brow. “If I smoldered, you wouldn’t be able to resist me. You’d want a kiss, and I can’t kiss you. I can’t kiss anyone.”
“Whatever! I would not! Ew.” I put my hand on his chest and try to push him, but of course he doesn’t budge. He’s a solid guy, covered in muscles … muscles I’m reminded of with my hand on his pec.
He grabs my hand and holds it to his chest so I can’t grab it back. Brooks looks down at our hands, before tilting his head back up slightly, just enough to peer at me through his dark lashes. It’s unfair how thick his lashes are … not to mention the brilliant blue eyes.
My heartbeat speeds up at the look he’s giving me. It feels as if he could incinerate me with one scorching glance. A scorching glance that has never been aimed in my direction before. His normally bright, mischievous twinkle is now much darker than usual. Like his eyes are burning straight into my soul. No, we’re friends … nothing more. It’s probably just the reflection of the fireplace.
