Page 20 of My Real Love Affair

“That too.” I spun her, enjoying the way her dress flared out. “So you’ve heard of me. Should I be flattered or worried?”

“Neither.”

“Going to tell me your name?”

“Melody,” she said.

I nodded. “I like that. It suits you.”

“You don’t know me.”

“Not yet.”

“But I know you?”

“Yeah?” I couldn’t help but grin. “Tell me what you know.”

“You’re a playboy with commitment issues who dates models and crashes expensive cars.”

“Ouch. Tell me how you really feel.”

“You asked.” But she was smiling now. “Though I’ll admit, you’re slightly less terrible in person.”

“High praise. I’ll take it.” I pulled her a little closer. “What are you thinking?” I noticed she seemed to be trying to decide whether she wanted to kick me in the shin or kiss me again.

She bit her lip. “I’m just thinking about how I’m going to explain this to my best friend tomorrow.”

“What’s to explain? You met a devastatingly handsome stranger who swept you off your feet at a wedding. It’s romantic.”

“It’s insane.”

“Same thing.” I spun her again, showing off a little. “You’re a good dancer.”

“You sound surprised.”

“I’m not. Just making conversation. You know, getting to know my fake girlfriend.”

“Keep your voice down,” she hissed, glancing around.

“Relax. Everyone’s too busy posting about us to actually listen to what we’re saying.” I dipped her, probably more dramatically than necessary, and brought her back up.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about dipping her right onto my bed. I wanted to get her alone. Really alone. Not in a bathroom at a wedding, but somewhere private. My penthouse, maybe. Where I could take my time figuring out what made herlaugh and what touches would make her gasp. Even better, what would make her scream my name.

She’d be even more fun out of that dress.

“What are you thinking about?” Melody asked, eyeing me suspiciously.

“Nothing appropriate.”

She sighed. “Are you always like this?”

“I’m being good. See? Dancing. Behaving. Very proper Bancroft behavior.”

“I don’t think proper Bancrofts grab asses in public.”

“You’d be surprised. Some of my brothers’ wives are very affectionate.”

She laughed again. I mentally added it to my list of favorite sounds.