Yes, but I’m a gentleman. We’ve done a lot of games, dinners, and bars on my account. If you want to do something specific, I’m all ears.
I think about it for a second. There are hundreds of things I’d want to do, and fifty of them involve that bathtub in his condo, but that might be considered a waste. He forgets that I’ve also had a lot of say in what we do on our days. We’ve gone to the shelter to visit Wanton, and the last time we were there, he was going to pay the adoption fees for two dogs since I promised him that I wasn’t going to sleep with him by the end of November.
He paid for all of them instead.
I cried. He let me without saying anything.
If another two months pass with no sex, he said he’ll payfor the cats next. I don’t want to admit the relief I felt when he spoke as if this deal would extend past the end of the year. I’ve been staring at the calendar with dread in my stomach.
Me
Can I sleep over again?
Those three dots appear and vanish so many times that I wonder if he’s getting the wrong idea.
Carter
To spend time with me or my tub?
Me
Do you want me to lie to you?
Carter
You wound me.
Yes, a sleepover and food can be arranged, but that’s not all we’re doing.
Me
No?
As much as my heart pulls at what that little sentence might mean, I yank it back into its lane. There will be no funny business here. There is no place for sex in a fake relationship. Think of the cats, Arden. The cats need homes!
Carter
No. I have an idea. I’ll pick you up at seven.
Me
Fake girlfriend duties shall commence at seven.
Carter
Nah, this one isn’t for my fake girlfriend. This one is just because I think you’ll like it.
I stare at my phone for a few seconds. I hate the way I’m smiling down at the screen. I hate the way that warmth floods through me in the same temperature of his hugs. I hate the way I’m starting to bloom in the light of Carter Forkerro’s attention.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
arden
“Ugh.”I scoff when I swing open the door to my apartment to find my date waiting. I give him a once-over and roll my eyes. He’s wearing joggers, a brown sweater, and a ball cap pulled low over his eyes. He looks ridiculously attractive. Carter cocks a brow, so I gesture at his body. “How do you just roll up looking likethat?”
There it is, that megawatt, blinding smile that I’ve grown quite fond of. It takes over his whole face.
“These old things?” he says, and he strikes a couple of poses on my front walkway. I break into laughter as his eyes skim over my outfit. Fitted, flared jeans and a green cropped shirt. Topped off with an oversized blazer. Easy. Simple. “Speak for yourself.”
