Yeah, absolutely not.
I can see my reputation taking a hit and a potential friendship crumbling before it ever has a chance to flourish.
“True.Damn. I feel bad for putting you in this position.”
“As you should,” I say with a half-smile. And this only makes him chuckle. I exhale and fall back into the armchair. “Looks like I don’t have a choice but to be your girlfriend this week.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” he teases.
“This is a bad thing. I’ve lied to this woman.”
“I meant the being my girlfriend part.”
I purse my lips, and Othello studies me with those warm, ridiculously distracting eyes. “Are you sure about this?”
There is only one answer to that question:hell yeah. I mean, Collette said she wanted to talk to me about my magazine. For what or why, I have no clue. But why would I block a potential opportunity to score whatever gems she’s bound to drop?
This whole pretend thing won’t be so bad, right? Othello is fun. We have fun. I enjoy his company. He enjoys mine, I think. I mean, even though he is trying to rush me out of his room.
I lift my gaze back to him, more certain now.
“Yeah. I’m sure.” I stand and give him a pointed look. “But if we do this, we’re doing itmyway.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He closes the gap between us, invading my personal space, and I can’t help but notice the lustful gleam in his eye.
“Tell me your commands.”
I lift a finger. “Rule one: no kissing.”
“How believable would that be if I don’t kiss you, Marley?”
I shrug. He has a point.
“Okay, anywhere but the lips.”
He raises an eyebrow, a lustful grin spreading across his face. I swat him on the shoulder.
“Anywhere on myface, except mymouth!” I correct myself.
“Noted,” he says, suppressing a laugh.
“Rule two: No leaving me alone. I don’t want to be stranded with your ex or the Satin Mafia.”
“Wait, thewho?” He barks out a laugh.
“Her mean girl clique. Look, never mind what I call them. Rule three: no flirting with other women when we’re together.”
He shakes his head and laughs lightly. “Now, why the hell would I do that?”
“Because I saw the way those bridesmaids were looking at you. The one with the short hair was ready to risk it all for you right there in the lobby.”
“Oh wow,” he says, massaging his chin.
“What? You’re handsome, I get it. And I mean, I don’t blame you if you wanted to shoot your shot. They’re gorgeous women. But even if we are faking it, I don’t want you making me look like a fool.”
“Trust me, I won’t be looking at them, let alone thinking about them.”
The way he looks at me makes my heart leap into my throat, and I swallow. His proximity breaks my focus.
