Page 57 of Just a Little Tempted

After introductions, Fallon and Noah drifted into the living room, Fallon’s earlier distress apparently forgotten as she balanced a plate heaped with food. Noah shot me a warning look that dared me to comment. As if I’d make that mistake twice. I might not understand why it was forbidden to mention a pregnant woman’s size, but I wasn’t stupid enough to say anything about how much she was eating, especially when she was eating for two.

“There’s food in the dining room,” I said to Raina, placing my hand on the small of her back to guide her in that direction.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kurt stiffen.

When I glanced over, he was staring at my hand on his sister’s back, his expression shifting from casual friendliness to something more guarded. It occurred to me that he didn’t know things between us had changed. I’d told Kurt about the fake dating arrangement after the gala, and he’d found it hilarious at the time, teasing me about having to play house with his sister just to land Alexander’s business.

He looked considerably less amused now.

The concern in his eyes reminded me of the way Miles had looked at me during dinner—protective, suspicious, ready to intervene if necessary. Both of Raina’s brothers clearly watched out for her, and while I appreciated that she had people in her corner, their obvious wariness toward me rankled.

It wasn’t a surprise when Kurt followed us into the dining room. The game had just started in the other room, drawing most of my guests to the TV, but Kurt clearly had other priorities. Shannon and Wren remained in the kitchen, their laughter drifting out as they bonded over wine.

“So, Raina,” Kurt said as I handed her a plate. He stood on the opposite side of the table, watching us with studied casualness. “How’s the job going?”

Something in his tone made Raina’s eyes narrow. “It’s great. Why do you ask?”

Kurt’s gaze flicked to me before returning to his sister. “Just curious. You two seem to be getting alongexceptionallywell. Beyond the whole fake dating thing.”

The words landed like a challenge. Raina’s spine went rigid, and I stood motionless, waiting to see how she’d respond. I’d told her she was mine in that coffee shop, had made my intentions clear, but we hadn’t truly discussed what it meant. I’d assumed she understood that things had changed between us. That part of the reason I’d invited her tonight was because Iwanted the woman I was falling for to meet the important people in my life.

But now, as silence stretched and Kurt’s eyebrows climbed higher, I realized I should have been clearer. We needed to be on the same page.

Then Raina reached for my hand.

Her fingers slid between mine, and she lifted her chin as she held her brother’s gaze. “Yeah. Wearegetting along exceptionally well.”

“Does that mean…” Kurt trailed off, gesturing between us with obvious implication.

“Are you asking if we’re together?” Raina’s voice was steady, but I felt the slight nervous tremor in her grip around my hand.

“Are you?” Kurt volleyed right back.

She glanced at me then, her eyes searching mine, giving me the opportunity to confirm or deny. To decide whether this was the moment we went public, starting with her brother.

I didn’t hesitate. “Yes,” I said, squeezing her hand. “We are.”

Kurt’s attention shifted fully to me, a hard glint entering his eyes. “Raina isn’t like the other women you’ve been with.”

Her breath hitched softly and I ran my thumb across her knuckles as I held Kurt’s stare. “No, she’s not,” I agreed. “She’s extraordinary. She’s the most genuine person I’ve ever met, and she challenges me in ways no one else does. I care for her, and I’m not taking this lightly, Kurt.”

Something flickered across his face—surprise, maybe, at my frankness.

“I don’t know if this is a good idea.” His voice was cautious but not unkind. “You’re her boss, Simon. The power dynamic alone—”

“Don’t talk about me like I’m not standing right here,” Raina cut in. “And don’t worry so much about me. I know exactly whatI’m doing.” Her eyes found mine, and her next words felt like they were meant for me alone. “I’m happy.”

I leaned in and pressed a kiss to her lips before I could stop myself. Chaste, brief, but undeniable. I didn’t care if it made Kurt uncomfortable. I needed her to know that her words meant something to me.

Kurt made a sound of disgust. “Okay, okay. I get it. No need to make out in front of me.”

Raina laughed, and just like that, the tension broke. We all turned our attention to filling plates with food, the awkwardness dissolving into something more comfortable.

A few minutes later, while Raina was distracted comparing wing flavors with Wren, who had wandered in from the kitchen, Kurt appeared at my side.

“Look,” he said quietly, his voice pitched for my ears only. “I know you well enough to understand this is real. You’re not the type to toy with a woman’s feelings.”

“No,” I agreed. “I’m not.”