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She doesn’t back up.

Good girl.

I take her left hand and lift it between us. The diamond catches the morning light through the window. “Nothing about that ring looks fake to me.”

Her breathing changes. Most people wouldn’t notice but I do. I notice everything about her.

Her lips part.

I run my thumb across the ring.

“You signed the paper.”

“For one year.”

“Still married today.”

“Contractually.”

“Courthouse seemed pretty real.”

“You know what I mean.”

“I know exactly what you mean.”

Her eyes meet mine.

I step closer again.

This time she backs up and her hips hit the front desk. She has nowhere else to go.

I put one hand beside her on the counter but still don’t touch her.

“Dane.”

My name sounds different when she’s nervous. Softer.

“Tell me to move.”

Her eyes flick to my mouth.

She doesn’t.

I lean closer. “Lila.”

“What?”

“Tell me.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re looking at me like you don’t want me to.”

Her chin lifts. “You’re very confident.”

“Usually.”

“You think every woman wants you?”