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My eyes dance between hers, trying to understand what she’s getting at. I have a wild guess, but my heart isn’t ready to get my hopes up yet. I need to hear her say the words.
“What are you saying, Simone?”
“I’m willing…”
Yes?
“…to start…”
Come on, baby.
“…dating.”
Dating?
“Say what? Date who?”
“You, you blockhead.”
I frown. “Dating? As in not a committed relationship?”
She cocks her hips, with her hands going to her waist in that all too familiarI’m in chargestance. “We need to work up to a commitment, Chase.”
“Why go through the formalities? You want me. I want you. Let’s make it official.”
Simone huffs. “Shawn Brighton!”
Using my legal name is a clear indicator I’ve pissed her off—again.
“I’m willing to stride toward a devoted relationship. Are you seriously fighting me on this?”
Yes.I’ve waited a long, long time to claim this woman in all the ways that matter. Dating seems arbitrary when we both know she’s going to be my wife sooner than later.
I run my wet hands over my face, willing myself to calm down. Simone is right for expressing what she needs to get us to the next level. And I’m being a stubborn dick for not looking at the bigger picture.
Simone wants to date me. She wants to build a relationship with me. This is progress.
Still upset it isn’t wedding bells, I manipulate my face into a smile. “Fine. We start with dating. But I have some boundaries.”
“Okay. Shoot.”
“We’re only dating each other—no one else.” To hell if she thinks she’s going on the dating market. She’s mine only.
Simone nods. “Agreed. Anything outside of monogamy is a deal breaker for me.”
Good.“Same.”
On to the next.“When we meet Trent next week, you’ll tell him we’re together as soon as the opportunity arises.”
Simone rolls her eyes. “I have no intention of discussing anything other than business-related topics with Trent. My private affairs are none of his concern.”
My jaw tics as my impatience builds. Professional or not, I want the fucker to know she’s with me. “Simone…”
“Okay, okay. Cool your territorial, alpha ass.”
If my woman thinks I’m currently behaving like an alpha, she has no idea how alpha I’ll become if Trent makes a move on her. I’ll go full king of the pride. The more I dwell on the idea of filling in Trent, the more certain I am of informing him sooner rather than later.
“Promise you’ll tell him.”
