Page 108 of The Dixon Rule

She ignores that. “Let’s run through the entire routine one more time and then call it a night.”

For the last time this rehearsal, we run through our tango routine to the music pouring out of Diana’s external speaker. By the time we get to the final dip, we’re both breathing hard. We finish to a smattering of applause. I look at our audience consisting of three men who just want to bone Diana and give them a little bow.

“Thank you, kind gentlemen.” I walk to the bench where I threw down my towel and wipe down my face. Diana does the same. Her neck is arched as she dabs her towel over the sheen of sweat on her cleavage.

I notice Ralph’s eyes glaze over.

“Dude,” I reprimand, “you have three daughters. Show a little respect. Or discretion.”

He sheepishly hurries out of the gym.

“Dinner and FoF tonight?” I ask Diana when we’re back in Red Birch. It’s sort of our routine now.

“Can’t. I’m grabbing dinner with Will.”

A frown touches my lips. “You’re going out with my teammate?”

“Yes.”

“And I’m not invited?”

“No, it’s a him-and-me thing.”

I don’t know why, but that makes my shoulders tense. “But I’m your boyfriend. Is he trying to take you on a date?”

“Of course not. We’re friends.”

“But I’m your boyfriend,” I repeat.

“My fake boyfriend,” she corrects.

“He doesn’t know that.” I scowl. “Why is Will asking you on dates?”

She stops outside the door of 2A. “He asked me, as a friend, to have dinner with him tonight. It’s not a date, and I am the most loyal fake girlfriend you will ever have. I fake love you, Shane. I want to fake marry you and have your fake babies. Okay?”

I glare at her. “Uncalled for. I can’t believe you brought our fake children into this.”

“Why are you like this?” She huffs out a breath. “I’ll see you at rehearsal tomorrow.”

She leaves me in the hall staring at her closed door.

I unlock my own door and stomp into my apartment, not quite sure why I’m so riled up. Am I annoyed that Larsen might be making a move on a woman he believes is my girlfriend? Or am I bothered that Diana is choosing to hang out with him tonight instead of me?

Motherfucker.

I think it’s the latter.

I think this unpleasant sensation slogging through my veins is jealousy.

What if she decides she actually likes Larsen and wants to date him for real? My brain has finally reconciled with the fact that I might be a tiny bit interested in starting something up with her. Fine, not a tiny bit. Ever since I accurately guessed her kinks, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about fucking her.

I saw it in her eyes, how badly she wants to relinquish control, and that intrigues me to no end. I’ve never met a woman who might want to explore that kind of stuff with me. Lynsey sure didn’t. But Diana wants a guy who will take charge. Someone who can fulfill her darkest, dirtiest fantasies.

Why the hell should Will Larsen get to explore that with her?

Nope.

If anyone is getting that honor, it’s going to be me.

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