Page 17 of The Companion Love Trap

“And I’ll get new clothes, a free vacation, and time to do whatever I want?” It sounded too good to be true. Mainly because I desperately wanted to say yes, and I didn’t trust my judgment. Time to test the waters.

“Absolutely. You’ll have the mandatory things each day, but outside of them, you’re free to spend your time however you want.”

“What if I meet someone I want to fuck? I can just do that?”

Jace coughed, grabbed his diluted glass of water, and took a sip.

“Yes. As long as you’re discreet. It wouldn’t be good for you to be seen with someone else while pretending to be dating Kieran.”

I nodded, understanding what he was saying, and slightly surprised he hadn’t faltered.

“Fair.” I smiled, looking up from beneath my lashes. “And if I wanted to fuck Kieran?”

Jace barely stopped himself from choking again, clearing his throat with a cough.

“Well, as the contract states, if either party wishes to engage in any form of intimacy, it must be consensual by both people. No one is required to perform anything they’re uncomfortable with; only hand-holding, dancing, and cheek kisses are expected from either party.”

“So, if he’s DTF, it doesn’t void the contract?” I asked, stirring the pot. Jace’s eyes became molten, flipping something in my belly. He laughed, leaning forward, no longer shocked by my statements.

“Yes, Firecracker. If Kieran is down-to-fuck you up against a wall, bent over the counter, or doggie-style in the bed, it’s allowed.”

I sucked in a breath as Jace’s hazel eyes seared into me. Alrighty then. It seemed like Jace might be my match in sass. This time I cleared my throat, uncrossing and recrossing my legs as he continued to stare at me with his all-knowing grin.

“Well, I’m glad we got that cleared up. It’s also important to read the fine print. So, when does this trip start?” I asked.

“Three days.”

My eyes bugged, and a piece of bread lodged itself in my throat. Coughing, I chugged the water down to soothe my esophagus.

“Sorry. You’re serious?”

“Very. The cruise disembarks on Wednesday, so we fly down on Tuesday. You’ll have two days to pack, shop, and tie up any loose ends.”

“Wait… you’re going too?”

“Absolutely. Kieran and I do most things together,” he purred. I didn’t miss the implication, my pussy starting a slow throb at the thought. “And I have some work to do while we’re there.”

“So, you’re pretty desperate to fill the ad if you’ve waited until the last minute?”

“We had some good candidates today,” he hedged, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“But you don’t want them. You want me,” I said with confidence.

Jace smiled, sending butterflies through me. Shit. I couldn’t like him, too. It would make things complicated. I already had myself up to my eyeballs in complicated. Retreat hormones. Focus on the dick.

“You have no idea, Firecracker. So, are you in? Will you fill the companion ad and make Kieran the happiest grump alive by fake dating him?”

“Shouldn’t we meet first? What if we hate one another?”

“Kieran hates most people, so that’s not a good measure, but I have a good feeling about you, Everly. If you sign here, I can send you all the travel information to fill out and arrange a time to go shopping with you on Monday.”

“You’re going shopping with me?” I couldn’t seem to stop posing questions or ignore the way my body responded to everything he said.

“Of course. Believe it or not, I’m a photographer and have an eye for fashion. I know all the best places and the type of outfits you’ll need. Plus, it will be fun to spend time with you unless you want to go on your own. I won’t force my presence on anyone.”

His words were said teasingly, but I picked up some fear and doubt laced in them. I couldn’t deny that the man in front of me intrigued me, and spending a day shopping with him sounded fun. It had nothing to do with wanting to make him happy or erase that pain he hid deep inside.

Nothing at all.

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