Page 40 of RAKEish

“And until then I’m to blather on about inane topics?”

“Until then, you are to wow him with your witty dialogue, which is the next lesson on the agenda for this evening.”

“And if witty banter isn’t my strong suit, then what?”

Scott’s hand gently cupped her cheek, his touch sending a flutter through her. “If words aren’t your forte, then being exceptional in…other areas can be just as captivating.”

Lux felt a rush of emotions at Scott’s touch, a gesture that was both unexpected and unsettling and sending mixed signals to her lady parts. She slapped away his hand. “You want conversation, I’ll give it to you.” Her mind raced for something intriguing to say.

“I’m waiting.”

“Did you know Lake Superior is the perfect place to dump a body?”

Scott looked charmed. “And why is that?”

“Because the bacteria that causes bodies to float doesn’t survive in Lake Superior’s cold-ass waters.”

He laughed, a genuine sound that made Lux’s heart flutter. “Morbid, but excellent. You’ve managed to entertain and show depth simultaneously.”

She nodded, feeling a mix of accomplishment and anticipation. “What’s next?”

“Tomorrow night, we go out. You’ll put all this to the test while I observe,” Scott said, a hint of challenge in his voice.

“And where will we meet?”

“We’ve been invited to a Flirtation Gala. Did you not receive the invitation?”

She shook her head. “I did not.”

“I’ll send you the details. We will arrive separately and will not interact. It will be your opportunity to apply what I’ve taught you—to set up dates with rakes for the remaining days.”

“And if I fail to get a date?” The prospect of actually courting a rake sent a shiver of dread through her. “What then?”

“Then I will step in and arrange one for you.”

The sudden realization that their sessions—and their connection—might soon end doused her mood like cold water. The idea should have been a relief, yet it left an inexplicable hollow inside her. Frankie’s caution echoed in her mind, a bell tolling a warning.

“I can hardly wait to stumble through this and finally be free from our delightful little charade.” She had meant it to sound indifferent, casual, but the words were a shield, hastily erected to guard against an unexpected ache.

Scott’s reaction was subtle—the slightest stiffening of his posture, the barest dimming of his eyes. It was clear that her barbed words had found their mark. His own walls, usually so invisible, rose visibly between them. “Now that we’re done with your lessons for the evening, shall we order dinner, or would you prefer to call it a night?” His cool, detached voice mirrored her feigned disinterest.

The air around them grew thick.

“I’m sorry. What I said was rude.” The apology spilled out, genuine and raw. She prided herself on kindness, and the bitter taste of her own harshness was a jarring reminder of that value. “I don’t want to call it a night. Not yet.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Then dinner?”

Lux’s pulse quickened with a sudden, daring impulse. “I have a better idea.”

The hurt in his eyes gave way to cautious intrigue. “And what might that be?”

Without breaking eye contact, Lux let her hand drift to his knee. “Let’s get out of here.” Thankfully, her voice came out steady…betraying none of the inner turmoil that set her pulse hammering.

But his lips pressed into a thin line, a silent rebuff that had her hand retracting as if burned.

She opened her mouth, intent on taking it back. “I’m—”

“Doc, I have plans for later this evening,” he cut in, voice even, but Lux caught the briefest flicker of something more behind his eyes.

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