Page 35 of Fake Out

“Come on,” he says, sensing my hesitation. “It’ll be fun. Besides, it’s good for our cover, right?”

I pause, considering his words. He has a point. As much as I’d like to deny it, being seen together does help sell the idea of our relationship. And although mixing business with pleasure isn’t ideal, maybe it’s necessary in this case.

“Sure,” I agree, finally giving in. “Let’s celebrate.”

“Great!” His face lights up. “I know just the place. Get ready, and I’ll meet you downstairs in thirty.”

“Sounds good,” I reply, my spirits lifting slightly. Going out with Charlie is always fun, and maybe I’m selling myself short and I really can compartmentalize all of this.

As he leaves, I close the door and lean against it for support. My pulse races in my veins, and I feel a thrill at the thought of spending more time with Charlie. But I need to remember that he’s my client, not my boyfriend — no matter how much my heart yearns for it to be otherwise.

I ready myself for our night out, my thoughts a whirlwind of excitement and trepidation. As I slide on a pair of black heels and apply a final touch of lipstick, I try to shake off the lingering unease both from going out with Charlie and Isaac’s less-than-enthusiastic reaction to our success. I’m overthinking things and need to put my busy mind on the back burner.

With one last glance in the mirror, I steel my resolve and head downstairs, determined to enjoy this evening for what it is: a celebration of our hard work, and a necessary part of our professional charade.

CHAPTER 17

CHARLIE

The hotel lobby buzzes with energy as I wait for Marissa to join me. People check in and chat around me, and the chandelier overhead casts a warm glow on the polished marble floor, but it’s nothing compared to the light inside me when I think of her.

Today was incredible; we nailed our meeting and proved that we’re a force to be reckoned with. And Marissa… she’s truly the whole package. Beautiful, smart, ambitious.

It leaves me wondering what it would be like to keep her in my life after this trip is over.

It’s a strange thought, unlike any that I’ve had before.

I’ve never been one to entertain the idea of having a woman in my life permanently, but something about Marissa makes me feel differently. She challenges me and pushes me to be better, both professionally and personally. The thought of having her by my side doesn’t scare me anymore. Instead, it fills me with excitement.

I still don’t know what to make of that. In some ways, I’ve changed so much since we first left Chicago. I’m not sure who I’ll be when I return home. I just hope that, no matter what comes next, Marissa will still be a part of my life.

“Hey.”

Marissa’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts, and I turn to see her walking towards me, looking stunning. Her dark hair cascades down her shoulders, and her dress clings to her curves, leaving little to the imagination. My heart races as I take her in, suddenly feeling like the luckiest man in the world.

“Marissa, you look… wow,” I stammer.

“Thanks.” She smooths her dress and looks away. “You look pretty great yourself.”

“Eh.” I shrug. “I figured I would throw on a shirt with buttons.”

Her laugh is pure music. “It’s more than that. You smell nice, too.”

“Oh, yeah?” I cock an eyebrow at her.

Immediately, she blushes.

She’s told me to keep things professional between us, so I bite my tongue. Even though I’d love to do plenty of other things with it…

Shaking the dirty thoughts out of my head, I gesture to the door. “Ready to go?”

“Sure.” She strides past me, and I almost have to bite my fist. She looks just as good from the back as from the front.

Not that I’m trying to stare. Because I’m sure that’s not allowed either.

It’s certainly not professional, and for the first time in my life — thanks to Marissa — I’m giving a damn about being a professional.

So, keeping my mouth shut, I follow her out of the hotel and into the city. The streets are alive with laughter and music, the perfect backdrop for a balmy evening. We make our way through the bustling crowd, her hand in mine. It feels like we’re the only two people in the world right now, and I never want this night to end.

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