Page 49 of The Wrong Promise

“Okay, let’s run with that… you’re not living withhim?”

“We made a deal. I help him out, and he gives me somewhere to live since he’s only in London once a month. He lives in a penthouse by the Thames, so I think I got the better deal.”

His eyes fill with worry. “What did you have to do?”

I love that he’s concerned for me. “Be his fake girlfriend for a few dates.”

He shakes his head. “He’s not faking it, Hollywood.”

I laugh as though it’s a joke. “Oh, he is. We barely like each other. I don’t want to go to his penthouse tonight because I don’t want to argue anymore. If we can avoid each other for the few days he is here, then we’ll fight less.”

“Fight?” His brows arch. “Do you want some advice?”

I pop a shoulder. “Move out?”

“Fuck him.”

I laugh. “I tell him to fuck off all the… oh, you actually mean, fuck him?”

“You both need to get it out of your system. Then you can move on. Friends. Friends with benefits. Whatever. But this angst between you is obvious, and there’s only one way to fix it.”

I shake my head. “Are you high? It’s not happening. He can’t stand the notion of touching me.” The one time he did turned him off for life.

“The time he barged in here, the sexual tension was obvious even to me. If it doesn’t mean anything, you’ll know soon enough.”

“I think it would be a big mistake, and I still don’t have anywhere else to live, sooo…” I pop my shoulder again. “It won’t happen. Besides, my best friend is married to his brother, and it is freaking weird that I’m even talking about this.”

“It’s not weird, Hollywood. I mean, what’s the worst that can happen?”

I let out a long breath. “It happened once when we were drunk. I don’t remember much of the night, and I assume neither does he. It’s like it never happened, or I was so bad that he never wants it to happen again. I’m…” I stall, thinking of the right words, “… pastel compared to his vibrant world.”

“Have you seen him with anyone else since?”

I shake my head. “I heard the rumors before I jumped into bed with him.”

“He doesn’t bring women back to his penthouse with you there?”

I shake my head again. “We made a pact. We’re faking this relationship for a business merger. The businessman he is dealing with believes integrity, honesty, and commitment come from a personal attribute, and a sworn bachelor forlife is untrustworthy. The man has contacts, so we need to act the partall of the time. No drunk dancing with random men.” I wink at him.

“He’s besotted by you, Hollywood. No guy would go that far with a girl he didn’t care about.”

Oscar’s expression is one of understanding. His big, gentle eyes tell me it’s okay to have feelings. “I think it’s more frustration. With me.”

He chuckles to himself. “He’s frustrated for sure. Blue balls will do that to a man.”

“Eww.”

“Besides, I don’t think I could ever tell my best friend, and we tell each other everything. It’s…” I shake my head, “… I can’t explain it.”

“You can be each other’s dirty little secret.”

“Well, thanks for the advice, but I still believe you’re wrong.” I down the rest of my gin and notice Baron making his way toward us. “I should leave so Baron can make his move.”

“Unlike you,Ihave no willpower.”

I laugh at Oscar. “Then have a good night, my friend.” Pushing up onto my toes, I kiss Oscar’s cheek. “See you next time.”

I head out of the bar, past all the suits gathered on the street, and head to the Tube. Getting off at Westminster, I walk the few blocks to Jobe’s penthouse, and when the elevator doors open, I hold my breath, unlocking the door.

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