Page 26 of Fever

Resolute, she said, “I can. What about you?”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

Santana sat up, causing me to stand upon her adjustment.

“You can’t date other people. You can’t be caught flirting or entertaining other women. You have to behave like we’re exclusive. Can you do that, Josiah?”

“You don’t think I can?”

“I’m not sure, but this is your thing, so if you want to pull this off, you’ve got to put it to the test.”

I smiled. “Santana, I’ve been single all my life because I want to be. Not because I can’t be exclusive.”

Santana smirked, and her lashes lowered. “Really, because I don’t take too kindly of my future fake husband flirting with other bimbos.”

I threw my head back and laughed. “Future fake husband? Bimbos?”

“You heard me.”

“I’ve never dated bimbos. I’m a very selective man.”

“Ha! We’ll see about that. What time is this meeting?”

“At three.”

Her eyes extended.

“Oh my God, Josiah, it’s two fifteen!”

“Well, you better get on with it, girl.”

“I’m going to be late to the first meeting with your father! Oh my God.”

My eyes softened, and suddenly I felt a tug on my chest. I reached out to Santana to halt her hurried pace. She looked at me with eyes wide.

“What?”

“You really care about this, don’t you?”

She straightened. “Of course. It’s what you want. You’re my friend. I care about you.”

The room closed in on us as we stared each other down.

“Thank you, Santana. This means a lot.”

Her smile was radiant. “You’re welcome, Sir, now move it, I’ve gotta go get ready.”

“I’ll be there to pick you up in twenty minutes.”

“No!” she said, shaking her head. You go to the restaurant, and I’ll be there in an hour. I’m sure there’s something you’ll have to talk about before I get there. Remember this meeting isn’t solely about us. It’s about this partner.”

At the halfhearted look on my face, Santana pleaded. “You’ll be okay, I promise. I’ll be there before you could miss me.”

“I miss you already.”

She smiled that beautiful full-face beam. “Oh hush.” Giggling, Santana ran out the door.

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