Page 35 of The Fake Play

“Every woman is an actress. Guys just don't realize that they're in a play.”

“Prove it. Put on a show.” I’m getting lost in the way she’s looking at me, defiant and daring. I pull her in almost by instinct. Hooking my hand around the back of her neck, my mouth finds hers. Her lips are warm and soft, and as soon as we connect, the rest of the bar fades into hazy oblivion.

Instead of pulling back or keeping it brief, Keke surprises me by pulling me even closer. Her hands slide up my chest as she kisses me back. And the girl knows how to kiss.

Without hesitation she meets my lips full on, giving herself over to the moment just as much as I am. I deepen the kiss, feeling her sigh against me, and I can’t help but lose myself alittle. Her moan echoes in my head, and I memorize the sound. I’m hooked.

When we finally pull apart, her cheeks are flushed and her eyes unfocused, like she'd just woken up from a dream. She bites her lip, glancing around as if suddenly remembering where we are, letting out a soft, breathy laugh.

“Not bad. For a PR expert, I mean.”

“Gee, thanks,” she replies with a hint of a smirk at her lips. But there’s no mistaking the shakiness in her voice.

She’s just as affected as I am.

Before I can say anything else, she captures my mouth with another kiss, this one hungrier, like she had given herself permission to go for it. This game is dangerous. She melts into me, her fingers curling around the fabric of my shirt as if anchoring herself to me. My hand slips to her waist, pulling her closer. We’d gotten so wrapped up in each other that I barely register the cheers and whistles from nearby tables.

Someone has probably taken a photo of us by now. Good, let them. That was exactly what we wanted to happen. But as her fingers tangle in my hair and I let myself get lost in the taste of her, I realize this is more than just some ploy. I want her. And by the way she’s kissing me, I’d say she wants me just as much.

Eventually, I force myself to pull back, trying to catch my breath as I brush a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Her chest rises and falls, heavy with each breath. Her eyes are wide and something about the way she’s looking at me makes my pulse race.

Some of my teammates are among those hooting at us. I hear Lucas shout, “Get a room!”

It’s now or never.

I press my forehead to hers, and in a low growl ask, “How about we get out of here?”

She blinks, as if snapping back to reality, and a slow smile spreads across her lips. “Yeah, I think that's a good idea.”

I pay the tab quickly and we laugh and stumble as we make our way outside. The cool night air hit us like a splash of cold water, but even that can’t quell the fire between us. I grab her hand and pull her close as we flag down a cab and slip inside, our fingers still intertwined as if we can’t stand the idea of letting go.

By the time we get back to my place, I’m half convinced I'll be waking up tomorrow wondering if it had all been a dream. I close the condo’s entry door behind us, feeling my heart thundering in my chest. I reach for her, ready to pick up right where we left off. But she takes a step back, her expression shifting, her eyes cold as she folds her arms over her chest. “So, do you think they bought it?”

The question completely throws me off, dousing whatever lingering fire there was. Frustration doesn’t even come close to explain how I’m feeling, but I hide it with a small, easy smile. “Pretty convincing performance, if I say so myself.”

She lets out a breath. “I know you said your family told you that the acting gene isn’t in you, but I disagree. I’d say you did damn well. Goodnight.” She turns to leave and I almost reach out to stop her. Almost.

Instead, I watch as she walks to the foyer, her heels clicking softly on the hardwood as her hips sway. I’m left aching; a little drunk and a lot horny. I take a deep breath, raking a hand through my hair as I lean back against the wall, letting the frustration wash over me.

She had pulled away at the last second but part of me is starting to wonder how much of that kiss had been acting. She didn't have to let out that little moan into my mouth. No one else could hear that.

Something tells me I’m not the only one going to bed frustrated and horny.

Chapter 14

Keke

Ican’t stop replaying every moment between us. The feeling of his lips on mine. The rush of excitement that came with being that close to him. The delicious way his tongue had slipped into my mouth.

Luke had a way of peeling back my layers, and it was starting to scare me just how much I wanted him to.

I did my nightly routine, changed into my jammies, then tried to calm down by pacing around my room. I tried to forget the feel of his hands on me and failed miserably. This is ridiculous. I've been with charming men before, men who could just walk in and take whatever they wanted. But Luke is different.

Still, there’s no way this can go anywhere. I was just doing my job, all part of the plan. Is this why so many celebrities end up screwing around with their co-stars? I’d have to ask Luke in the morning without explaining why I wanted to know.

I climb into bed, yank up the covers to my chin, and stare at the ceiling. But every time I close my eyes, I see him. Feel him. The thrill of our kiss, the warmth of his hand at my waist. My heart races, a steady, relentless beat that won’t let me forget any part of it. I can still feel the heat of him on me.

I shuck my nightshirt off and reach between my legs, desperate to release the pressure, otherwise, I’m going to end up doing something devastatingly stupid like walking down to his room. My hand slides beneath my panties finding my swollen nub. I clench my teeth as I touch myself. Pleasure rockets through me when I discover how wet I already am.

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