Page 48 of Once Upon a Fake Date

I leaned down, dragging my lips against her ear. “Showing people we’re together, sunshine.”

She inhaled sharply as I placed a kiss on her neck before standing back to my full height. I’d always been tall, even as a kid, but now I practically towered over her. If I stood behind her, I could almost tuck her completely under my chin. It was strange how much I wanted to wrap my arms around her and keep her safe from the world.

“People already know we’re together, Parker.”

I hummed in response, taking another step forward as we waited to order.

“Do they?” I was pretty sure the circles of people who knew we were dating were the lacrosse team and the cast and crew of the musical. But even that wasn’t enough. I wanted the entire campus to know she was mine.

Especially Duke Prescott, who hadn’t gotten the memo yet that Audrey wanted nothing to do with him.

“Yes?” She sounded unsure, her cheeks the most adorable shade of pink.

Finally, it was our turn to order, and I took a step up, Audrey joining me at my side.

“What would you like?” The barista asked, looking at me. She completely ignored Audrey, smiling at me like I’d give her the time of day.

What she didn’t know was the only girl I had eyes for was the one standing right next to me, wearing a pink sweater dress adorned with white pearls and tan heeled booties.

“My girlfriend will have a hot white chocolate mocha,” I said, emphasizing the first two words a touch louder than I needed to. “I’ll have a flat white.”

“Perfect. Anything else?” She fluttered her eyelashes at me.

Audrey cleared her throat. “Can I get one of those strawberry tarts?”

Finally, the barista looked at her. “Sure.” Her tone with Audrey wasn’t as sweet as it had been to me.

Squeezing Audrey’s hand, I kissed the side of her head before letting go. “Why don’t you go find a seat, sunshine, and I’ll pay?”

“Sure, baby,” my girl agreed, giving me a little smile and the sweetest blush. “See ya in a sec.”

I handed the barista my credit card, paid and got Audrey’s pastry before I headed back to find her at a table by the fireplace. It was a cozy spot and one where everyone could see us.

I set the pastry down before sliding in next to her, wrapping my arm around her. “Smart spot,baby,”I teased her.

“It just slipped out,” she said, blushing even harder than before.

“It’s okay, I liked it,” I reassured her, tugging on a blonde curl. “You can call me anything you want, Rosie Girl.”

She hummed in response, taking a bite of the puff pastry tart covered with cream cheese and strawberry. A little moan left her throat, and her tongue darted out to lick the little dollop left on her lower lip.

“Good?” I asked, watching with rapt attention.

Her head dipped in a nod. “Want to try it? These are my favorite.”

“Yeah,” I answered, hoping my voice didn’t sound as gravely as it felt.

Instead of handing it to me, Audrey angled the pastry towards me, holding it up to my mouth. I took a bite right next to where she’d eaten it, and she was right. It was good.

“Mmm,” I said after I swallowed, wiping my lip with my thumb before licking off the extra strawberry juices. “Delicious.” I eyed her lips. “Just like you.”

“Parker!” Audrey scolded, playfully smacking me on the arm before setting the pastry down on the plate.

I tipped her chin up with my finger, making her meet my gaze before pressing my lips to hers. I didn’t deepen the kiss, just let it linger there. Her eyes widened as I pulled away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“There,” I whispered against her mouth. “That’ll do it.”

Winking, I stood up to go fetch our coffees, wishing I could do more.

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