Page 21 of Fake Dating My Valentine

“You look good enough to eat.” My words caused her to stumble and I happily held her close.

“You’ve never said anything like that to me before.”

A deep chuckle sounded as I helped her onto the platform where each couple’s bar was set up. “Haven’t you heard, Torey? Friendships evolve.”

“Smartass,” she grumbled and gripped my hand as we joined the rest of the couples along with the event host, Sheriff Cook. “Hello beautiful couples. Are we ready to get this town sloshed?” She was so effortlessly easy and I envied that.

I wished I was still entitled to that smile. Sheriff Cook slid beside me and bumped my shoulder. “How in the hell did you get roped into this?”

I laughed and shook my head. “How in the hell did you get out of it?”

“I volunteered to do this event. They were so happy to have me on board that by the time they realized what I’d done, it was too late.” He chuckled like the evil mastermind he was.

“It’s a good thing you’re one of the good guys.”

“At least when it comes to keeping the town safe,” he agreed with a wide grin. “Okay couples, get to your bars and start brainstorming. You have ten minutes before we begin.”

Torey and I were placed almost dead center of the platform which allowed an amazing view of the community center and therefore the entire town. It almost felt deliberate. “This is weird, right?”

“I’m glad you see it too. For a second I thought I might’ve been going a little nuts.”

“Hmm,” she hummed to herself before she turned to me. “Doesn’t matter right now. Let’s start cocktailing.” She offered another one of her brilliant smiles and instantly my shoulders relaxed.

“We’ll be okay,” I promised and brought the back of her hand up to my lips. “I promise.”

She rolled her eyes but I didn’t miss another flush of pink that stole up her chest and neck before it settled onto her cheeks. “Now we have to figure out what we’re going to do.”

“I actually have a few ideas.” It was my time to shine.

“You know how to make cocktails?”

I pushed my up sleeves and smiled with pride at the way her gaze lingered on my forearms. “I’m a quick study and since my morning was unexpectedly free, I put it to good use.” I grabbed a few bottles and mixed up four different cocktails for her to test.

The moan she let out after the third drink was absolutely erotic and I felt my stomach tighten and my cock swell. “Holy hell Ryan, that is divine!” Her eyes sparkled. “What is it?”

“It’s called Lover’s Delight.”

Torey’s nostrils flared, and she licked her lips. “I love it, Ryan. I really love it.”

Yeah, more of that masculine pride swelled in my chest. “Taste the last one before you decide.”

She lifted the glass to her lips and closed her eyes as the cold liquid hit her tongue. Another low moan escaped. “What is this magic?”

“It’s called Better Than Sex.” Oh yeah, that research had been well worth the time I spent on it.

“Damn, you devil, I can’t decide.” Her gaze slid to the third cocktail. “Can’t we do both?”

“Who’s going to stop us?” I gathered the ingredients for both cocktails and showed Torey how to make them both as she finished off the tester glasses. “Want some water?”

“No, I want some more Lover’s Delight.”

“Just name the time and the place.” The words were out of my mouth before I realized what I’d just said. “Sorry.”

“Are you?” She didn’t look at me as she posed the question, simply focused on the measurements of the cocktail.

“No,” I sighed. “I meant it but I know that makes me a dick.”

“Agreed.” She shook the drink and strained it into the coupe glass. “You want me, but you don’t want to want me, and that’s pretty hurtful and confusing, no matter your reasons.”

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