Page 41 of If the Ring Fits

He shoots me a cocky smirk. “I thought it’d be the perfect pet name for you. Make us look more couple-y.”

“Ah. And what should I call you? It wasn’t in your brief.”

“Use your imagination.”

I studiously tap my fingers on my chin. “I’ll go with Bunny.”

Adrian’s laughter fills the car, a rich sound that sneaks its way right under my skin. “Can’t I get something more virile?”

“No, you already have the Ferrari for that. We need to fluff you up.”

His eyes flick to me again. “Fluff me up, huh?” He’s clearly amused, the dark brown of his irises glinting with a dare. “Bunny andSunshine, we’re ready for a life of crime.”

I turn to him mock-shocked. “Did you try to make it sound like Bonnie and Clyde?”

“No, I didn’t.” He presses his lips hard together not to smile.

“Yousodid.”

As our laughter settles, a thought crosses my mind. “We’ve got the names down, Bunny, but we forgot to invent a story forour first date. What tale are we telling people?” I nudge him playfully.

“Do we have to say anything?”

“If Preston is bringing his wife, she might ask.”

“Why would she ask something so personal?”

“Because she’s a romantic?”

“Anosyromantic. We should keep it casual. I’m not big on… gestures.”

“Yeah, seeing how you meet all your sexual partners at clandestine gatherings where everyone wears a mask, I got that romance isn’t high on your list of priorities.”

“Please don’t joke about sex clubs in front of my boss.” He sounds mildly terrified.

“Oh, that wasn’t supposed to be a topic?” I feign innocence. “I’ll put a note in my mental calendar… So, casual first date.” I tap my chin, thinking hard. “How about lunch at that taco truck near the river?” I suggest. “The one with the amazing carnitas.”

“A woman after my heart.” Adrian theatrically brings a hand over his chest. “I love tacos, then what? A long walk on the riverside?”

“Do I look like a long walk on the riverside kind of girl to you?” I give him some side-eye.

Adrian chuckles softly, accepting the dare in my eyes. “Yeah?”

“No, after tacos, we went back to the office,obviously, because I don’t think you’ve ever missed an afternoon of work in your life. I’m pretty sure most times you eat lunch at your desk eyes glued to the monitors. Tacos are already a stretch.”

His eyes flick to me, then back to the road.

I adjust my sunglasses. “You’re not refuting the bleak picture I’ve painted of your lunch habits.”

“Am not. So, that’s it, tacos?”

“No. Mmm… that same night you invited me out for drinks and…”

“Dinner?” Adrian suggests.

“No, too tame, we went… uh, I got it… ax throwing.”

“Ax throwing?” Adrian snorts. “No one would ever believe I did that.”

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