Page 56 of How to Lose at Love

“Sorry if I offended you using facts and logic.” Ryann reads the quote on the side out loud. “Whoever gave you this knows you well.”

Why does it feel like we’re suddenly in close quarters?

Is it hot in here?

What’s the thermostat set at?

Strolling to the bed, I sit on the end of it while Ryann touches all my personal shit, with zero regard for my space or privacy.

“You look so serious.” Ryann spins the chair so we’re eye to eye, then randomly decides to unzip the jacket and peel it from her body.

Hangs it on the back of my chair as if she’ll be staying a while.

Lord help me if my eyes don’t travel from her face to her neck to her chest.

Tight white long-sleeved shirt, so tight I can see the outline of her bra beneath it, the decent-sized tits.

What the fuck.

Ryann stands, readjusts herself, tucks one leg under her ass when she sits back down, looking mighty comfortable, tits bouncing the entire time she’s getting situated.

Of course they are.

Great tits.

Small waist.

Long dark hair.

Freckles.

Fuck my life.Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.

Not a good idea?Are you kidding me right now? You have a job to do, Son, and no woman is going to stand in the way of that—especially one you don’t give a shit about.

My father’s voice echoes in my mind, words I heard him say to my older brother over and over until it was ingrained in not just Duke’s mind but mine as well.

Ryann’s hands hit the top of her knees. “Okay, down to business. I have studying to do tonight, and I’m sure you do, too.”

“Yeah.” Not really. “I already told you I need someone to be my cover.”

“Your beard.” She winks. “Gotit.”

“No.Notmy beard.” What the hell is her problem? “I’m not in the closet.”

“It was a metaphor.” I can see her holding back; she’s tempted to roll her eyes but, for once, refrains. “Chill.”

I’ve been told to chill before, but never by a woman, and never one sitting in my own damn house, twirling and spinning in my desk chair as ifmyentire body wasn’t vibrating with nerves and tension and whatever else this feeling is in the pit of my stomach.

Hunger, probably.

“Anyway.” I glare at her. “I figure it can’t be that difficult. We’ll go out in public a few times, let people take pictures of us. I can get you tickets to a game if you want.”

Ryann nods. “That works.” Squints at me. “I needed to come over for you to tell me this? You could have texted me this information.”

My mouth opens.

Closes.

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