Page 55 of How To Fake A Fiancé

She blushes. “Sir, are you bribing me with sex to get some dessert before dinner?”

“Is it working?” He smirks.

She giggles as he kisses her forehead, followed by a peck on her lips.

As I watch the couple, I see how they are with each other. They’re so different from what I’ve known. So caring, loving, and full of trust. Could I ever be like that with someone unconditionally? Maybe someone like Ian? My heart aches for that kind of love, but I’ve seen it all go wrong too many times. Like Jenny and her husband, Jonathan and Kiera’s relationship could be more the exception, not the rule.

Kiera lightly pushes Jonathan out of the kitchen and into the direction of their bedroom. Then she goes to grab a box of plastic silverware and napkins.

After grabbing a decorative tablecloth from the linen closet, and place mats, Kiera and I quickly get to assembling the dining table.

“So, are you and Ian…” Though she doesn’t finish the sentence, I know what she’s referring to.

“He and I have been spending more time together.”

“And how is that going?”

“He’s different than what I expected. I like spending time with him. I’m just not sure where we stand.”

Kiera shoots me an incredulous stare. “That’s great, but how do you feel about being around him?”

“Oddly enough, I like it. He’s…easy to talk to.”

“I saw you two in the lobby the other day. The way you look at each other and banter make it seem as if you’re already a couple.”

“A couple?” I scoff. “I’m not sure about that.”

“Love happens whether you want it to or not. Like the dinosaur movie goes, love finds a way. And from the look on your face when I told you he called earlier, I’m guessing you like him as more than a friend.”

I’m pretty sure the movie character said,Life finds a way, but I get her point. “It doesn’t matter whether I like him or not. We’re not actually dating.”

“I know that. I’m just telling you how I see it.”

After setting down the last of the plates in front of each chair, I cross my arms over my chest. “I’m not one of the heroines in your romance novels, Kiera.”

She laughs. “I know you aren’t. I’m just saying wouldn’t you want to try the real thing? The man wants you, so what’s stopping you?”

So many things, Kiera. So many things…

The doorbell rings.

“Speaking of Ian, that must be him,” Kiera quips, all but skipping to the front door.

I feel like I’m watching everything in slow motion as Kiera opens the heavy door. I’m frozen, waiting with bated breath to see his face.

“Ian. Come on in,” she says a little too loudly, giving me a side glance, before taking her focus back to Ian.

He walks in with a bottle of wine in each hand. “I brought white and red in case anyone had a preference,” he says.

“Perfect.” She smiles. “I’m glad you made it.”

He chuckles. “Like I would miss out on Jake and Jonathan fighting over the wishbone? Not a chance.” The first thing I see is his dirty-blond hair, followed by his broad shoulders and muscular chest covered by a tight black T-shirt.

Oh, god, am I drooling?

I change my face to a neutral expression when his gaze turns in my direction. His eyes, once they land on me, have my body feeling hot all over again. One look, and that’s all it takes for me to realize I’m done for.

The need I felt before he arrived grows stronger. Almost uncontrollable. Once again, I feel naked under his stare. Aching to writhe in the heat of his scent and pleasure. I feel my heart pounding in my ears.

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