Page 68 of Rockstar's Fake Engagement

I watch him go, my heart full. This man continues to surprise me, breaking down my defenses one layer at a time. And with each new discovery, I fall a little harder.

The bet might be over, but I feel like I’m the one who won.

Twenty-One

Nate

“We’re going to be late,” Lacey says for the third time, but she’s not exactly helping our timing by running her fingers through my hair like that.

She looks sleepy, her hair still tousled, eyes half closed, but there’s something else—something that has her blushing every time I catch her eye.

I smirk, gripping the wheel a little tighter. I know exactly why.

Last night. That damn wench outfit.

I didn’t think she’d do it.

But after I won our bet at the bowling alley, I’d teased her later, throwing out an offhanded, “You know, if you really wanted to make it up to me, you’d wear something ridiculous. Maybe a saucy pirate wench outfit or something.”

I meant it as a joke. But then she’d actually done it.

One minute, I was cleaning up in the kitchen, and the next, Lacey was standing in the doorway wearing a corset-style top that did all kinds of sinful things to her figure, a flowy, dangerously short skirt, and thigh-high fishnet stockings that made my brain short-circuit.

“Your winnings, Captain.”

I nearly lost my mind.

“Besides, whose fault is it that we’re running behind? I wasn’t the one who decided to play dress-up last night.”

Her cheeks flush that delicious shade of pink I’ve come to love. “I thought you liked my interpretation of your bowling victory prize.”

“Oh, I definitely appreciated your... creative addition to our evening.” I lean in close, my lips brushing her ear. “Especially that little move with the—“

“Nate!” She swats my arm, but she’s laughing. “Eyes on the road.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I grin, remembering how commanding she’d been in that costume. “Or should I say, ‘Yes, my saucy wench’?”

I glance over at her, amused. “Did you sleep well?”

Her fingers tighten around the coffee cup in her lap. “Mm-hmm.”

I grin wickedly. “Liar.”

She exhales sharply, cheeks pink. “I did sleep well. Eventually.”

I hum in agreement, dragging my knuckles lazily along the curve of her thigh. “You looked good last night, Lace.” My voice drops just enough to make her squirm. “Really good.”

She swats at my hand. “You cannot bring that up in the car.”

I chuckle, taking full satisfaction in the way she crosses her legs and presses her lips together like she isn’t still thinking about it.

I lean over slightly, dropping my voice lower. “I should’ve made you walk the plank.”

She chokes on her sip of coffee.

Her blush deepens. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into that.”

“As I recall, it was entirely your idea. I was perfectly content with our afternoon at Family First.”

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