Page 37 of You've Got Male

“Hazard sign. Remember?”

Evie remembered how hard it had been in the beginning to be in it alone. But she’d never really been alone, she’d had her parents. Jonah had himself. “I’m not saying yes, but what are you offering?”

He looked dumbfounded. “Seriously?”

“I’ll hear you out.”

“If you help me get my life in order, I will help you convince the world you’re off the market.”

She snorted in disbelief. “It’s going to take more than a few weeks. Plus, I was delusional. We could never convince people we’re together.”

“Kyle thought we were a couple at first.”

“He did?” Was that a blush on her cheeks?

“He did. And you know what? When he thought you were my wife—”

“Wife?” she choked.

“He didn’t remember I was a widower. And he treated me differently. Like I was complete and a man who could do the impossible. Because in my past life Icoulddo the impossible.” Except for when it came to saving his wife.

Evie rested her hand over his. As if she knew what he was thinking, she said, “Don’t go there. You were Superman all the way through.”

Resting his elbows on the tabletop, he leaned forward until he could see the flecks of gold in her eyes and rested his hand over hers, letting the warmth sink in.Getting too close, Jonah.“Who’s chicken now, Evie?”

She scoffed. “If this is going to work, we’d need to lay some ground rules,” she said, her tone all business, no bullshit. Her attention flickered to their hands, but she didn’t move. “First rule, touching is permitted only in public and only for show.”

“What kind of touching are we talking?” He waggled a naughty brow, needing to lighten the mood and get back on track convincing Evie that her plan was brilliant.

“I’m being serious.”

“So am I. If this is to work, then we need to set some concrete lines so we are on the same page. So clearly hand-holding is okay.” He flipped his hand over and laced their fingers, testing it. She stiffened but eventually relaxed. “How about cuddles, hip holding, and ass grabbing. All tastefully done of course.”

She yanked her hand back as if bitten by a viper. “How can ass grabbing be tasteful?”

“I am the king of tasteful, trust me.”

She seemed to consider this. “Only if the moment calls for it.”

She blushed. Interesting. The idea of his hands on her ass got her hot and bothered. It made him wonder what else got her motor running.

“Is this moment calling for it?”

“No. Neither is it calling to seal it with a kiss. A handshake will do fine.” Evie stuck out her hand and Jonah took it, then placed a gentle kiss to each knuckle before releasing her hand. She rolled her eyes. “Remember, this is just fake.”

It had to be. Dating in public while having a strict no-sex pact, and then breaking said pact behind closed doors, had the potential to blow up in their faces. When they reached the end of their agreement and things ended, someone could get hurt.

“Any more rules, sunshine?”

“One. And it’s the most important one. No one falls for the other. We both agree that this is a transactional relationship.”

“Am I Richard Gere or Julia Roberts in this scenario?” he wanted to know.

The set of her chin suggested irritation. “This is serious.”

“I am being serious. I’ve always wanted to walk into a store and say ‘Big mistake. Huge.’ Then do a mic drop.”

“As long as you’re wearing a wig and dress, I’m all for it. But this is a tit for tat. Even-steven situation. Nothing more. Got it?”

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