Page 112 of Even Exchange

I fight a smile, noting the wrinkle line on her forehead. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re jealous.”

“Jealous? Of the model with legs for days, perfect tits, and a siren smile?” she says sarcastically. “Now, why would I ever be jealous?”

I chuckle as we sway to the music. “Can I add my own rule for the night?”

“I didn’t give you rules. I gave you tips.”

“Okay, well, I’m adding one.”

Her grip tightens in my hand before loosening again. “What is it?”

“No more talking about other women.”

“Coach Porter looksveryhandsome tonight,” she says with a brow waggle, gesturing to him and Andi, who are dancing near us.Is she serious right now?

I narrow my eyes. “Or men. We’re on a date.”

“A fake date.”

Annoyance thrums through me. “Right.” I tug her closer and tap my forehead to hers. “No using that word either.”

Her deep brown eyes bore into mine. “You’re bossy tonight.”

“No worrying about other people. No jealousy. No talking about this being fake or anything like that.” My hand cradles her waist, the shape of her hip perfectly molded to my palm. “Let’s be on thisdate, enjoy each other’s company.” I lean down to her ear, whispering, “And maybe, if you’re a good girl, you’ll get another lesson later.”

She trails a thumb along my neck, eliciting goosebumps. “What if I don’t wanna be a good girl?”

My jaw clenches, fighting a shit-eating grin. “I’d be okay with that too.” A wicked smile spreads across her face. “I was trying to take my time undressing you earlier and ended up screwing myself.” I rub my hand over the swell of her ass, squeezing a handful. “Because I’ve been dying to find out what’s underneath this dress.”

“I already told you,” she says coyly as I return my hold to her lower back. “Nothing.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Guess you’ll have to check for yourself then,” she says, and all the blood rushes south.

“Fuck, Charlotte.” I drop my head into the crook of her neck, the room around us entirely forgotten.

It’s just me, the hottest woman alive, and a raging boner.

“What?”

“I’m pretty sure walking around this gala with a hard-on would be against the rules.”

She nudges me away so we’re eye to eye, our lips nearly touching. “Don’t worry,baby,” she says with an exhale. “I’ll take care of that later too.”

If I thought she was irresistible before, confident Charlotte is an undeniable temptation. She’s the first warmth of sunshine after a cold, dark winter, and I will never get enough.

“Soffione.”

“Noah.”

“Mi piaci da impazzire.”?1If she only knew how much.

The song ends, and Andi and Coach Porter come our way.

“Hey, love birds,” Andi says.

I attempt to steady my breathing. “Hey.”

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