Page 119 of Fake Married to the Grumps

Deep down, I know Gracie will end whatever affection she has for me once she finds outI’m here to use her.But I’m doing it anyway.Because that’s the kind of man I am.

She definitely deserves better.

Chapter 3

Gracie

I try to focus on writing my book, but Trevor’s presence is as distracting as ever. He’s reading a magazine on the table facing mine, his right leg crossed over the left as he taps one foot lightly on the ground.

A half cup of latte is in front of him, and his attention periodically shifts from his magazine to me. Each time our eyes meet, a tremor spikes through my nerves and rattles me.

There’s something about the heat in his eyes.The unspoken layers of passion keep drawing me in.

My outburst yesterday proves there’s still a spark between us. No matter how hard I try to deny it, Trevor’s return leaves a tender feeling in my heart. I’m trying not to focus on that either, but he keeps looking at me.

I notice how he runs his fingers through his hair and rolls his sleeves up. The burning look in his eyes makes it impossible for me to focus.

Why is he looking at me?Trevor’s words keep coming back to me.I came back for you, Gracie.

I know I shouldn’t believe a word he says. The man will say anything to get what he wants. I should focus on figuring out what his end goal is.

Returning to Golden Bay, buying Espresso Books.Jace is his best friend, and he should know better, but Jace has never been one to talk about Trevor’s personal life with anyone, including me.

Just focus on your work, Gracie.With a deep sigh, I focus on my laptop’s screen againand try processing the first words that come to mind so I can type them down.

I’ve been stuck at the third chapter of my romance novel for weeks. I close my eyes and try to focus on my thoughts. When I reopen them, Travis has left and that’s a relief.

I take a deep breath, rub my shoulders to ease the tension in them, and start typing the words in my head. After a few moments, Trevor walks back into the café and takes his seat again.

My mind is completely buried in my book, so I don’t notice when he gets up again, walks to me, and pulls out the chair opposite mine.

“What are you doing?”

I nearly jumped out of my skin from the shock. Trevor’s brow rises, and he tries to turn my laptop towards him so he can look at my screen.

“What are you doing?” My hand brushes over his as I stop him from taking my laptop.

“Are you writing a book? You always talked about writing one. I remember you started a few times but never made it past the first three chapters.” He smiles easily, and the twinkle in his eyes makes me squirm in my seat.

“Yes, I’m writing a book,” I answer and close my laptop. “I’ll make it past the first three chapters this time.”

“What’s it about?”

“It’s none of your business.” I try to get up, but Trevor clamps a hand over mine, and I freeze.

His hand is warm over mine, and the heat spirals through me, raising the tension between us. I’m speechless, but I try to control my flush.

“Sorry,” he whispers when he realizes his hand is on mine. “I just ...” Trevor leans back and relaxes in his chair again. I do the same, and I clear my throat to get rid of the awkwardness in the air.

“You shouldn’t stop working because of me,” he says. “I didn’t mean to disturb you. I just thought ... It’s okay if you don’t want me here,” he stammers, then moves to get up.

“No,” I call out without thinking. “I mean … I …”

Why do I always blabber when he is close?

The onslaught of heat sizzling through me makes me shake my head and laugh a little.

“It’s fine. I was heading back to the counter soon anyway. Friday evenings are our book discount sales day. We will have lots of book lovers in here soon.”

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