Page 80 of Bookworm

"Rule two, no faking it beyond one week, two tops," I said. "That should be long enough for people to believe us and forget the bet."

"I don't think we need an end date."

"We definitely need an end date," I replied.

He frowned. "Why?"

I didn't get why he was being so difficult. "That way no one will get hurt—which is also the reason for rule number three."

He gestured for me to go on.

"And finally, rule three, no falling in love. Obviously."

"If it's obvious, I don't think we need rules," he said.

I blinked. "But…we've got to have rules, Stryker."

"You afraid of falling in love with me, Kent?"

How he said it made me nervous.

So did the way his lips tilted up ever so slightly.

My shock only lasted a moment, then I said, "No, of course not. I may have had a few confusing feelings after kissing you, but that was all because of science."

Bo stared into my eyes. "You had feelings, huh?"

"Yeah, but like I said,I looked it up. There are neurotransmitters and hormones involved; plus it was my first kiss. Plus, I'm a hopeless romantic. My feelings were totally out of my control."

He lifted a brow.

"Rule three is for you just as much as it is for me," I added.

"Oh," Bo said. "So, you think I'll fall in love with you?In one to two weeks? That's pretty cocky, Kent."

"Ugh, I'm not saying that either."

"Then what are you saying?"

I took a deep breath for calm. "I'm just saying I don't want anything beyond a fake relationship, not just with you but with anyone."

His silence was clearly one of disbelief, but I shook my head.

"I don't."

"Thought you were a romantic," he said.

"That's right," I said, giving him a bright smile, "but love and relationships—real ones—never end well. They're too risky. Happily-ever-after doesn't exist in real life. That's why I love books."

Bo studied me a second.

"You're serious," he said.

"Well, yeah."

After a beat, I shrugged.

"So, do you agree or what?"

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