Page 21 of Faking It With the Single Dad

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I say honestly. “It’d get messy. Plus, people might find out, and that defeats the whole purpose.”

She bites her lip, considering my words. “Okay, no dating other people. Agreed.”

“What about living arrangements?” I ask, and her eyes widen.

“Living together?”

I shrug. “If we pretend to be a couple, people might expect us to share a place. It’d look weird otherwise.”

“I…I don’t know. I mean, I have to think about it. Luke and I are used to having our own space.”

“Fair enough.” I grin. “No pressure. But if you change your mind, my place has a great view.”

She glares at me, though there’s a hint of a smile. “Very funny.”

The waiter returns with our drinks, and Bella takes a long sip of her iced tea before continuing. “What about physical stuff?”

“Physical stuff?”

“You know,” she says, flushing. “Like…holding hands, hugging, kissing.”

I lean back, crossing my arms. “Well, if we’re selling this relationship, people might expect a little PDA.”

Her cheeks turn pink. “PDA?”

“Public displays of affection,” I clarify.

She groans. “I know what it means.”

“Good,” I say, grinning. “So, how do you feel about it?”

“I don’t feel anything about it,” she says quickly. Too quickly.

I chuckle. “You’re blushing.”

“I am not.”

“You are.”

She scowls, but it’s more adorable than intimidating. “Look, I’ll hold your hand if I have to. Maybe a hug here and there. But kissing is off the table.”

“Off the table?” I tease. “Not even a peck on the cheek?”

“Not even that,” she insists, though her voice wavers.

I lean closer, lowering my voice. “You sure about that? Because I think you might be curious.”

Her mouth drops open, and she stares at me like I’ve grown another head. Then, to my surprise, she recovers and smirks. “You’re the one who seems curious, Ryan.”

I blink. “What?”

“You’re the one bringing up kissing,” she says, leaning back with a smug expression. “Not me.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Alright, you got me. But seriously, we’ll keep it minimal. Just enough to make it believable.”

“Deal,” she says, holding out her hand.

I shake it, and for a moment, I feel a spark. It’s probably just static electricity…or maybe not.

---