Page 84 of The Faking Game

I’m not surprised. You feel like an overachiever.

His response is quick.

West

Takes one to know one, gorgeous.

My eyes zero in on the word. He’s pretending. I know he is, and still, I can almost hear the compliment in his low, warm voice.

My phone buzzes, signaling an incoming call, and his name flashes across the screen.

“Hello?” I say.

“Hey.” His voice is familiar in my ear, and I close my eyes at the deepness of it. There’s faint music in the background and the chatter of voices. “I’m glad you answered.”

I swallow. “Yeah. I was just… working.”

“Designing? How is it going?”

“It’s… going. I’m struggling with a pattern, but I think I finally solved it.”

“Of course you did,” he says. “You’re talented.”

The praise, said so matter-of-factly, makes my stomach tighten. “Thank you. Where are you?”

“Boston.”

“Having fun?”

He scoffs. “Not even a little bit. I’m in constant communication with the security team too. You’re safe.”

“I know,” I say. “Thank you. Are you out somewhere?”

“Yes. An executive corporate retreat for Calloway Holdings. I had to make an appearance.” He sounds annoyed by that fact, and my smile widens.

“Maybe you should practice boundary-setting,” I tell him sweetly, “and learn how to ask for what you want.”

He’s quiet for a beat, and then he laughs. It’s a low, warm sound that skitters across my skin. “Is the student becoming the teacher?”

“I can handle a little role-play from time to time.”

“Can you? Interesting.” His voice is suggestive, and my stomach tightens again. “Go out with me tomorrow, trouble.”

His voice is a low slide over my skin, demanding, soothing. “Tomorrow?”

“You’re free,” he tells me. “I’ll pick you up. We’ll have fun.”

I take a deep breath. “Okay.”

“No. You’re supposed to push back. Tell me you can’t but would love to go out another day. Tell me you want to drive yourself.”

“But that’s hard.”

“I know it is. That’s why we’ll practice,” he says. “I’m picking you up tomorrow. Wear something pretty.”

I close my eyes. “Thank you, that’s a very nice offer, but I’m busy tomorrow night. How about Sunday?”

“You’re being too nice.”

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