Page 67 of Dex

“I came straight from work after you called me.I just hopped on a plane.I heard you mention the name of the hotel, so I went there.”

“How did you know I was staying here?”

“I called your parents.”

Smart woman.I really have to be careful around her.But, I love her with all my heart.She has my best interests and she really did drop everything to come here, and I should be glad that she’s my friend, that she cares so much, but this ruse Dexter and I are going through, just got harder.

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DEX

No sooner have I stepped into my apartment, kicked off my jacket, and toed off my sneakers, there’s a knock at the door.

What now?

The last thing I want is to deal with Jett or Zach.I’m not in the mood to talk to my brothers about tonight, or about anything, really.

But when I pull open the door, it’s Rio.Of course.The concierge must have let him up without question.He’s one of the few names on the approved list.He steps inside, pacing immediately.“You want to tell me what that was about?”

I arch a brow.“You tell me.”

He stops mid-step and turns, giving me a knowing look.“We’re talking about you.What was that?What was with thekiss,dude?”

I exhale slowly, already regretting letting him in.

“You really do like her, huh?”he presses.

“No.This is—” I stop myself.What exactly is this?I’m not sure when, or if, I’m going to tell anyone my real plan.That I’m walking away before the year is up.

“Have you two kissed before tonight?”Rio asks, his tone lighter now, teasing.

“No.”

“You sure about that?”

I roll my eyes.“You know I only met her a few days ago.”

“So… your tongues tangling forever wasn’t part of the act?”He digs deeper.

I glare at him.“What do you think?”

“I think you liked it.I think you likeher.I think you want her.In your bed.”

I ignore the thought, the way my chest feels suddenly tight, like it’s getting harder to breathe.“It’s an act, brother.”

“Dude, it didn’t stop you from kissing her like you meant it.Just be careful.I don’t want to see you getting hurt.”

“That’s not going to happen.I like my relationships uncomplicated.Hookups, that’s all I need.All I’m interested in.”I mutter a “Jesus,” as I walk past him into the kitchen.“You want a drink?”

“Yeah.Need one.”

I grab a bottle and pour.

“Should you be drinking, though?”I ask.

Rio cocks his head.“I was under the limit.We paced ourselves.”

I nod, handing him the glass, then start thinking about me and Daniela and how we were about to start on our appetizers.Maybe later we would have ordered food, had dinner, even though we initially weren’t going to.

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