Page 67 of In the Offensive Zone with My Fake Bride

She strolls over to the kitchen. “We could have just ordered pizza.”

I sprinkle a handful of cilantro on the chicken and rice bowls I threw together. “This is also easy, yet healthier.”

“How could I forget? Mr. Hockey Player must keep himself in excellent shape.” She eyes me appreciatively. Am I picking up a flirtatious tone to her words?

I ease my smile up on one side. “Flattery will get you everywhere, luv.”

“I wasn’t trying to flatter you.” She backpedals in the most delightful way.

“You implied it, then.”

“I did not.” She takes the bowl I offer her and sits at the counter.

Enjoying her flustered expression, I head toward the living room. “I thought we’d eat in here tonight and watch something on the telly.”

“Did you forget that I’m not really into watching television?”

“Not at all. This is more like a series of clips than a program.”

She joins me on the couch. “Okay, I’ll give it a shot.”

I turn on the telly, which I left paused on a compilation of cat videos and press play.

At first, Lily says nothing. She’s not eating either. Just stares at the first video of a kitten hissing at a cucumber with its back arched and fur standing on end.

But then she swivels her head and studies me. “What are you doing, Payton?”

I swallow the bite of chicken I was chewing. “I must say, these came out rather well. The Mexican cheese makes all the difference.”

“Payton.”

“Yes, luv?”

She puts her bowl on the coffee table, takes a controlled breath, and dons the expression she wears when she means business. “This isn’t real. Any day now, your sister will let us know they’ve closed your cousin’s case and determined his death was an accident. At which point, I will go back to England. You can tell your friends we didn’t work out, or I changed my mind and wanted to go home, or that you realized you made a mistake and sent me off. Whichever story works.”

“Can a case ever be truly settled without a body?” I can tell I’m pushing her to the limit by the way she tenses her mouth as if she’s holding something back.

She lets out a long breath as she looks away. “That’s a reality you just may have to accept.”

“Agreed, but that doesn’t help me feel any safer.” I’m risking my manhood here, sounding so pathetic, but the only way I know how to appeal to her is through her role as my bodyguard. “And considering the threat Jennings could pose, now that he knows who I am, I find myself in need of protection. Possibly indefinitely.”

She visibly bristles. “You can’t do that.”

“Do what, luv?”

“Will you stop calling me that?!”

“What? Luv? We Brits do it all the time.”

“Yes, it’s annoying.”

“Oh, then pardon me. What would you prefer I call you instead?”

“Nothing. I mean, my name is fine.” She wags her hands atme. “Don’t do that!”

“Do what, lu—Lily?” I cock my smile at her just so and am rewarded with a blush.

She grabs her dinner again and drops back against the cushions with a harrumph. “Start the video.”

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