Page 260 of The First Time

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"That means she wasn't okay with him seeing other women." Blake raises an eyebrow as if to challenge his friend.

Declan shrugs with false modesty. So the guy is a bit of a player. No surprise. All that matters is that he's buying into this whole ruse.

I have to admit, it's convincing. Blake is the quiet, protective boyfriend, and I'm the pretty young thing he needs on his arm.

Blake bids his friend goodbye and turns to another man. He's tall, with a strong jaw and deep, intense eyes.

"Should I know him?" I whisper.

Blake shakes his head. "No. He's not a friend."

"Then why's he here?"

"You know the old expression. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

This time, my smile is real. "You have enemies?"

"More like competitors. That's Phoenix Marlowe. He's the owner of Odyssey."

"I'm barely computer literate."

"It's a new artificial intelligence program. Very cutting edge. It could disrupt the entire industry." He shakes his head. "Listen to me, using lingo. Forgive me."

"Okay." The sincerity in his voice makes my knees weak.

"I should introduce your sister, but…"

"But?"

"He has a reputation."

"You're protective of Lizzy?"

He nods. "She's family now."

I stare back at him. He means it. So something about our impending marriage is real. He really does believe we'll be family. At least for a while.

"He's handsome." He really is. "Not as handsome as you, but—"

"I'm not jealous."

"No? What if I go on and on about how I'd like to tear off his suit?"

Blake stares back at me with atry harderexpression.

"How I'd like him to tie me to his bed?"

"Would you?"

"Maybe." No.

Blake's eyes narrow. He is jealous. He shakes his head, refusing to admit it. "Then I'd have to find somewhere private right away. To remind you of how badly you need me."

Yes. I like this plan. I nod. "You should."

But we're cut off by another friend.

I smile through our introduction. Then another. Then a dozen more.

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