Page 47 of The Invitation
“Because there’s a chance I’ll meet a woman like you.”
Oh, well played.I smile, acknowledging his game. “What are you looking for in a relationship?”
We pause as a plate of cheeses, nuts, and fruits, as well as two small plates, are placed between us.
He sits back, his features pensive. “Honestly? One of my brothers just got married and had a baby. Watching him with his wife and little boy has made me start thinking outside of myself.”
“So you’re looking to settle down?”
“Yeah. If I can find the right woman to build a family with, I’d love to be able to raise my children alongside my brothers.”
I open my mouth to respond, but nothing comes out.
I’m not sure how I expected him to answer my question—or if I had a response in mind. But this reply wasn’t on my radar. The worst part, the most confusing part, is that I don’t know if he’s being honest or just creating a good soundbite.
No, maybe the worst part is that I’m curious.
“What about you?” he asks. “What are you looking for in a relationship?”
That suddenly feels like a loaded question.
I take a drink to buy myself some time to shake out of the weird headspace I’ve inadvertently entered. I’m not sure whether to answer honestly, or if I should give him a bullshit response to maintain my privacy. His eyes sparkle as if he’s being vulnerable with me, but I don’t trust him.
He’s still Ripley Brewer behind all that charm.
“I’m looking for a man who can complement my life,” I say, setting my drink down. “I don’t need to be saved and I don’t want to save anyone, either. It would just be nice to find someone honest and who doesn’t play games.”
Our gazes lock. I search his pools of blue for any inkling that he understands what I’m saying.
And I come up empty-handed.
Why did I almost hope for something else?
Silly me.
Chapter Twelve
Georgia
“Thank you for an amazing evening,”Ripley says, his hand lightly covering the small of my back.
We exit Ruma side by side.
The sky is dark, and a cool breeze makes me shiver as we enter the parking lot. Most of the cars are gone, leaving my little ride alone with a security lamp shining like a spotlight on top of it. It makes me smile because I can relate—I don’t really belong here, either.
“I had a great time,” I say, facing him. “And thanks for ordering for me. You really are my hero tonight.”
His lips twist to hide his smirk.He knows that was for the audience.
We spent the past three hours eating our meals and ordering dessert and coffee. We did what we were hired to do—ask ridiculous questions and receive bullshit answers. And I’m surprised to admit that we are both damn good actors. There were a few times I had to remind myself that we were pretending. That should bode well for Sutton.
“When can I see you again?” he asks, his voice smooth and steady.
The breeze picks up the ends of my hair, causing them to flutter around me.
I rack my brain trying to remember when we are supposed to meet again. Then I realize the producers can edit the video to say whatever they want.
“So thereisthe promise of a second date?” I ask, smiling up at him.
