Page 24 of Omega's Pretend Mate
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Christian was teasing the back of my hand with one finger where the rest were twined together on top of the table.
The contact was slowly driving me crazy with need, but I didn’t dare ask him to stop. I had one year with him, and I was going to memorize every touch and every kiss. Even if I did find a mate after this, it wouldn’t be the same.
It was our third fake-date, and I’d fallen hard and fast. The more I learned about Christian, the more I wished that we were dating for real, and that the marriage would be forever. I wanted his mark on my neck, and his baby in my belly.
During our dates he’d told me about his family, and all the nieces and nephews. How loving his parents were, and how much they would love me. He’d detailed the small gift store they owned in the small mountain town where he grew up, and how we’d just have to visit.
And I knew I would never get any of it. It was all for show. The small-talk, and the promises. The touches, kisses, and soft smiles were all to convince onlookers that we were a serious couple.
He was doing me a favor, and doing a damn good job of it too. He was gentle and caring. Each touch sent shivers up my spine, and I had to constantly remind myself that none of it was real.
If I’d been on the outside looking in, I would have assumed us to be deeply in love.
The sad part was that I was actually in love, and he was an amazing actor.
“Gabe?”
What would he do if I turned my hand over and drew my fingers across his palm?
“Gabe?”
I started, jumping slightly when I realized that he was trying to talk to me. “I’m sorry, what was that?”
He smiled and leaned in. “I was asking if you’d like to come home with me tonight?”
My breath caught in my throat before I had to remind myself that, once again, it was all part of the act. It was the right time to ask for appearances, no matter how much I wanted to jump into bed with him and take his knot.
I nodded. “I’d like that.”
His smile grew. “I’m glad.”
Christian paid for dinner, and a few minutes later we were in his car, headed to his apartment.
“I’ve already prepared the guest room for you,” he said as we waited for a light to turn green. “I hope that’s ok.”
“That’s fine,” I replied, forcing back my disappointment at what I should have known was coming.
“You ok?” he asked, reaching over to take my hand.
“Yeah.”
The charm turned right back on as soon as we stepped from his car. His arm circled my back as he led me to his apartment, and the way his thumb traced over my hip made me dizzy with want. Then I was left reeling as we stepped into his apartment and he headed to the kitchen to get us drinks, as if he hadn’t just been holding me like that.
It was enough to give a guy whiplash.
Christian came back out holding two bottles of water, then frowned. “You ok?”
I nodded, and shuffled over to his couch.
He studied me for a moment, then walked over to a stereo and turned on some soft music before taking the chair opposite.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
I laced my fingers together between my knees. “I guess, I’m just…” I paused, searching for a word that worked. “Disoriented,” I finished.
He blinked. “What do you mean?”
