Page 69 of The Deception: Hercules Valentine and I
“I only have one ex-boyfriend, and I caught him in the library banging my roommate, so no. He and I will never lay eyes on each other if I can help it.”
“Is that a true story?”
“Sadly, yes.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
I walk over to my sofa and plop down on the cushions. “You don’t need to apologize for him being an asshole.”
“Was it before or after our interaction?”
“Which one?”
“Yes, that’s right—we had two interactions.”
I chuckle. I love these easy conversations with Hercules. “Boyles and I were technically still boyfriend and girlfriend when you ran into me on the sidewalk.”
He chuckles softly. “That’s your story, and you’re sticking to it?”
“It’s the truth.”
“Then so be it, sexy.”
My breath catches at the back of my throat as a fluttering feeling streaks through my lady parts. “How about we call it even?” I say breathlessly.
“I like that.”
I swallow, quelling my lust as we fall silent again. I’m certain that, like me, he’d rather have me in his bed than talk to me over the phone.
“So, what are you eating for breakfast?” he asks.
Good question. “I’m having cereal. What about you?”
“I was planning to eat you when I got back and then have my cook make us eggs, bacon, pancakes—all the greats.”
Whew, theeating mepart sounds so hot.“Next time?” I ask.
“Then you’re promising a next time?”
I think about the phone calls from Treasure and Max. As long as I’m Lark Davenport, there will be many more times. “Yes.”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
I frown. “Tomorrow?”
“Have you forgotten about our run already?”
“Oh,” I say, remembering. “No, I haven’t. See you tomorrow.”
“But you can call me anytime you need me.”
“But you have your mother’s party.”
“Aw, shit. Are you sure you can’t be my date tonight? You can bring your friends.”
I’m filled with remorse. I hate that he’s viewing my lie as a truth. “No. Sorry, but thanks for the invite.”
His silence feels as if it’s filled with thoughts about my answer. I’m expecting more questions, which is why I brace myself to do more lying.
