Page 53 of Taken By the Fake Fiancé

"Show me how to play?" I ask after we've dropped our hands, smiling like old friends.

Eli shifts closer and pushes the device toward me.

"It's not easy. You have to prepare yourself and dig in because you'll be knocked around a few times."

"How long did it take you to master this--? I mean, know how to navigate your way through and know which character to pick for yourself."

"A few months. Two, if I can recall correctly." His voice rings with enthusiasm.

I tap play on the screen and adjust, preparing to be taught. Emma said it would help improve our relationship, so I'm holding my breath right now, hoping my little sister’s advice works.

Chapter Fourteen

Declan

"Don'tpushit!"Eli'svoice rings out from the patio. What startles me is the loud childish laughter that accompanies his outburst.

Half listening to Jason rave on and on about some boring law terms, I peek into the open space, my heart thumping in my chest even though there was no malice in his tone.

"Would you like a glass of water?" Eli asks, pouring water from the bottle into a glass.

Felicity waves him off, her head bent over his iPad and her brows scrunched in concentration.

"Declan?" Jason's voice sounds so far off, even though the phone is still pressed against my right ear.

"Let's meet tomorrow. I need this-- this case sorted out as soon as possible, Jason."

"Amelia wants the same thing. I'm kind of wondering if she's been waiting for this moment because you stated she only made the threat on Friday."

Felicity hits the table with her hand and then laughs happily, thrusting the iPad toward Eli's face. I can hear the thunderous clap, meaning she's scored.

Eli chuckles.

"Well, that was fast."

"I don't mean to brag, but I'm way better than you, Champ."

Champ? Not Eli. Not a little man. But Champ.

I swallow hard and lean heavily on the door frame, wishing I had a camera to record this heart-stopping moment between my son and the woman, who’s gradually causing my heart to expand with feelings for her.

"You bet! Don't forget I guided you the whole time," Eli quips.

They bicker back and forth. Eli's posture is relaxed, unlike when Eli walked into the study earlier to see her there after he came home from his mom’s. The very first time he wasn't as outspoken and aggressive as he was earlier. Right now, he has his arm around the back of her side of the couch, he's peering into the iPad, cheering her on and telling her how to dribble the ball with her character.

"You pay me to look out for your best interest, Declan, not to-"

"I'm still here, Jason. Hold your horses," I sigh and turn my gaze away from the scene outside.

I need to wrap this phone call up so I can join them. I'd love to be in the middle of that-- carefree Eli and a beautiful Felicity, one with the most contagious laugh and spellbinding lips that I can't stop thinking about.

"I'll forward the questions to your email I'll be asking tomorrow. Go through them and get back to me in the morning."

"Will do."

Jason is silent for a beat. I get ready to say goodnight, but he clears his throat and sighs audibly.

"I need to ask you a few questions right now though."

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