Page 64 of Pretend

She didn’t want to think about tomorrow.

She just…

She wanted to continue pretending that the rest of the world didn’t exist, Morgan thought as she found her gaze shifting to the backstairs as she debated her next move. She hadn’t really looked in there, but it was possible that the entrance was at the top of the landing. It was possible, Morgan thought as she went over what Eric said when he’d carried her downstairs a few days ago and let her know that she was banned. Since he hadn’t mentioned the backstairs…

Morgan was across the room in seconds, throwing the door open and-

“Oh, God, no…”

-mumbling weakly when she spotted Eric waiting for her.

Deciding that now was a good time to enjoy one last stroll around the yard before they had to go tomorrow, Morgan mumbled, “Excuse me,” as she turned around, only to wince when she found herself thrown over Eric’s shoulder.

“I can’t believe you’re breaking another rule,” Eric said with a heartfelt sigh.

“I mean, technically, I’m not breaking a rule since you didn’t mention the backstairs,” Morgan felt obligated to point out.

“True,” Eric murmured, sounding thoughtful as he turned around and carried her upstairs.

“So, you’ll put me down?” Morgan asked, pushing her glasses back up her nose when they threatened to fall off.

“Not a chance in hell,” he said, chuckling as he carried her down the long hallway.

“Where are you taking me?” she couldn’t help but wonder when Eric walked past their room as she debated telling him that she’d made cookies to save her ass. Then again, since the scent of freshly baked cookies was probably what drew him downstairs in the first place, she should probably figure something else out to save her ass.

“Here,” Eric said as he set her down in the middle of the hallway, making her frown. That is until he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a black tie.

That’s when she panicked.

“I’m starting to become concerned,” came the weakly mumbled words when Eric gestured for her to turn around.

“As you should be,” he murmured, watching Morgan swallow hard as her gaze shifted to the door and-

“You’ll never make it,” Eric said with a teasing smile as he plucked her glasses off her face.

“It doesn’t hurt to try,” Morgan said, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth as he stepped around her and placed the tie over her eyes.

“Well, if you make a run for it, then you’ll miss our first date,” Eric said softly as she felt his lips press against the back of her neck.

“Date?” Morgan said, unable to help but moan.

“Mmmhmm,” Eric murmured as he finished tying the tie around her head.

“And you need to blindfold me to do it?” Morgan asked, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth as she struggled not to panic.

“I thought you wanted that tin,” Eric said, taking her hand in his.

“I love my tin,” Morgan mumbled weakly.

“Which is why I got up early this morning and hid it along with all the other trinkets that I found this morning,” Eric said, making her swallow hard.

“I love trinkets,” she whispered hollowly when he gave her hand a gentle tug that had her reluctantly going with him.

“I know you do, baby girl, which is why I’m going to take you to them.”

“But…”

“You’re not getting out of this,” Eric said, entwining their fingers together as he led her down the hallway before he steered her to the left and suddenly released her hand.

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