Page 100 of Faking it with the Green Beret

Mayala smiled and met his gaze for a second before diverting her gaze downward to play with the end of her jet-black braid that nearly reached her waist. John took a seat on the bench so he wouldn’t tower over her. The petite woman didn’t even look to be in her twenties. She gave Boss a tentative pat.

“Sit, Boss.” The dog sat nearly on Mayala’s feet. “Here boy.” He snapped his fingers and motioned to him. “Have you gotten a pet yet?”

“No.” Her eyes widened as she looked at Boss.

“You can’t have Boss. Elizabeth already tried to take my dog.”

She shook her head and rolled her eyes in that amused way that made him want to kiss her. Not that it took much for him to want to do that.

“I was thinking of getting a rabbit or a cat.”

“What brings you out here today?” Wren eyed him, then Elizabeth.

“I invited him to come for dinner and a movie date.” Elizabeth stepped closer and rested her hand on his shoulder.

“Date?” Wren asked with a triumphant smile.

“Yes. John and I are dating.”

His chest swelled hearing her proclamation. He kissed Elizabeth’s hand and continued to hold it.

“That’s so great.” Ariana clapped.

“How loooonggg has this been going on?” Wren sang.

He recognized the lyrics from a song on the oldies station. “You’re stealing my shtick.”

“And doing it better.” Wren laughed.

“I went to see him last Saturday. So, a week.”

“A week! And you didn’t tell us?” Ariana scolded.

“That explains your unusually good mood,” Wren said.

“Good mood?” John smiled up at Elizabeth.

“Yep, like when it’s been a long time and you finally get—”

“Kissed!” John and Elizabeth said in unison.

“That’s what I was going to say.” Wren acted all innocent.

John pushed to his feet and stared into Elizabeth’s eyes. He kissed her lightly to sell it. “We’re going to take Boss on a walk now. Mayala, it was a pleasure to meet you. I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.” He took Elizabeth’s hand as they walked down the porch steps. “You know that’s not what she was going to say, right?” he whispered.

Elizabeth made an adorable noise and blushed. What did it mean that she wouldn’t look him in the eye?

ChapterFifty-Four

UNCONDITIONALLY – Katy Perry

“This is even betterthan last time.” John finished off his second helping of lasagna and laid his silverware on his empty plate.

“It’s the same recipe.”

“Yeah, but this time I’m eating it with mygirlfriend.” He aimed a scorching grin at her.

“And I like having my boyfriend here for dinner.” Though she was anxious in a different way tonight than last time.

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