Page 42 of Fake Dating My Billionaire Boss

“It’s a military tactic. The enemy simultaneously attacks both flanks. We have to be ready.”

“And you think the ‘dodge and weave’ is going to save us? No way. That’s a defensive move. I think we have to go on the offensive. I don’t want to be a sitting duck.”

“Hm. Offensive. I was actually thinking along similar lines.” She giggles again. “In a strange and stressful way, this is atinybit of fun.”

Without thinking, I pull her in closer. “I like your laugh. You wrinkle your nose and your eyes light up.”

She lets me pull her in. Then, when we’re as close as we can be, she rests her cheek against my chest. My arms are wrapped around her. Her fingers are intertwined with mine.

“And I like yours,” she says into my chest. “Maybe you should laugh more often.”

I’m aware that it looks good—us standing here on the deck like this. My father must take note, on some level, and that’s a good thing. When it comes to interfering in my life, he’s my mother’s quiet and willing teammate, so it’s good to give him an eyeful of this.

Addison, across the way, is definitely watching us.

And my mother will return to the party any moment, annoyed that Bella escaped her clutches. I hope she catches me and Bella standing as we are right now.

Offensive.

We’re going on the offensive.

Taking a stand. Putting on a show.

Yes, this is part of our act. We’re a couple so infatuated with one another, we want to be sandwiched together any chance we get.

So, in love, we missed one another during the ten short minutes we were apart. I want my parents and Addison to see that.

But I’m also aware that the words that just slipped out of my mouth were honest. I really do enjoy the sound of Bella’s laugh.

And I’m also excruciatingly aware of how good she feels in my arms.

I rest my chin on the top of her head and stroke my fingertips along the soft backs of her hands. “If my life was a little less of a battle zone, maybe I would. Laugh more, I mean.”

“Maybe it only feels like a battle because you take it too seriously. You need to relax and have some fun. Can I make a recommendation?”

“Fire away.”

“Try one day without wearing a tie. And maybe drink your first espresso shot at seven, instead of six.”

“That’s it?”

“Baby steps.” She teases her fingers against mine, then pulls away slightly and looks up at me.

Her eyes are so big.

So big and sincere and lively. The most beautiful shade of golden-brown I’ve ever seen.

“With you,” she says, “I think the best approach is baby steps.”

I don’t know why, but it’s happening again. I’m a cup and this banter with her is filling me up to the brim. My heart feels so full, like it might burst, but in a good way. And when she smiles at me and that dimple appears out of nowhere on her cheek, I feel like my insides are made of cotton candy.

And that’s when it hits me: I’m falling for Bella Sinclair.

It’s not even happening slowly. It’s happening fast, like I’ve been tossed from a plane without a parachute.

For a moment, I just look at her.

She’s leveling me with her smile, and exploring my hand with her soft fingertips, and our toes are almost touching. Shelooks stunning in her white dress, with her wavy dark hair and earrings that look like two little stars.

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