Page 22 of Pretend for Me

I can practically see him doing one of his slow blinks. The one where he simultaneously takes a long breath and likely prays that he can suppress his need to strangle me. Not going to lie, that blink might be my favorite thing about him.

I save his number into my contacts while I wait. I have a feeling it’ll be a bit before he finds his composure.

Dev

This is in regards to our marital agreement and an amendment we can speak about in person.

I bite down on my bottom lip to suppress my smirk because even though no one can see it, I’m not sure I’m ready to admit how much fun I have getting under my unflappable fiancé’s skin.

Me

Ah, then no. I’ll be extremely busy for the next three decades. How is 2055 looking for you?

Dev

Piper.

I can almost hear the exasperation dripping from his tone without him having said my name out loud, and I can’t help the giggle that escapes my lips.

It’s been a week since I last spoke to my fake fiancé. A week of radio-silence after he strode out of my salon, with both my phone number and my reluctant agreement to his proposal. He’d said he’d be in touch, and I’d patiently waited. But for the last few days, I’ll admit I’ve wondered if he’d had a change of heart. I was partly relieved—hoping that was the case—but surprisingly, I was disappointed, too.

Not enough to reach out—not that I had his number, anyway—but enough to catch myself checking for any missed calls and messages.

Perhaps somewhere between saying yes and telling myfamily and friends about my engagement, I’d started to thaw on the idea. To look forward to it, even.

I leave him onReadto tidy up my workstation and disinfect my tools. The salon gets a thorough cleaning each night from a professional crew, but each stylist and masseuse is expected to keep their rooms cleaned between clients.

When I come back to my phone, another message is waiting for me.

Dev

I realize you’ve made it a mission in life to be as difficult as possible, but I’m running low on time and patience. Can I swing by when the salon closes?

I drum out another response he’s not going to be too happy about.

Me

Oh, well since you put it that way, how can I resist? You must tell me where you acquired all that charm and charisma, Mr. Menon. I’m positively envious.

Dev

You’re the most aggravating woman on the planet.

I giggle, leaning my hip against one of my cabinets.

Me

And yet, you still want to fake-marry me.

Dev

I’m reconsidering it.

Me

Really? Don’t tease me. I have a tendency to pee when I get excited, and I didn’t bring extra panties.

There’s a long pause, the text bubbles jumping on the screen, only to disappear, until his next response comes through.

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