Page 72 of Pretend for Me

We’re breathing in unison, descending from outer space together, when I make a move to get off his lap.

Dev’s fingers tighten on me, keeping me in my place. His hooded eyes stroll over my face in adoration, appreciation. “You’re so beautiful. So perfect.”

I hide my smile against his neck, breathing in his scent like it’s a limited-edition fragrance and I’m trying to memorize it. Yeah, I have issues.

There’s no denying I want to stay here. Not just a night, but for an entire lifetime. But not when this is all destined to end. Not when this was all based on my proposal to have fun while we’re both in this together. Temporarily.

I lift up to find his eyes, feeling his fingers trail up and down my back. It sends renewed goosebumps flying across my skin. “Dev.”

He must see it written all over my face because understanding flashes over him. “You don’t want to stay the night.”

I swallow, curling my fingers into his hair. “It’s what’s best for us.”

He leans in, grasping my lips with his, and pulling me into a slow, sensual kiss.

A moment later, I shift off him, with a heart that seems tilted. Askew in a way that feels like it’s ill-designed for my chest. After putting on my thong, I gather my things while Dev watches me from where he’s still sitting on his bed.

I’m just reaching for his door after waving to him when he stops me. “Hey, Peter?”

I turn to see my favorite dimple cozied up inside his cheek. “Yeah?”

“You told me to thank you for the orgasm, so . . .” He gets a strangely boyish look in his eyes, despite the very adult conversation we’re having. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Lex.” I raise a brow, testing out the waters. “Would you like another one tomorrow?”

He contemplates it for a moment. “I’d be an idiot to say no.”

“Then I guess it’s a date.”

“Want to do the crossword together afterward?”

I burst out laughing. This guy. This gorgeous and adorable fucking guy.

“What am I, an animal? Of course I want to do the crossword afterward. It’s the only post-orgasm activity I ever take part in, aside from watching hockey.”

He chuckles. “We can do both.”

I lift my brow. “I saw an entire room upstairs covered with baseball paraphernalia. Are you sure you’d want to watch hockey with me?”

Dev smirks. “I think I can make room in my life for another sport.”

“Then consider it a date.”

“Goodnight, Piper.”

“Thank you for a great night, Mr. Menon. A great weekend, in fact.”

And with that, I bolt across the living room to the safety of my own room, like I’m running from my worst fear. A fear—a temptation—by the name of Dev Menon. The epitome of my desire and the match ready to strike my self-control.

My rules are there for a reason, and though I’ve already broken the cardinal one, I’m clinging to the others like a lifeline.

A lifeline I’ll need if I’m to come out the other end of this intact.

twenty-six

piper

Might As Well Be A Different Fruit

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