Page 33 of Surprisingly Us

Interesting.

“This doesn’t look like nothing.”

I lift the computer higher so I can keep reading.

“Must love cats,” I read aloud. “Or at least not be allergic.”

She’s hanging on my forearm trying to pull the laptop back within her reach. She’s a strong woman, but I’m stronger and even on her tiptoes, I’ve got the height advantage.

“That’s not for you to see, Rhys. Give it back.”

I’m trying to focus on reading her dating profile, but my body registers the feel of Lettie’s body pressed against me, jumping up and down, and it’s a real distraction.

“Rhys, give me my computer!”

When my gaze drops to hers, I’m overwhelmed by the desperation in her big blue eyes, by the vulnerability I see there. It has me immediately lowering my arm and handing her the computer.

Her throat works to swallow. “I think you should go,” she says tightly.

I think I should tell her why I’m here before she throws me out.

“Did you see theOnline Socialpost from last night?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “I don’t even know what that is.”

“A social media gossip account followed by millions of people that puts out news about celebrities, and it’s speculating that we’re dating.”

Her gaze snaps to mine. “What?”

“You haven’t seen the pictures?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “I’m not on social media.”

I hand her my phone, the post already loaded.

“How are you a celebrity? What are you famous for?” she asks.

“My charming personality.” I wiggle my brows, but Lettie just rolls her eyes.

“Because of my family. And my money. And who I’m friends with. Let’s just say I’ve given them a lot of material over the years and now they won’t leave me alone.”

She drops her gaze to my phone screen to study the photo. After which, she promptly laughs. It’s light and airy. No trace of the irritation from earlier.

“We both know that wasn’t a ‘passionate embrace.’” She quotes the caption. “It’s ridiculous what people make up. Definitely fake news.” She hands the phone back to me. “The good news is that it’s so far-fetched no one will believe it.”

“Why is it far-fetched?” I ask, even though I already know the idea of me and Lettie together might not be an easy sell.

“Because we’re not together. At the very most, we’re friends. And before last night, we hadn’t seen each other in years.”

She’s right, but no one else knows that.

I nod to her laptop. “What’s with the profile?”

“It’s something I’m looking into.” She drops to the couch, then pulls her legs in cross-legged. “It’s come to my attention recently that I’m lacking passion in my dancing. It’s holding me back from getting roles I want that could ultimately promote me to principal dancer at the company.”

“Passion, huh?” I take another bite of the apple while considering this. “You were pretty passionate last night when you were trying to keep me away from other women.”

“That was determination. There’s a difference.”

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