Page 88 of Surprisingly Us

It’s hard not to roll my eyes at his request.

“I do like you. I wouldn’t have agreed to this if I didn’t.”

“You know what I mean.”

The reality is I won’t have to pretend. I’m attracted to Rhys. Whether I should be or not, when he’s around, my body reacts. Maybe that’s what is making tonight feel important.

“Just be yourself, but also be madly in love with me.”

I scoff playfully. “All you said was I needed to like you.”

He grins. “Just thought it would be the perfect opportunity for you to practice.”

My brows lift. “Is this relationship one-sided? Or will you be falling over yourself, madly in love with me, too?”

“Is that what you want?” he asks, his gaze falling to my lips.

Rhys Spencer hopelessly devoted to one woman? That would be a sight to see. That woman being me? I can’t see it happening.

“We should do whatever is best to make you look good with the board.”

“In that case, all you’ll have to do is stand next to me.”

I shake my head, laughing again. “You should save this flattery for the board members.”

“It’s true.” He slides his hand in mine. “Thank you for doing this with me.”

I look down at our joined hands. A flicker of something pinches my chest. Pretending to like Rhys tonight won’t be a problem, it’s being able to tell the difference between what’s fake and what’s real that is starting to concern me.

CHAPTER 26

Rhys

When we arrive at Jerrod’s place, I reach my hand out to Lettie to help her out of the car. My eyes make their way up Lettie’s form. The dress she wore on our date last week was sexy, yet casual. But in this red dress, the way it hugs her ass perfectly and shows off her toned arms and trim waist, she’s downright seductive.

It had been easy to shop for her, all the dresses I selected would have been stunning on Lettie.

I shouldn’t be looking at her like this.

But looking isn’t off limits, right?

No, the guilt isn’t from appreciating her tonight in this dress, it’s due to the other things I’ve done recently.

My conscience weighs heavy as I recall the way I stroked myself to the thought of her this morning in the shower. Thoughts of her pleasuring herself gave way to fantasies of what I would do if I’d walked in on her. That spiraled into imagining her on her knees for me. Full, pink lips stretched around my cock.

And that was all before I saw her in this dress.

The dress’s higher neckline and ruffle across the bust is less revealing than her slip dress was on our date. Yet somethingabout the red color, the way her dark hair sweeps over her bare shoulder, and how the short hemline shows off her toned legs will haunt me in my dreams.

When she’d asked me to help her zip it up, I’d thought it would be no big deal. I’ve unzipped many dresses in my life.

That was before my eyes devoured the sight of the smooth, flawless skin of Lettie’s naked back and discovered she’s not wearing a bra again tonight.

I shouldn’t be thinking about Lettie in her dress, or out of it. I need to be focused on connecting with the board members tonight. Now, I know my previous thoughts of Lettie being a distraction are correct.

“Come on in.” Corinne welcomes us into the penthouse apartment. “I’m Corinne Marks.” She introduces herself to Lettie.

“Colette Davenport.” Lettie extends her hand for Corinne to shake.

---