Page 94 of The Purest Fake

This time she’s the one to seek out my hand, and my lips press together in a contented smile. I ring the doorbell and almost instantly the door swings inward. “Hello, you must be Cooper,” an older gentleman greets us.

“I am, and this is Scarlett.”

“I’m David, and my wife is Susanah. She’s in the kitchen, whipping up some dinner, but I’m sure you’ll meet her later.”

Scarlett squeezes my hand, and I turn to her. “What’s going on?” she asks.

“You and I are spending the night here.”

Her blue eyes pop open. “How?”

“I’ve taken care of everything. Just trust me, okay?”

She nods, smiling softly. “Okay.”

“I’ll show you to your room,” David tells us.

We set off along with him, following as he climbs a wide staircase. Scarlett’s head is like a lazy Susan, spinning in one direction before snapping back the other way as she takes in everything from the richly papered walls to the old photos hanging on the walls and the sconces highlighting them.

When David opens our door for us, Scarlett lets out a gasp of surprise. Her eyes are wide with delight when they meet mine, and I grin.

“What do you think?”

She raises her free hand, covering her mouth as she walks to the center of the large area rug covering the wood floors. She slowly spins in place, taking it in from every angle. “I can’t believe we’re staying here. It’s so beautiful.”

I want to disagree. While the room is tastefully yet lavishly decorated, it’s just like every other—four walls, a ceiling, and a floor.The real beauty contained within is Scarlett herself. Her smile and sparkling eyes light up the space.

Before excusing himself, David explains dinner will be at six o’clock. He closes the door behind him, leaving us alone.

Scarlett lets out a squeal, hurrying toward me. Her arms slip underneath mine, wrapping around my back. “This place is amazing! No,you’reamazing!”

“I’m glad you’re excited about it. I was hoping you’d be up for the unexpected change of plans.”

“Are you kidding? I don’t even care that I have no clothes to change into or a toothbrush and toothpaste.”

I laugh. “Oh, but you do. I had Autumn pack a bag for you, and Rogan gave it to me this morning at the stadium. I also rescheduled my physical therapy appointment for late tomorrow afternoon.”

“You thought of everything.” She rests her cheek in the crook of my neck, squeezing me tighter. “This is the nicest and mostthoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me.” When she raises her head, her eyes are shining with tears. “Thank you, Cooper.”

I press my forehead to hers. “You’re welcome.”

I only hope the rest of my plan goes as well.

CHAPTER 26

SCARLETT

“You look stunning,” Cooper tells me.

Suddenly feeling shy, I lower my chin and tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. “Thank you. You’re pretty stunning yourself, and I’m feeling damn lucky to be sitting across from you.”

Dave and Susanah show up to deliver our meals. I’m so excited, I clap and cheer at their arrival. “You don’t understand how famished we are,” I tell them.

“Well, hopefully everything lives up to your expectations,” Susanah replies.

“I’m sure it will,” Cooper says.

We don’t even wait until they’ve left the dining room to sample the whipped potatoes with butter drizzled on top. And once we do, that’s the main focus for both of us. Although, I do steal glances at him between bites. Candlelight flickers across his handsome face, highlighting his blue eyes and chiseled features. When he catches me looking, I shrug, as if to saycan you blame me?I don’t know how anyone in my position could keep from watching him. He’s hotter than a Greek god.

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