Page 48 of Empty Net

“Still, it feels weird to say, doesn’t it?”

“A little.”

A lot, but I don’t correct him. “Anyway, my mother cornered me and asked about my ring. Or I guess lack of ring would be more accurate.”

“Oh.” He slips his thumb over his bottom lip, and I track the movement, remembering how good his lips felt against mine just two hours ago. “I hadn’t thought about that.”

“No, I suppose you didn’t have time to before throwing me under the bus.”

He grins sheepishly, and it’d annoy me if I didn’t appreciate it so much. Truthfully, I could have stopped him right there. I could have ended the whole charade with one little word. But I didn’t. I went along with it. I’m to blame for this as much as he is.

“Well, I guess we could go shopping for one.”

I laugh. “You arenotbuying me a ring, Fox. You’ve already done too much. Besides, I’m to wear my grandmother’s ring.”

“Your grandmother’s ring? And I thought it was supposed to be my family who should be the traditional ones, being Southern and all.”

“Um, did you forget my mother is trying to marry me off to the highest bidder?”

“Too bad for her. I don’t share.”

He’s teasing, but it doesn’t make my heart stutter any less, which instantly reminds me of the kiss from earlier because that’s exactly what happened then, too. I ignore it now, just like I did then.

“Anyway, she wants to bring the ring to me when she and my father return from vacation.”

“Okay,” he agrees with a shrug.

“At lunch.”

“All right.”

“Like apubliclunch, Fox.”

He chuckles. “I understood that, and that’s fine.”

“You’re good with this being public?”

“I really don’t think anyone is going to make a big deal out of us going to lunch together, do you?”

“Well, no. I guess not. I just…”

My words are cut off as the valet arrives with his truck. After signing a few things for him, Fox generously tips the guy. Then, he opens my door, rounds the vehicle, and slips in next to me.

“How are you so okay with all of this?” I ask him once we’re tucked into the car, him looking far too good as he shifts into drive, one hand on the wheel and one on the shifter.

“I don’t know. I guess it all just doesn’t seem like that big of a deal to me. A party here, a lunch there. It’s whatever. I’m still getting to spend time with you, so it’s nothing.”

I like how he says that.I’m still getting to spend time with you.Likethat’swhat he’s getting out of all of this. It’s sweet.

“When does she want to do lunch?”

“I’m not sure. She said she’ll have her assistant reach out to set a time and day.”

“She has anassistant?”

I nod. “Two, actually. Don’t ask me why. A demanding social schedule, I assume.”

He lets out a low whistle. “Rich people are wild.”

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