Page 12 of Fake Dating the Silver Fox

Her raised brow says it all.

“Except for the photo.” I stumble over my words. “And… and that was my publicist’s idea.”

She chews on her bottom lip. “The same publicist who was at the signing?”

“Yes, that’s Vanessa Blake.”

“I don’t think she likes me.”

“What makes you say that?”

She laughs. “The way she pretty much kicked me out of the signing. How’s your hand, by the way?”

I raise my hand so she can see it and flex my fingers. “Good as new.”

A smile ghosts over her lips. “I have the magic touch.”

“It seems so.”

For a moment, neither of us speak. The connection crackles with something electric as our eyes lock.

“Why should I give you a second chance?” Mara asks, her voice breaking. “You lied to me.”

My stomach knots. I can’t imagine having any other woman then Mara on my arm for the awards ceremony. She’s far too young for me, and we shouldn’t have anything in common. But somehow, she’s perfect.

“I will do whatever you want if you’ll be my date to the awards ceremony.”

Her eyes go wide. “Anything?”

I know I’m in trouble, but I can’t help myself. “Anything. It doesn’t even have to be a real date. We can just pretend for the night.”

She’s silent for a long moment, and I can see the hesitation running across her face. “You want me to fake date you?”

I nod, seizing my chance. “If that works for you.”Whatever works for you.

“Okay,” she says, finally. “But it’s going to involve your wallet at the shelter fundraiser.”

Something in my chest loosens. My wallet can take the hit, but I’m not sure my heart can. “It’s a deal.”

Three days later,I wait at the train station to meet Mara. The day is clear and bright. The skies are blue, and people are everywhere.

So many people.

Citizens of Mossy Oak have come out in droves along the rail trail. Joggers dodge dog walkers, packs of mothers push strollers, and a trio of teenagers have set up a ramp for skateboard stunts.

This is more people than I see in a month. Normally, I would convince myself to skip whatever plans I’ve made and burrow back in my writing cave, but today I push through.

Because I’m going to see Mara.

And thenI see Mara.

She’s even more gorgeous than I remembered.

Wearing a flowing tunic cinched at the waist with a wide, jewel-encrusted leather belt and shiny gold leggings, Mara turns heads.

There’s just something about her. Something sensual and sexy, but something so damn cute at the same time. Her dark, glossy hair shines in the bright sunlight, and her energy is palpable even from a distance.

A tawny head pokes up from the tote bag slung over her shoulder. I recognize Cupid, the little dog who goes everywhere with her.

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