Page 15 of Fake Dating the Silver Fox

His hands slide up my back, cinching me closer as his taste floods my mouth.

I want more. So much more.

A sharp bark pierces the air.

“Oh!” I jump back, realizing we’re crushing Cupid, who peeks up from my tote bag between us. “Sorry, Cupid.”

Graham takes a step back and affectionately rubs Cupid’s scruffy head. “I thought you were supposed tomakelove connections. Notinterruptthem.”

Cupid ducks down into my bag.

Graham tugs my hand, bringing me in close for another kiss. “You think Cupid will let me hang around?”

“Cupid isn’t mine.” I pat the little dog on the head. “He’s a foster. He’s up for adoption tonight.” My throat gets tight just thinking about losing him. “Lucky little guy might get a forever home.”

Graham’s brow furrows. “Cupid isn’t yours?”

“Only for the time being.”

“But won’t you miss him when he’s gone?”

I don’t like to think about it too much. “I foster a lot of dogs.” I lift my shoulders in a shrug. “I get used to saying goodbye.”

“But I’m sure it takes a piece of your heart every time.”

I look up into his soulful brown eyes. Not only can this guy kiss, but he gets me. Really gets me. “Every time.”

He squeezes my fingers, bringing our palms tight together. “You must have a big heart to keep doing it.”

That big heart of mine flips, and my belly flutters with anticipation.This guy could be the one. The real deal.

I’d gone into this date thinking it would be fake, but maybe I’d been wrong.

The fundraiser isin full swing by the time we arrive. The venue buzzes with potential donors, volunteers, and the kind of chaos that comes with a room full of dogs.

I put Cupid in the small dog play area where he can meet up with friends and step into the spotlight as co-emcee of the event. It’s a role I don’t mind playing. I’m no stranger to entertaining.

As a student, I’d majored in theater. Somehow, I’d ended up loving animals more than I did acting and gave up my dreams of the stage for a pet grooming shop.

Occasionally, I get to put my skills to the test and reenact my drama days. As I climb to the stage and give a heartfelt speech about fostering pets, donating to the shelter, and volunteering with local charities, my eyes well with tears.

My gaze travels over the crowd, and I lock eyes with Graham. He watches me intently, absorbing every word I say, nodding encouragingly.

“Dig deep tonight, fellow pet lovers. The silent auction is the perfect way to contribute. Get your numbers and bid anonymously.” I smile wide through my tears. “And generously!”

When I leave the stage, Lark is waiting anxiously for me. “Don’t tell me the Matthew McConaughey look-alike over there isyourGraham?”

My gaze tracks Graham as he wanders among the auction items. “He isn’tmyGraham.” Then, I think of the kiss we shared and feel a tingle all over. “Not yet.”

Lark hits me on the shoulder hard enough to leave a bruise. “You like him?”

I watch as he bends over the table to bid on one of the items. His ass looks perfectly delectable in those jeans. “I think so.”

Lark gives me a push. “Then what are you doing over here with me? Go get your flirt on.”

Lark’s right, I’m wasting time watching him from across the room when I could be next to him, letting the cool scent of his cologne wash over me.

Unfortunately, I have responsibilities that keep me from Graham. I chat up potential donors, check in with the volunteers, and stop by the small dog room to make sure Cupid is holding his own.

---