Page 18 of Fake Dating the Silver Fox

“My next book isn’t going to write itself, and I’m finding it impossible to type with a ten-pound dog disabling my left arm.”

Her laugh makes a tingle rush down my spine. “I might have a solution. Meet me at Azalea Park at two today.”

I glance down at Cupid, who is pressing his nose into my calf. “What’s the park going to do to solve my dog problem?”

“You’ll see. Bring Cupid, and wear something appropriate for the park.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Don’t wear a tuxedo!”

Two p.m. can’t come fast enough.Cupid senses adventure in the air and wears out the rug in front of the door waiting for me to grab his leash.

Just to tease Mara, I’m wearing a suit jacket over jeans and a T-shirt.

If she doesn’t think it’s funny, I’ll know we’re not compatible. If she laughs, I’m done for.

When I see her standing with a group of people holding leashes in a large grassy area of the park, my heart swells with emotion.

Mara is surrounded by dogs, each vying for her attention. Happy barks sound, and tails wag. Mara pays equal attention to all the dogs, kneeling to give them belly rubs and head scratches.

When Cupid sees her, he dances on the end of his leash. “I know how you feel, buddy.”

He whines and tugs, pulling me toward her, as if I’d go anywhere else.

Mara sees us, and her face lights up. “Nice jacket.”

My heart shines. She got my joke. She gotme.

She bends down to greet Cupid, and I wait impatiently for my turn. My heart thumps in my chest, beating as hard as if I’m writing a fight scene. I have to shove my hands in my pockets to keep from reaching for her.

In my head, I know our relationship isn’t real. So what if we’ve shared a kiss or two?

We are just exchanging dates as a favor to each other. We aren’t actually dating.

My head knows this to be the real truth. My heart? Hasn’t gotten the footnote.

Mara rises from her crouch and gives the lapels of my jacket a tug. “You dressed up for me?”

“I couldn’t help it.”

She slides her hands down the front of my jacket, causing fireworks to erupt in all my nerve centers. “You look great.” A sly smile curves her lips. “Peter is cute, but you’re much better looking.”

The fireworks erupt under the surface of my skin. “You think Peter is cute?”

Her smile grows. “I think Peter is gorgeous.”

Jealousy spawns in my chest. “Yeah?”

Her hands glide up to my shoulders. “But he’s not really my type.”

Disappointment sinks like a stone in my belly. Peter is probably too old for Mara. Same as me. “You have a type?”

Mara rises onto her toes and whispers in my ear, “I’m into men who rescue animals.”

A whistle blows, calling both humans and dogs to attention.

“Welcome to puppy training’s first class. I’m Aidan, your trainer.”

---