Page 28 of Fake Dating the Silver Fox

Graham fills me in on the menu’s best selections. “I wish we could eat the entire menu. Everything is delicious.”

“I’m hungry enough to eat it all.” I scan the menu, delighted at the options, but intimidated by the prices. This meal is going to cost a fortune.

We order wine, appetizers, and meals we can share. Over dinner, Graham confesses his fear of public speaking and how the book tour is going to be pure torture.

“I’ve been dreading it for months.” He takes a long sip of wine. “This week might kill me.”

I raise my glass to him. “It better not kill you before you get your award next weekend.”

He lifts a brow in contemplation. “Death might make me more popular.”

“Not funny.”

He points at his chest. “Thriller author. Not comedy.”

“I used to do some acting.” I sample a mushroom stuffed with crabmeat, and sigh as the flavors burst on my tongue. “I have some tips I can share about public speaking.”

He leans his elbows on the table between us. “Share, please. And not the naked audience trick. That doesn’t work.”

“No. Not that. The trick is to pick one person in the audience and speak directly to them.”

His brows rise. “That works?”

“Not really, but if you picture them naked…”

When Graham laughs, it warms my heart. I’m hooked on that laugh. Ilovethat laugh.

My heart flutters. I might lovehim.

I drop my fork with a clink so loud Graham’s head snaps up.

His eyes narrow with concern. “Everything okay?”

I slide out of the booth, my heels slipping on the hardwood floor. “I just need the restroom.”

Graham rises in one fluid motion. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

I force a smile. “Be right back.”

I walk toward the front of the restaurant, my head spinning. It’s too late for me to contemplate falling for Graham.

It’s already happened.

There’s no one at the hostess stand to ask for directions to the bathroom, so I wander into the lobby. I don’t need the facilities. I only need a minute to gather my wits.

I pace back and forth along the plush carpet, contemplating my predicament.

Somehow, I managed to fall in love with Graham. I’m not the kind of person who falls in love. Every sensation pouring over me is new and exciting.

But also, insanely scary.

So, I do what any insanely scared and overwhelmed woman would do. I call my best friend.

Lark answers on the second ring. “Aren’t you supposed to be on a date?”

I duck behind a potted plant in the corner of the lobby. “I am on a date. I went to the bathroom.”

“Oh no! Did you eat something bad?”

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