Page 29 of Fake Dating the Silver Fox

“No.” I stare at the fancy wallpaper on the wall, my mind filled with images of Graham. “I think I’m in love.”

Lark’s squeal hurts my ears. “Oh! Em! Gee! That’s amazing. Ilovelove for you.” She pauses, realizing I haven’t responded. “What’s wrong? Why are you calling me?”

I take a deep breath, wishing I had more room to pace than the corner hide-away offered. “I just needed a minute. I don’t know how to handle this.”

“Mara, there’s nothing to handle. It’s love, not a hot frying pan.”

I squeeze my eyes shut. “What about all those gold digger comments? Everyone is going to say I’m using him.” My breath comes fast. “And Graham is going to believe it.”

Lark scoffs. “If he believes it, he’s not worthy of my fabulous best friend.”

Her indignation makes me laugh, and the laugh releases something stuck inside me. I can’t let other’s opinions ruin my life.

“I never cared what people thought before. Why is this different.”

“Because, honey. It’s love.”

My heart swells to nearly bursting. If this is what love feels like, I’ve never felt it before.

“Now, go back and finish the date. Where are you anyway?”

“I’m at Sky Valley Resort.”

“Whoa! Prince Harry stayed there. Before Meghan.”

I end the call and leave my hiding spot. My breathing is almost back to normal when I reach the hostess stand.

I can do this. I can fall in love and not die doing it.

My confidence soars as I stride into the restaurant. Back to Graham.

“Excuse me.” The hostess stops me. “Do you have a reservation?”

In a hurry to get back to Graham, I snap at her, “I’m already seated.”

Her eyes narrow to tiny slits as she looks me over. “I don’t think so.”

“Excuse me?”

“I don’t know what you’ve heard.” She steps closer. “But we are cracking down on you people.”

“You people?” Heat rises to my cheeks. “What kind of people is that?”

She lowers her voice to a whisper, “Hookers trying to pick up men at the bar.”

A harsh laugh barks from my throat. “I’m not a hooker.” It comes out louder than I’d intended, but I can’t help my volume under such circumstances. “My date is sitting right over there.”

She doesn’t even look where I’m pointing. Her eyes are glued on me. “Keep your voice down, and I won’t have you arrested.”

Anger flames in my chest. “Go ask my date.”

She reaches for the phone on the stand. “I’m calling security.”

I try to brush past her, thinking all this would be solved if I could get Graham’s attention, but she blocks my way.

“Graham!” I call his name.

The hostess’s eyes bug out of her head. “Quiet,” she hisses.

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