Page 32 of Fake Dating the Silver Fox

I peek around her shoulders into the apartment, my heart tripping and banging in my chest. “Is Mara here?”

Instead of answering, she reaches down and scoops up Cupid. “Hey, baby! It’s been too long. How’s my little man?”

Cupid wags his stump of a tail, happy to be the center of attention. The woman showers compliments on the dog, totally ignoring me.

I clear my throat, but she doesn’t look up. I’m beginning to think Mara isn’t coming, and my stomach tightens. I’ll do anything to make up for the disastrous ending to our last date.

I’d thought taking her to my favorite, exclusive restaurant would be a fabulous date. I hadn’t given one thought to the time I’d been sitting at the bar and two women of the oldest profession had come in together. They’d flirted with every man at the bar, including me, and after they’d left with two men, the bartender had told me their purpose.

“We can’t do anything about the high-class ones,” he’d said with an apologetic smile.

He’d given me a free drink for not making a big deal about the hookers, and I’d forgotten all about them. Until my own date had been accused of prostitution. I wouldn’t blame Mara for resenting me for putting her in that situation.

Footsteps sound on the hardwood floor, and Mara appears behind the woman. She’s stunning in a black gown. It’s more conservative than anything I’ve seen her in before, with long sleeves, a high neck, and a full skirt that nearly reaches the floor. She’s covered from head to toe, but she’s never looked sexier.

“Cupid!” Her eyes light up. “I didn’t expect to see you.”

“He’s my constant companion these days.”

Her gaze snaps to me, and some of the joy leaves her eyes. My heart sinks, knowing I’m the cause of her unhappiness.

I straighten my bow tie, forcing a smile. “It’s finally the right time to wear a tuxedo.”

Her gaze travels over me, a wistful expression on her face. “You look very handsome.”

“You are stunning. As always.”

A little bit of the ice in her gaze melts. “Thank you.”

I reach for her hand, but the tall redhead blocks my path. “Have a care with my best friend.”

“I will.”

My promise is enough to appease her, and she steps back, allowing Mara to exit. “Call me if you need anything.”

At the last moment, Mara grabs a tote bag that doesn’t go with her outfit, explaining it’s for Cupid, and we make our way down the stairs to where the car I hired is parked by the curb.

Once we are settled in the space, a privacy window between us and the driver, every muscle in my body tightens, every nerve frays.

“I’ve missed you.”

Her cheeks turn pink. “It’s been a long week.”

I glance at her lips. “I want to kiss you.”

She frowns. “We need to talk.”

I try to lighten the mood. “I’d rather be kissing.”

Her gaze falls to my lips and she sighs. “One kiss,” she says.

I make it a good one.

ChapterTwelve

Mara

Even though I’dbeen planning on breaking up with Graham before the event, we spend the entire drive kissing. His lips are soft and firm, and his tongue brushes against my lips until I open on a moan, and he sweeps inside. I want to keep on kissing him forever.

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