Page 24 of Fake Dating the Silver Fox

“It’s in your best interest to dump this woman.”

“What’s my dating life got to do with anything?”

“It’s all over the internet. You and this woman at the park.” She lowers her voice. “Kissing.”

My blood runs cold. “There are pictures of us kissing? Who would do that?”

“I’m not sure of the source, but your fans aren’t happy.”

“My fans?” They’ve never cared about my personal life before. As long as I keep writing books, they don’t get in my business.

“They’re saying she’s a gold digger.” Vanessa takes a breath. “And worse.”

“What’s worse than that?” I open the browser on my phone and type in my name. Sure enough, I see what’s worse. “You need to crush this. Now.”

Vanessa sighs. “It would be easier to get rid of her.”

I think about last night and wince. “Not happening.”

“Graham, you could have any woman you want. Why make it hard on yourself?”

There’s only one woman I want. “Kill this story.”

“I’ll try. But…”

I yank open the door to my house. “No buts. This is what I pay you for.”

Her voice goes icy with indignation. “Of course.”

I can only hope that Mara doesn’t decide to look me up on social media before Vanessa can get this fixed. Some of the things my fans were saying about her were beyond cruel. It wouldn’t be fair for Mara to get hurt.

Cupid runs into the kitchen and greets Mara as if he hasn’t seen her in years. His tail thumps the floor, and his entire body shakes with enthusiasm.

I know how he feels, and I’m not going to let anything my fans say hurt my relationship with Mara.

“This smells delicious.” I take the plate she offers me. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome.” She beams. “I enjoy cooking—especially in a kitchen like this.” She does a quick twirl around my state-of-the-art kitchen. “It’s a dream come true.”

“I don’t use it much. I usually order in or survive on canned food if I’m on a writing binge.”

“That’s a shame.”

I pour us both cups of coffee. “I can make great coffee.”

She takes a seat at the bar and sips appreciatively. “I agree.”

“It occurred to me that we haven’t actually been on a date yet.”

“That’s because we aren’t dating.”

I fork up a bite of eggs and chew thoughtfully. “I’d like to change that. Starting tonight.”

“Are you asking me on a date? A real date?”

“What’s your favorite restaurant?”

“I don’t have one.”

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