Page 31 of Fake Dating the Silver Fox

She sips cautiously. “Graham, these rooms must cost a fortune.”

“You’re worth it.”

Her face changes, caution giving way to indignation. “I’m not a whore.”

“I’m joking. It was a joke.” Panic rises in my throat as her expression goes dark. “I’m not funny.”

“Not so much.”

“I’m so sorry. I can’t apologize enough. I got the room thinking it would be fun and we wouldn’t have to worry about driving after the wine.” I lean across the table, putting my hand over hers. “I don’t expect anything from you.”

“I think I should go.”

“No.” I clasp her hand. “Please don’t.”

“I’ve had a lovely time.” She pulls her hand away, already sliding from the booth.

“Mara, please.”

She shakes her head. “I’ll see you next weekend for your event.”

I get to my feet. “Wait. I’ll take you home.”

“No. We’ve had too much to drink.” She grabs her purse. “I’ll find my way.”

“You’ll never get a car to come this far out.” I reach for my wallet, frantically searching for our server to call for the check.

“My best friend will come.” She kisses me on the cheek. “It’s better this way. Enjoy your wine and your hotel room.”

“Mara.” The word dies on my lips. She’s already pulling away. Lost to me.

“I’ll see you.”

Then, she’s gone. I’m left to a bottle of wine, a suite, and a lonely night.

After a weekof working crowds and hardly talking to the one person I want, I’m back home and eager to see Mara again. I’m not the only one. Cupid is pulling on his leash as we walk up to the sidewalk to her place.

Cupid has enjoyed going to all my events. I upgraded my briefcase to a larger version, which he fits perfectly inside. The dog has been more popular than me on my book tour. He even has his own social media profile, set up by Vanessa.

Cupid prances up to Mara’s place, excited to see his former mistress. I reach down and scratch him behind the ears, partly to calm him, but more to catch my breath.

My heart is pounding out of my chest, and it has nothing to do with climbing the steep steps to her second-floor apartment.

The space between me and Mara that has been like the Grand Canyon for the last week is about to disappear. I can only hope we will get past the catastrophic events from our date.

Forever seems to pass after I knock on her door. My mounting nerves can barely take the suspense.

What if Mara isn’t here? What if she’s ditched me?

My chest squeezes, and I brace my hand over my heart as if that will protect it from breaking. I can manage going to the award’s ceremony by myself. It wasn’t even my idea to bring a date. Vanessa had been the one to insist, then also the one to urge me to reconsider my choice after the online bullies sunk their teeth into Mara.

Finally, the door swings open, but it isn’t Mara at the door. It’s a tall woman with flowing red hair and a face full of freckles. She’s dressed in a paint-stained t-shirt and cutoff shorts. Her feet are bare, but she’s nearly as tall as me.

Her eyebrows knit together, and her sharp eyes assess me unapologetically. “You’re pretty cute for an old guy.”

I’m not offended. Being over ten years older than Mara, I’m lucky she’s looked twice at me. “Thanks.”

The woman shrugs. “You’re welcome.”

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