Page 5 of Fake Dating the Silver Fox

Tyson’s owner smiles at me. “You’re popular.”

I shrug and show her the matching leash that goes with the jacket. She says she’ll take both.

“Are you coming to the fundraiser?” I ask, never one to miss an opportunity to spread the word about the shelter’s needs.

“I haven’t heard of it.”

I tell her all about the fundraiser that’s being held uptown in two weeks. “We will have a silent auction, a dee jay, and a live adoption center.”

“Another match!”

Lark’s voice sounds more eager with every match. If I do find love, she’s going to take every opportunity to sayI told you so.

Her enthusiasm is contagious. For the first time in months, my heart quickens at the prospect of dating.

I wouldn’t mind someone totally different than the last few men I’ve gone out with. Maybe someone a little older with a kind smile and velvety brown eyes. The image of the man I’d met at the café flashes to mind. Not for the first time, I regret not finding out his name.

Reminding myself that it wasn’t meant to be, I finish up with Tyson before grabbing my phone from Lark.

Her profile caption brings a smile to my lips.

Dog lover, business owner, and accidental collector of stray pets. If you don’t like dogs, keep swiping. If you have a dog, send pics immediately.

I edit the post for matches in their forties and up. I wouldn’t mind a spicy older man bringing his wisdom to the conversation, and very possibly the bedroom.

Ding!A match pops up.

“Ohhhh, another one!” Lark peers over my shoulder. “He looks kind of familiar.”

He’s absolutely gorgeous. His graying hair gives him a distinguished air, and the round glasses make him look cool and retro. He doesn’t have the soulful eyes of the man from the café, but he’s a ten on my scale.

“He’s available,” I say, checking the date for the fundraiser. “What do you think?”

Lark squints at the screen. “He’s hot in a Daddy sort of way.”

I scroll through his profile, reading his answers to the prompts. He’s funny, mysterious, and charming. “Who knew I was into older men?”

“You should go for it,” Lark says. “He’s perfect.”

“There’s no way he’s single.”

“Only one way to find out,” Lark says, grabbing my phone again.

Before I know it, she’s agreed to a match.

“You’re the worst best friend ever!”

“You’ll be thanking me later.”

I snatch my phone back, and to my surprise, Graham D. has already responded.

He’s available and ready to be my date to the fundraiser. All I have to do is click yes to accept.

ChapterThree

Graham

My pen scratchesacross the page, my signature flowing on autopilot. The steady shuffle of the line, the quiet murmur of voices, the occasional rustle of turning pages—it all blurs into background noise.

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