Page 105 of Even Exchange

The thoughts going through her mind are giving me whiplash.

“No,” I say, blowing out a frustrated breath. “I’m not interested in her.”

Charlotte narrows her eyes. “You seemed interested in Miami.”

“Youwere the one who practically forced me to get a drink with her.” I grip Charlotte’s chin, angling her mouth to mine. “And then you left me to go see yourboyfriend. In case you forgot.”

Her eyes narrow on mine. “Ex-boyfriend.”

“Right,” I say, corner of my lip quirking up at the pleasant reminder. “And then you showed up at my hotel, where I wasalone.”

She gnaws on her lower lip. “So you don’t plan on sleeping with anyone else while we do the fake dating thing?”

“Of course not.” I scoff. “I definitely don’t.” The thought of even looking at another woman while Charlotte’s in my bed is laughable. She folds her arms over her chest. “What?”

“Aren’t you going to ask me?”

I bite my lower lip, holding in a smile. “Are you going to sleep with anyone else?”

“I might,” she says playfully, and even knowing she’s kidding, my veins still flush with heat.

“Then I might have to punish you after the gala,” I tease. “If you’re still coming?”

She looks down at her hands, picking at her nail, and then her gaze returns to mine. “Yeah. I’m still coming.”

“Good,” I say, relief flooding me, and I glance at my watch. “I have to leave for my meeting, but a car will pick you girls up tomorrow and drop you off at our hotel.”

“Hotel?” she says, brows raised, a curious smile on her face.

“Yeah, it’ll end late, and I didn’t think we’d want to drive back to camp the same night.” I realize now I maybe should have asked first. “Is that okay?”

She sways back and forth on her heels, and I swallow hard. “Yes.”

Another wave of relief barrels through me. “Okay, good.” I pull out my keys and hand her the one to my cabin. “In case you still want to sleep there tonight.”

“You wouldn’t mind?” she says, eyes hesitant.

“Not at all. I know you prefer sprawling out on the bigger bed.”

“I do notsprawl,” she scoffs, and I raise a brow. “Fine.” She snatches the key from me. “Thank you.”

I lean down, nuzzling her nose, and press a kiss to her lips. “See you tomorrow,soffione.”

My stomach twists as I head back to my cabin, and I tug out my phone. I’ve been distracted this past week by long legs and soft skin, but I don’t want another moment to go by with people not realizing I’m taken. Don’t want another bullshit situation like today to happen and give any fuel to further her trust issues.

After pulling up the photo of me and Charlotte by the wildflower field, I post it with the caption,That’s amore,hoping people get the hint.

20

CHARLOTTE

“If Theo doesn’t show soon, we’ll be going in our cheer uniforms,” Andi says, braiding the sides of her hair and tying them together in the back.

“Have faith,” I say, glancing at the options of lingerie on the bed. Black or baby pink, depending on the dress Theo brings.

“You still mad at Noah?” Andi asks. I didn’t make it two feet in the door yesterday before blurting it all out.Talk about triggering your trust issues.

“Do I even have the right to be mad? What he and I are doing is pretend.” The word is bitter on my tongue.

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