Page 52 of Make You Mine

“Does this even count as fake dating anymore?” Her cute nose crinkled up. “What is this?”

“Something entirely unexpected.” I chuckled softly. “And I guess it depends on how you define fake dating,” I mused. “But either way, I’m glad we’re doing it together.”

She smiled, a hint of relief in her eyes. “I guess the fake part is not our problem. What people think we do and what we’re doing are two different things. Nobody has to know our business.”

“Exactly. The image we project to get what we need is one thing. But what happens behind closed doors is only for us.”

“I like that. Tell me about the children’s hospital gala.”

“It’s black tie. It’s not like the dinners we usually attend. This will be mainly for meeting people and getting our name out there, making contacts so we can partner up on events in the future, things like that.”

“So, dress to kill and get ready to socialize?”

“Yep. Is that okay?”

“Totally. I’m happy to go with you.”

“But can you pretend?”

“Of course.” Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean?

“Pretend that you want me?”Shit.What was I saying?

“I won’t have to pretend, Ren.”

Her words sparked a mixture of relief and longing. For a moment, I was lost in the depth of her gaze; the fear in her eyes from before was gone. I reached out, taking her hand in mine, feeling the softness of her skin.

My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly masked my reaction with a smile. I searched her eyes, trying to unravel her thoughts.

I wanted to kiss her again, but should I?

I leaned close, over the tray, feeling the warmth of her breath against my skin as the room seemed to shrink around us.

“Do you mean that?” I asked softly.

“Yes,” she whispered.

The tension was palpable, and I couldn’t resist any longer. I closed the distance between us and pressed my lips to hers. She responded instantly, kissing me back and running her hands up my chest.

Smog and Nimbus hopped off the bed to run out of the room, and we broke apart.

“They’ll be okay. Their breakfast is ready too. I already filled their bowls.” She stood, grabbing the tray to set on her dresser, then shut the door before climbing back into bed with me to sit at my side, with her back up against the headboard.

This was what I’d been missing in my life. Togetherness, simple and easy.

Shewas what had been missing.

The electricity between us was irresistible. The thrill of not knowing what was coming. This fucking desire I had for her—stronger than I’d ever felt for anything or anyone. I wanted her. I had to have her. I had to find a way to make her mine.

For the first time in my life, I couldn’t think.

I didn’t want to.

All I wanted was to keep this feeling I only had with her.

This wasn’t safe. I knew my heart was on the line, and she wasn’t ready to be with me in a real way, but I didn’t care.

Her eyes heated on me, and my stomach swirled as my heart started beating so hard, I could hear it echoing in my ears.

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