Page 10 of Playing Pretend

They shake, as Cassidy glances between us, her eyes wide with excited scandal when they hit mine.

“This is Rome,” I offer as their hands part. “Rome Cavanaugh. I’m sure I’ve spoken to you about him before.”

“TheRome Cavanaugh.” She beams at him. “Yes, of course she’s spoken of you. All the time, actually. I just didn’t know you two were a couple.”

“It’s new.” I rub my sweating palms together. “Verynew. And I’m pretty sure I’ve only ever spoken about him in a business sense.”

Rome’s lips twitch. “Don’t worry, gorgeous. I’m flattered.”

Gorgeous?

Heat blooms in my betraying cheeks as I bite back a retort.

“I still can’t believe it.” Cassidy shakes her head. “I want all the juicy details. You need to dump your bag and join me at the bar.”

I open my mouth to protest—

“That’s a great idea.” Rome pushes my suitcase into the suite. “I’m glad I arrived early.”

No.No, no, no.

We haven’t discussed the rules. We haven’t even laid the foundation for this fake relationship. We need to get our stories straight.

“Perfect.” Cassidy swoops in, hooking her arm around mine to drag me toward the elevators. “You little minx. How could you keep this from me?” She lowers her voice. “And how could you hide the fact that he’s more goddamn gorgeous in person than in the magazine articles? That man is built like a Greek god.”

I cringe, praying he didn’t overhear. “I think it’s less of a Greek god situation and more of a symptom of your obsession with the male form.”

“No, he’s definitely divine.” She unlinks our arms and presses the elevator button, the doors opening immediately. “I want all the juicy deets. Tell me everything.”

Rome is right behind us when we walk inside, the intimate space seeming all the more compact now that I’m smothered in lies.

“I need a drink first.”

Or a sedative.

I’m not picky.

Rome makes small talk as we descend. They discuss traffic and the unseasonably warm weather while I try to find my usually infallible professional demeanor.

I can handle this. I’m good under pressure.

I just don’t feel comfortable with lies.

“Most of our team are already at the bar.” Cassidy leads the way from the elevator and across the lobby, giving me a pointed look. “I’m not sure about the other office though.”

She’s talking about Julian. She hasn’t seen him yet.

Thank God for small favors.

We continue outside into the building sunset, the sky alive with pink and purple as tiny party lights twinkle from the architraves of the open bar area.

The place is busy. Small tables are filled with a Thursday night crowd. Other people stand on the lawn, drinks in hand as they take in the ocean view.

“We’re over here.” Cassidy points to the group standing near the side of the pool illuminated from underwater lights.

“I’ll be there in a minute.” I let her continue without me and grab Rome’s arm before he can follow her. “Let’s get a drink first.”

He glances down to where my fingers cling to his forearm, then raises his gaze to mine, cocky as ever. “Anything for you, my sweet.”

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