Page 13 of Playing Pretend

“We’re separated because they’re infuriating.” Vanessa scowls in their direction. “They make everything a competition.”

There are murmurs of agreement while my nervousness builds.

Rome is going to get grilled as soon as he steps within arm’s length.

“Piper, are you okay?” Cassidy frowns. “You seem…”

“I’m fine. Just feeling out of place.” I swirl a hand toward my teammates. “I haven’t had a chance to unpack or freshen up.”

“Why not go inside and do it now?” Max gives me a funny look, as if the suggestion is a no-brainer.

I nod, thankful for the excuse to escape, when a familiar presence encroaches close to my side, and an orange and red cocktail is raised in front of me.

Rome.

I stiffen as everyone in our small circle eyes him with interest—even the significant others who aren’t familiar with his godliness in the property scene.

“I thought you’d enjoy Sex on the Beach,” he says loud enough for all to hear.

My stomach bottoms.

I don’t bite. I don’t even flinch. I remain deadly quiet, hoping his blatant innuendo will be ignored as I claim the drink.

“I’m sure she will.” Cassidy bursts out laughing.

“Especially when you’re offering,” Sue adds.

My face turns to flame.

I grasp for the straw and suck, suck, suck, willing the alcohol to fast track into my bloodstream.

Cassidy takes liberties introducing Rome to the group, gushing over him like he’s a movie star while I attempt to marinate in cocktail goodness.

Rome takes the accolades in his stride, his responses to questions casual, his charm effortless as he wraps his possessive arm around my waist and takes a sip of scotch. The contact is entirely smooth. One hundred percent romantically believable on his behalf, while I remain stone still and deathly quiet.

“How long have you two been together?” Phillip glances between us. “It looks…new.”

Awkward is the word he was searching for.

Uncomfortable.

I face Rome, panicked at how to respond. Then even more panicked when I realize he might say something to complicate the situation.

“A month,” I blurt as he answers, “It feels like forever.”

Ohhs and ahhs erupt while I silently plead for him to rein in the act. To stop the touching. To quit the flawless romanticism. It’s too much.

“It’s still early days.” I hold his gaze. “Some of us haven’t transitioned from years of friendship as fast as others.” I drag my attention back to my colleagues. “It’s effortless for him because he’s so old.”

That’s all I’ve got, a stupid taunt at our measly six-year age gap.Howpathetic.

“It’s effortless because I’ve spent a lifetime wanting you.” He kisses my temple. Soft. Sweet.

My throat tightens.

“I think you shocked her. She’s speechless.” Cassidy steps forward to place my cocktail straw in my mouth as if I’m a child needing aid to sip. “Drink, honey. I have a feeling Rome’s going to make this weekend a wild ride.”

I suck like a vacuum, finishing my cocktail in record speed as everyone chuckles at my expense.

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