Page 22 of Playing Pretend

The subtle insertion of her exes into the conversation dampens my lust. I’ve resented every single one of those fuckers, no matter how small her tally. Especially Julian.

I don’t know how, but that guy messed with her head.

Before him, she could participate when Rett and I spoke about sex. Now, she’s different. The blushes are deeper. The awkwardness more profound.

He’s made her embarrassed of her sexuality somehow.

“Don’t worry, little Pip. I’m sure sleeping with you will be more than pleasant.”

“Sleepingbesideme,” she corrects.

I roll onto my stomach with a laugh. “I think you doth protest too much.”

CHAPTER5

Piper

I pushto a seated position within seconds of waking, my head heavy, my stomach queasy.

Sleep was elusive. I spent the majority of the night tossing and turning while thinking of ways to best Rome. Problem was, most ideas seemed like I’d be waving a red flag in front of a horny bull.

At least my fort withstood the night.

I peer over the bank of pillows, finding him still asleep. The sheet rests at his hips. The sunlight seeping around the curtains illuminates him in all his muscled glory.

Cassidy was right; he does look somewhat godly. I guess he always has with his mass of corded strength and shadowed sinew. And right now, the dark, overnight stubble across his chiseled jaw only makes him more rugged.

He’s a big bowl of eye candy. Or he would be if I was still a soft-hearted teenager.

I slide from the bed and tiptoe to my suitcase to scavenge for a skirt and T-shirt. Then it’s straight into the bathroom to change, brush my teeth, and put on a basic layer of makeup.

I’m going to get a head start on the day without him. No early morning taunts. Just pure, slightly hungover peace as I sit through the mind-numbing lecture from the company bosses.

Within fifteen minutes, I’m creeping out of the suite without a backward glance.

Piper

I have a meeting.

I text Rome.

Piper

I’m not sure when it will finish. Enjoy the resort without me.

I make my way to the lobby and down an empty hall to the conference area where most of my colleagues and the Newport Beach office staff are already banked up like zombies around the coffee machine.

I hang back from the crowd, resting against the wall a few feet away. I know better than to walk straight into the lion’s den of questions. Everyone will be salivating for information on Rome.

“I thought you’d be eager for caffeine after your performance last night.”

The hair on the back of my neck prickles at the deep voice. I don’t need to glance over my shoulder to know my ex is close behind me. “Performance?”

He huffs a noise—part laugh, a hint of a scoff. “It was quite the display.”

“You were there? I didn’t see you.” I keep my attention on the realtors before me, hoping he’ll take the dismissive hint.

“I definitely sawyou. Then proceeded to lose my appetite and decided to get room service instead.”

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