Page 34 of Playing Pretend

Pleasure. Nothing more.

I get it. I really do.

Guys don’t associate sex with emotion like women.

But I’d had those same fantasies when I was younger. I’d whispered his name as I came undone. Then things got complicated. Our casual conversations turned into moments where I hung onto his every word. I created an alternate reality where we were together. Where our futures were entwined in something deeper than friendship.

Yet all those dreams were torn further and further apart as he lost himself in other women. I had to feign interest instead of heartbreak whenever he shared a story about a new conquest.

“You’re my best friend,” I whisper.

“I know.” He winces. “And I feel like shit because of it.”

I believe him. Not once in my entire life have I seen him fake sincerity, and I don’t think he’d start now. Not with this.

“But you’ll forgive me, right?” He takes another step, one side of his mouth kicking up slightly. “You know I’m a perverted fuck. And with all that’s been going on, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to indulge in a little pseudo-incest fantasy.”

I refuse to laugh.

I willnot.

I’m not even going to let a smile break free. Nope. Not on my watch. “You’re a monster.”

“And you’re trying to hold in a grin.” His eyes glisten. “Come on, little Pip. It’s just an orgasm. If it will make you feel better, we can even the score. I’m more than happy to watch you fool around.”

I glower. My nostrils flare with the need to snort at his ridiculousness.

His smirk increases. “Do I sense you caving to the idea?”

“You sense my ovaries shriveling at the mental image. It’s never going to happen.”

“That’s a shame. But the offer stands if you change your mind.”

He amazes me. The lack of shame. The complete void of sexual inhibition.

If our roles were reversed, I’d be walking into the ocean with lead boots. “My mind won’t change, but what does require a tweak or two is this challenge of ours. I think I’ve endured enough torment, don’t you?”

“Nice try. There’s still a career on the line with a generous six-figure salary. You’re not getting off that easy.”

“If anyone was getting off easy, it was you…in that bathroom.”

“Was that a masturbation joke? From Piper Sheffield?” His brows spike. “I’m impressed.”

“Don’t be.” I turn back to the tree. “Now I feel awkward again.”

“You’re too cute, Pip.” He closes in behind me, mimicking how I peer around the trunk. “So what’s this game we’re playing, and how do I win so we can get something to eat?”

CHAPTER7

Piper

Rome won.

He captured the opposition flag and brought it back to base with a charming grin.

I think the other team handed it over. Either to butter him up for a future Bellefont pitch or to get to the bar faster. Regardless, it helped get a drink in my hands, so other than his bolstered cocky attitude, it was a win-win.

Everyone scattered after.

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