Page 64 of Playing Pretend

She scoffs a laugh, the curve of her lips exquisite before she reins it in. “Well, I’ve already spent years dealing with your complaints about my unfortunate sleeping habits.” She reefs the sheet away and slides from the mattress. “You don’t need added ammunition.”

“You can’t keep holding my past against me. I was practically a kid back then and didn’t know the benefits of a handsy woman. I assure you there’s no complaints this time.”

“I know you, Rome. You’ll complain. Specifically in front of an audience, and with an explanation drenched in innuendo.”

“Hey, don’t go accusing me of drenching anything when last night you were the one drench—”

She lunges back onto the mattress to clamp a hand over my mouth. “Don’t say another word.”

I chuckle against her palm, relieved we’re back in the playful banter zone. I’m tempted to bite. Lick.Fuck. I could have her pinned beneath me in a second, taking us far from friendship, never to return.

“Why don’t you try something different today and not be so shamelessly dirty?” She retreats from the bed, dragging my shirt down her thighs as she stands. “Haven’t I already endured enough?”

“But the challenge isn’t over and my filth is what tests you most.”

She pads to her suitcase. “How did I know you were going to say that?”

“Because you’re smart.” I drag her pillow beneath my head and relax while she pulls out a fresh set of clothes. “Do you have work responsibilities today?”

“Not really. My main focus is hiding from Julian.”

“I’m sure he already went home with his tail between his legs, otherwise he would’ve shown his face last night.” If he didn’t, I’ll ensure he does.

“Maybe.” She pauses. “What did you say to him, anyway?”

Shit. I forgot to tell her.

“What I said wasn’t as important as what he’s been doing.” I sit up, the sheet pooling at my hips. “He’s stalking you, Pip.”

Her eyes flare. “Excuse me?”

“I should’ve mentioned it sooner, but after the pool, you took off and—”

“Don’t go there.” She slaps her suitcase closed, a pile of clothes in her left hand. “Tell me why you think he’s stalking me.”

“Because he told me.”

“Outright?” She balks. “He literally said the words?”

“Pretty much. At least he didn’t deny it. He said you were cheating on me. That he’d seen you with another guy. But you already said you never told anyone about your most recent date.”

She stares blindly across the room, blinking at a random place on the wall.

“You have to tell your boss. Julian needs to lose his job.” I try to focus on her face. On those gorgeous eyes. But the way her nipples peak beneath my cotton shirt is taunting me, making my morning wood a fucking force to be reckoned with. “It might even be worth calling the cops.”

“No.” She shakes her head. “It’s not a big deal. I’ll sort it out myself.”

“Since when is stalking not a big deal?”

“Since yesterday, when things came to a close.” She pads for the hall and out of view. “He won’t do it again.”

“How can you be sure?” I shove from the bed and stride after her. “Wasn’t your date last week?”

“It doesn’t matter. Julian has since been pulled into line.” She closes herself in the bathroom. “I’m not going to risk another embarrassing scene by inflaming the situation.”

Is she fucking serious? “Since when are you the type to turn a blind eye to female injustice?”

Her sigh is loud from the other side of the door. “Rome, I’m trying to pee while my stomach is unkindly reminding me how many cocktails I had yesterday. Is it too much to ask for a smidge of privacy?”

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