Page 20 of Nova

“I need to keep it as simple as possible. I can’t lie to save my life, and my mother is an expert in reading me. So we keep to the truth as much as we can.” She starts chewing on her thumbnail in thought.

“So we met at a bar shortly after you and Tyler broke up. We’ve kept in touch over the phone, and now we’ve decided to start seeing each other seriously.” I pull out the ring that’s been burning a hole in my pocket since this morning.

“I proposed as soon as I arrived.” I slip off my seat and onto my knees like I was just fantasizing about.

“Simone, will you fake marry me?” I wink at her shocked face.

“Jerk,” she laughs but lets me slide the very real engagement ring onto her finger.

“Wow, it’s so realistic.” I keep my mouth shut since a flawless three-carat diamond better fucking be realistic and more.

Clearing my throat, I retake my seat and continue listing the things I know so I can highlight any gaps.

“I know where you work and your family members’ names, but what about personal details.” She crosses her legs while admiring the ring in the dim light.

I pour us both flutes of champagne and slowly hand her one.

“I live alone. I have four children,” I cough on the sip of bubbly.

“I’m sorry, what?” She grins on that critical piece of information.

She doesn’t act like a woman with children, nor does she look like it’s even fucking possible. A woman’s body changes after childbirth and, in my opinion, for the better. She isn’t showing any signs of carrying or nursing a child.

“Yes, four beautiful fur babies.” What the actual fuck.

“Dove, I appreciate your love of animals, but you need to work on delivering important information. Please continue.” I shake my head now that my heart rate is semi-back to normal.

“My pussies are my world.” This time, I can’t stop the liquor from spurting out my mouth.

“Are you ok?” She reaches for some napkins, and I cough repeatedly, trying to breathe.

Simone is a goddamn choking hazard.

“NO!” I finally get out.

“Sorry.” Her words seem sincere, but the look in her eyes says differently.

This woman likes to surprise people and enjoys the fucking reactions she gets.

Dually noted, Dove.

“My pussies are a large part of my life, and my family will never believe we’re a couple if you don’t take this seriously,” she huffs.

“My apologies. I will, of course, take your pussies very, very seriously.” I drain what champagne I have left and place the glass down.

This woman is going to kill me, and for some reason, I know it’s going to be the sweetest way to go.

“Felix is a male orange Tabby. He’s sweet and lazy but dumb as a rock. Be careful around him since he likes to lay about and trip you.” I arch an eyebrow but nod.

“Minnie is my oldest female. She’s an eighteen-year-old Siamese that I’ve had since I was ten.” I quickly do the math and grin.

“That makes you twenty-eight.” She nods at me suspiciously.

“Yes,” my grin turns into a slow smile.

“That makes you four years older than me. You cougar.” I wink at her.

Her face is so damn expressive. No wonder her mother can read her so well. Her cheeks are a warm pink color, and the blush flows down her neck to her cleavage.

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