Page 70 of Tell Me All Your Lies

I know tonight is also where my feelings will get even more complicated for the man after our previous night together.

I had gone into last night wanting to show myself off to him a bit, and boy, did that backfire. Not only did I show myself off, but Grant apparently liked it but respected our boundaries.

It was infuriating.

Respect.

Maybe I just wanted to be manhandled? But Mr. Charming wasn’t going to do that. Not with me.

So tonight, I plan to take things one step further. After he teaches me a few secrets of his trade, I’m going to talk to him about us practicing being more intimate for our appearance tomorrow night at the casino.

Usually, I’m very confident, but with our walls crumbling, I wonder if I’ll be able to muster up the courage. Somehow, Grantsees past every façade I put up, and we’re just getting to know each other.

It should make me feel uneasy, but it doesn’t.

I just need to know if our feelings align. I know with one touch, I’ll be able to tell if the man is truly interested in me or if I’m just some type of potential convenience.

Heading downstairs, I’m greeted by a familiar sight. Candles are lit around the room, and a handsome man waits for me at the bottom of the steps.

This has to mean something. I need to either ask him what parts of this are real or just let it go.

“You look beautiful,” Grant says as he takes my hand in his.

“Thank you.”

Heading into the living room, I see it’s set up once more to rival the other night.

I look up at Grant and see a twinkle of something in his eyes that I’ve only caught on the rare occasion.

“Why are you doing all this?” I ask.

“Have a seat,” he says to avoid the question.

Just like before, I take a seat on the floor in front of the coffee table, and he does the same. I pick up the glass of red wine waiting for me.

It’s a similar routine that I want to become a tradition between us, but I can’t possibly tell the man.

“What are we starting with tonight?” I ask.

Taking a sip, I watch as Grant carefully studies my mouth. Putting on a bit of a playful show, I pull the glass away and lick my bottom lip as I set the glass down.

“Delicious choice,” I add.

Grant clears his throat and picks up the deck of cards.

“Blackjack.”

“Great.”

I straighten my shoulders as Grant starts setting up.

“Remember the rules?”

“How can I forget the rules of the game?”

His eyes snap to mine momentarily.

“Good.”

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