Page 55 of Faking Ties

“That sounds ominous.”

“You’ll like it, I promise.” I grin and back up toward the hallway. “Just show me which room I can use.”

“All right, then, you can take this room.” She playfully pushes me toward the first door on the left.

I glance inside. “I’m supposed to sleep in a bathroom?”

“Oops.” She grabs the front of my shirt and guides me to the next door. “I meant this one.”

“I’m just glad it’s not a closet.” I laugh and kiss heragain. “But I wouldn’t mind, not if it means I get to be close to you.”

“Go to sleep, Casanova.” She grins and walks away, but I grab her arm after she’s made it two steps and pull her back into me to kiss her once again. I can’t get enough. It’s playful and slow and I force myself to end it before it becomes more. Before I throw her onto the bed and have my way with her.

“Good night, beautiful,” I say, kissing her one more time before shutting the door in her face, just like she did to me in the hotel room.

She laughs and says, “Good night, Casanova.”

ELODIE

Iwas awake all night, thinking about Hunter. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw him, felt him. The way he kissed and touched me last night? It was like I was precious and important to him. He keeps showing up for me, taking care of me and being his amazing self. I’ve never been with someone who’s treated me like that, like I matter. Especially not from any of the guys I was in a real relationship with. It’s starting to feel too real between us, and I’m confused as hell.

After endless hours of ruminating about our every interaction, I’ve come to one glaringly obvious conclusion—I’m falling for Hunter. But fate’s a cruel bitch to give me the one person I’ve always dreamt of but for our entire relationship to be built on a bed of lies. I don’t know what he wants to talk about this morning,but I’m scared he wants more from me. More than I can give, not with so many secrets sitting between us.

My phone pings, drawing me out of my thoughts.

S: How was last night? Did you find the pans?

Me: Yes, thank you for that. I was embarrassing myself in front of Hunter, not able to find anything.

S: Did you have a date?

Me: Kind of? He surprised me.

S: And? I need details!

Me: It was good. Hunter is turning out to be an amazing guy.

S: I’m so happy for you. Aria only had great things to say about him. I think you should live it up to the fullest.

Me: Maybe. How are you feeling?

S: Good, but I want to talk about YOU. Let me live vicariously, would ya?

I laughand splash some water on my face. I’d love to make something for Hunter for breakfast. Maybe somemuffins and eggs? I head into the kitchen, ready to do just that, but he’s already there. Cooking.

“Morning, beautiful,” he says, looking far too sexy in low-slung black shorts. “Hope you like omelets.”

“Yeah.” I clear my throat and force myself to look at his eyes, and not his abs, or that sexy indentation at his hips. “I love omelets.”

“Come here.”

I hesitate, not sure if that’s a good idea. Last night, we crossed a line, yet again, and I don’t know where we stand in the light of day. Should I just act like it never happened? Or maybe I should apologize for getting caught up in the moment and making it weird.

“Are we good?” I ask, slowly walking over to him.

“Why wouldn’t we be?” When I get close, he slides his hands in my hair. “Sleep okay?”

I nod, and then shake my head, and then nod again. He grins and kisses me senseless. Even if there’s no need to kiss him with no one around, it doesn’t stop me from fucking melting into him as he kisses me like I’m his oxygen and a critical part of his survival. My phone buzzes and I ignore it, completely lost in him. He pulls away before I’m ready and kisses me once, twice, three times more. Small pecks, but as addictive as the other kinds of kisses he’s given me.

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