Page 64 of Faking Ties

Relief swoops into me. Finally. No more guessing, no more questioning. She wantsme.

“Thank God,” I say, “because I fell for you, Ella, and this isn’t fake for me anymore.”

She smiles and squeezes my hand in hers. “I guess we need to change our name from team FD.”

“I guess we do.”

Something inside me, a part that’s been bruised when it comes to relationships in my life, begins to heal. As if it was waiting for this moment, for Elodie, to finally realize that I’m worth more than just one night of fun. That I’m worthy and deserving of more.

“Boyfriend, which one is your favorite?” Elodie asks, surveying the spread around us.

“The part where you just called me your boyfriend, but if you meant pie, then the bourbon pecan.” I point to it, still in a daze from her calling me her boyfriend. “But the cherry is a close second.”

She starts with the cherry, taking a bite with a straight face before ginning. “I know I’m supposed to keep you on your toes with my dessert reactions, but oh my God, this is amazing.”

“Right? But it’s not nearly as good as your cookies.”

“Why do you say ‘cookies’ like that?” She looks around and lowers her voice. “It makes me think you’re talking about my pussy.”

“Maybe I am.” I take a bite of the pecan pie.

She nudges my shoulder with her own. “You’re ridiculous. My baked cookies aren’t nearly this good.”

“They are. You’re just too hard on yourself.”

“Am I?” She gives me a funny look. “You know, I never thought I was, but maybe you’re right.”

“There is no maybe about it. I’m right.”

She grins. “Aren’t you modest.”

“Let’s enjoy these bad boys before heading back to my place.”

“You don’t want to party with the team?”

“Fuck no,” I say. “I just want you.”

“Just me, huh?”

I nod.

“What about me wearing nothing but one of these pies?” she asks.

I jump from the table and speed to the counter.

“Where are you going?” she asks, laughing.

“To get some takeaway boxes. You can’t offerthatand not expect me to take you up on it.”

ELODIE

Hunter carries me through his house and heads straight to the bedroom.

“Are you sure you want this?” he asks.

“Yes. I didn’t want to have full sex with you as Stella. But as myself? I’ve been wanting to for a while now.”

He doesn’t waste any more time and tosses me onto the bed before helping me pull off my shoes, shirt, and shorts. He’s all business. And honestly? Same. The entire ride home was filled with a charged silence. Our chemistry has always been electric. But now? It’s more. A promise of something magnificent. He’s officially my boyfriend, and I’m giddy with excitement.

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