Page 79 of Shiver

This isn’t a scene fromThe Parent Trap, Luca.

I’ve been grumpy all night, and not even my call with Gia fixed it.

I mean, it definitely helped. I’ve got the cutest kid on the planet; how could it not? But the moment I got off the phone with her and Cici, I was immediately back to the grumpy little shit I’d transformed into the moment Samara told me about her mom’s scheming.

And yes, I’m fully aware that we’refake dating, but shit, sometimes, it feels pretty goddamn real. Yes, Samara is also a brat. Yes, she can be snarky.Yes, she still seems to get fed up with my crap, but I think those may be the things I like most about her.

It makes me feel like a good boy. Like I’ve managed to earn every smile, every laugh, andevery breathy moan.

I love how fiery she is and that she doesn’t hesitate to put me in my place. I can’t see myself with someone who doesn’t do exactly that.

But she’s made it immensely clear that we will neverreallybe together, so instead, I’ll just enjoy my time with her while I have it.

Or at least, I’lltryto enjoy my time with her when her mom isn’t setting her up with other men, that is.

“Luca, if you don’t stop huffing and puffing over there, I’m going to suffocate you with my pillow and drag your body into the ocean,” Samara complains.

That makes me laugh because I think she mightactuallydo it, and it only makes me like her more.

Fuck me.

Chapter sixty-three

Samara

Sunday, August 30, 2026

The hostess leads me to the outdoor patio to seat me at a table for brunch. My palms feel a little sweaty. I haven’t been on a date, arealdate, in so long.

And the way Luca looked like he hadn’t slept a single second last night made it even more difficult to leave him for this. Truthfully, I crave his company more than I’ve ever craved anyone’s, and it’s nerve-wracking to think about.

I take a seat, sipping my water and hoping I don’t fuck this up, or I’ll be hearing about it till the end of time. My mom would never let it go.

A tall, handsome man with kind eyes approaches my table, extending his hand for me. “You must be the lovely Samara. I’m Jasiel. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he tells me, taking my hand in his and grazing the back of my knuckles with his full lips.

Alright, Jasiel’s got game.

“It’s nice to meet you, Jasiel. I’m sorry our moms pushed you into this.” I chuckle, trying to laugh off my discomfort.

“It’s really not a problem. Sometimes, I think my mom wakes up in the middle of the night just scheming over how she’ll find me a wife,” he says with a laugh. It’s a deep sound that has my ears tingling.

“I know the feeling.” I smile, picking up my menu and taking a look so I can stop staring at his handsome face.

As I look over the options, I can’t help but think about how nice it’s been to have Luca around for meals. He’s taken on the role of sharing entrées with me, so I always get what I want in the end, without compromise. And the moment the thought passes, my eyes snap up to meet Jasiel’s kind hazel eyes, making me feel guilty for even thinking about Luca in the first place.

***

Jasiel walks with me all the way back to the resort and stops at the front doors. “I had a really great time, Samara. Thank you for going out of your way for this. I’m sure our moms will both be happy to know that at least I had fun.”

“I had a great time, so thanks for that,” I say, smiling.

He drags a hand through his soft brown curls and closes the distance between us. My mind short-circuits, realizing too late that he’s about to kiss me. The moment his mouth descends upon mine, it’s like my body decides on its own. I turn my head, and his lips land safely on my cheek for a chaste kiss. His cheeks start to turn pink when he straightens. “Have a great rest of your day, Samara,” he tells me before hurrying out of here.

When he’s out of earshot, I blow out a long breath and turn to head inside.

The doors open, and I’m blasted with cool air from the lobby. Luca’s arrogant smirk greets me as soon as I step inside.

“Hey there, princess. Looks like the sparks weren’t flying after all, huh?” he asks, sarcasm dripping from his tone.

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