Page 37 of Love is Fake

“Lennox, great to see you.”

“We can’t wait for the season to start.”

There’s lots of handshaking, manly backslapping and a mass of introductions. I make a mental note of who I need to speak to as Lennox expertly circulates us through the room, introducing me as his ‘friend’. He makes sure to include me in conversations and tees me up with a few big-hitters to talk about the clinic, without me even needing to ask.

For all his talk of not liking crowds or stuffy events like this, he’s a natural; charming, polite, engaging. He’s been by my side the whole time. Enough for me to get comfortable and a tad disappointed when he’s finally pulled away by his sponsor for a private discussion, but he still looks at me to make sure I’m alright. He’s been attentive to me all evening, checking on me and basically being the perfect date.

“I’m fine, you go ahead,” I nod my assurance as he comes over to check on me. “I’m good here, just gonna take a little breather.”

It’s been a whirlwind and I could use a few minutes alone, off to the side of the room.

“You’re sure?” He frowns down at me as if he doesn’t quite believe me.

I give him my best confident smile. “Go. You’ve got work to do.”

His eyes lock on mine for the longest time, like he’s trying to read me. Whatever he sees there must satisfy him because slowly, reluctantly, he lets the other men lead him away.

I push away the bereft feeling that rears its head as soon as he leaves. I’ve spent my entire life being independent, certain I don’tneeda man, unwilling to let myself fall for anyone after I saw the mess love left my father in when my mother walked out. But one night with Lennox is starting to make me question all of those things I thought I knew.

Onefakenight, I remind myself. This isn’t a date, it’s a business arrangement and I need to keep that in the forefront of my mind at all times, because it’s too damn easy to mistake Lennox’s attentiveness and care as more than courtesy. If anything, it’s a stark reminder that he’s a decent guy despite my first impressions of him. Everything I’ve seen from that point on has driven that certainty home.

Grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, I take a deep gulp as if I can swallow down the completely inappropriate thoughts I’m having about Lennox as easily as the bubbles.

“And who is this lovely creature?” A man old enough to be my father looks over me lasciviously and I instantly feel like I need a shower.

His suit jacket is straining over a sizable gut and his face bears the unmistakable markers of someone whoreallylikes his drink.

If I were anywhere else, I’d make a beeline for the nearest exit. But this is a formal gathering and not only do I not want to piss any big hitters off, I also can’t just leave without Lennox. That leaves me with no choice but to woman up. I figure I’ll be able to slip away at some point.

“I’m Izzy.” I hold my hand out for him to shake out of politeness rather than any desire to actually touch this man.

Instead of shaking my hand, he lifts it to his mouth and delivers a damp kiss to the back of it like a poor imitation of some European count.

“Well, Izzy, you are a sight to behold, and all on your own.” He smiles, showing too many teeth as he talks directly to my cleavage.

I snatch my hand back from his grasp, resisting the urge to wipe off the remnants of his kiss.

“I’m just waiting for my friend.” I send him a tight smile, trying to ignore the way he’s edging towards me like a predator sizing up its prey.

I look around for Lennox, hoping he’s nearly done with his meeting, but I don’t see him anywhere and this guy is starting to get a little too handsy for my liking.

“I have a suite upstairs,” the man cuts into my thoughts.

“That’s nice for you,” I mutter, distractedly, still searching the crowd.

“It could beverynice foryou.” Mr. I Can’t Stop Looking At Your Boobs makes his meaning very clear and I’m about one second away from throwing the remnants of my champagne in his face.

“Izzy, there you are!” A man I don’t recognize appears by my side, smiling broadly in a way that reminds me of Kai. He sends me a deliberate wink and I breathe an internal sigh of relief.

“Here I am!” I reply brightly, playing along.

I smile at the newcomer gratefully, glad it’s not just me and Mr. I Can’t Stop Looking At Your Boobs on our own anymore.

“Sorry, Roger, I just need to steal Izzy for one moment.” The newcomer takes my elbow gently and leads me away before the older man has a chance to object.

“Thank you for that,” I tell him. My hand is shaking and I’m not sure if it’s out of anger or shock at what just happened. Did ‘Roger’ really just proposition me, touch me, like he could buy me?

He shrugs. “You looked like you needed a hand.”

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