Page 91 of A Pizza My Heart

But…we said we wouldn’t pretend, and me acting as if a huge part of my life didn’t happenispretending.

“Tonight then,” I announce, pushing off the desk. “I’ll tell you more tonight.”

“You will?”

“Yeah. In fact, I’ll tell you everything.”

“You’re bluffing.”

“Am I?” I challenge. “When have you ever known me to bluff?”

“You do suck at poker… Fine, I believe you. Tonight it is. I’ll see you at nine.”

“Or, you know, around the restaurant for the rest of our shift?”

“I’m headed out early, actually. I have a meeting with Mr. Carlton to try to convince him to sell me the house again.”

Right, her whole rent fight situation.

“You know, if you need any help with that financially, I—”

She barks out a laugh. “Stop it, Foster. You’re sleeping on my brother’s couch. You can’t help me. Besides, I’m doing the strong-independent-woman thing. I can take care of this.”

I nod. “Fair enough, but if you need backup…”

“Call Winston because you can’t fight for shit?”

I laugh. “Exactly.”

I step forward and press a kiss to her cheek, loving the way her breath hitches in response to my proximity.

I drag my lips to her ear, and she stops breathing altogether.

“I have one request for tonight.”

She gulps. “W-What?”

“Wear another skirt.”

* * *

By the grace of God,she listened to me.

Wren’s leaned against a grand oak bar, her long toned legs crossed at the ankles as she flags down a bartender to place an order.

She looks like she stepped out of the ’90s with her dark green skintight velvet mini skirt, long black turtleneck, black pantyhose, and heeled booties. Though none of her body is on display like it was on our last date, she somehow looks more seductive tonight.

Her lips are lined with a deep red and begging to be kissed. Messy waves fall down her back and I can practically imagine how soft those locks are going to feel between my fingers.

She’s gorgeous.

And all fucking mine.

Well, sort of.

“How’d it go with Mr. Carlton?”

She glances at me, and in the short look I can see the turmoil in her eyes. I know how badly she wants the blue house, how much she loves her business. I hate seeing her hurt over it. Maybe I should let her know about my money? Give her a loan?

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