Page 120 of About that Fling
“Allie Ross.” She’d definitely mentioned the woman before. “She’s the Certified Association Executive for?—”
“I’m sorry, have we met before?” One edge of his mouth quirked as he extended a hand across the table. “Adam Thomas. Former professional gigolo turned bullfighter. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Ah, so he was feeling flirty tonight. She loved when he embraced his playful side. Struggling to keep a straight face, she shook his hand. “Jenna McArthur. Former spy turned professional nanny.”
That part wasn’t too far off. She’d taken a half-day from work to watch Lola for Mia and Mark.
Adam’s brow quirked. “Everything okay with . . . er, your clients?”
“Perfect.” She didn’t want to break character, but also didn’t want him to worry. “Their regular sitter got sick, so I insisted they let me help out until the backup one could arrive. My professional nanny skills are legendary, as I’m sure you’re aware.”
“Clearly. Weren’t you the star of that show, The Baby Whisperer?”
“You’re familiar with my work, then.”
“I routinely teach your methods at the Baby Wrangling Academy where I’m headmaster.”
“I thought I recognized you.”
He smiled and she knew they were thinking the same thing. They’d talked about trying for a baby sometime in the future. Now that they lived in the same city under the same roof, things felt a little more settled. “I hope the Hollywood superstars you nanny for appreciate you stepping up so they could jet off to Barbados.”
“Oh, they’re very grateful.” Jenna’s lips quirked. Mia and Mark weren’t on a jet, but they were on their first baby-free trip since Lola was born. They’d rented one of the cabins at Sunridge Vineyards for a romantic weekend getaway. Aunt Gertie had set it up, since she was dating one of the owners.
“Not dating, dear,” Gertie was fond of reminding her. “It’s purely physical. Axl and I are simply—what is that term you kids use?”
Jenna had tried not to cringe. “Friends with benefits?”
“Fuck buddies.” Aunt Gertie had smiled. “But there are definitely benefits. Shall I book a half-price cabin for Mia and Mark?”
So that’s how the whole trip came about, then nearly didn’t happen when the sitter got sick.
“My clients made it out just fine,” Jenna told Adam now. “The paparazzi trailed them all the way to their private jet. You know how it is.”
“Of course.” He signaled the server, who hurried over with a wine menu for Jenna. “It’s a special night,” he informed the young waitress. “National Noodle Day.”
“Oh-kay.”
“And as I’m sure you can tell, I’m entertaining a VIP,” he continued.
“Um—”
“Very Icy Person,” Jenna supplied, swallowing a snicker. “I hold the Guinness World Record as the person with the lowest body temperature.”
Adam nodded sagely. “Comes in handy when my tennis elbow flares up. She just sits on my arm and?—”
“He used to play professionally,” Jenna supplied. “Won Wimbledon six times.”
“Sure.” The waitress set down a menu and stepped back. “Should I give you a minute?”
“No need.” Jenna nodded to Adam. “I’ll have whatever he’s having. My husband has excellent taste in wine.”
“My wife flatters me.” Adam grinned, and rockets of pleasure shot through her body.
It wasn’t just the thrill of the game. She loved when they play acted as a married couple. Adam did, too. He was often the first one to start up the ruse.
But something shone brighter in his eyes tonight. The joy of pretending, or something else?
As the waitress stepped away to get the wine, Adam cleared his throat. “Mind if I break character for a sec?”
