Page 25 of Faking It Right
The air between us thickened, charged with the unspoken thing hanging in the space of a single breath. “Thanks for not panicking about earlier.”
“I’m still processing everything,” he admitted quietly. “But I’m not freaking out.”
“Good.” I smiled, softer than my usual cocky grin. “Because for what it’s worth, that was the hottest thing that’s happened to me in ages.”
His cheeks flushed again, but he didn’t look away. “Really?”
“Yeah,” I confirmed, moving even closer until I was practically looming over him. “And I wouldn’t mind a repeat performance sometime. Preferably before we fall asleep.”
I expected him to retreat, to make a joke, to deflect as he always did when things got too real between us. Instead, he surprised me by rising on his tiptoes and pressing a quick, impulsive kiss to my lips.
It was over almost before it began, but it left me stunned and delighted. Ryker looked equally shocked by his own boldness, his eyes wide as he dropped back down to his normal height.
“Um,” he said eloquently.
I broke into a grin. “Well, well, well. Look who’s taking the initiative with kisses now.”
“Shut up,” he muttered, but there was no heat behind it. “It was practice. For dinner.”
“Sure it was,” I agreed, not believing him for a second. “Very convincing practice. I’mthoroughlyconvinced.”
He couldn’t hide his smile. “Come on, let’s wash our hands and go downstairs.”
I couldn’t resist adding, “You know, if you want to practice more, I’m available anytime. Day or night. Especially night. Preferably naked.”
“You’re the worst.” The affectionate lilt in his voice dulled the edge of his words.
“Yet you kissed me, anyway. What does that say about your taste?”
“That I’ve clearly suffered brain damage from prolonged exposure to your ego,” he retorted, but his smile betrayed him.
I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in years as we headed downstairs. Maybe our faux relationship wouldn’t be so fake after all.
Chapter Seven
RYKER
I enteredthe dining room last, my cheeks still flushed from having fun with Harley. My hair resembled a disheveled bird’s nest after a tornado, despite my desperate attempts to tame it with my fingers.
“Perfect timing,” Dad announced, striding in with a steaming pan of lasagna that filled the room with the mouthwatering aroma of tomato sauce, herbs, and melted cheese. Mom followed with a basket of golden garlic bread. Sawyer and Gia trailed behind, each carrying glasses, while Gia also brought a pitcher of iced tea before everyone took a seat.
“Sorry I didn’t help with dinner prep,” I mumbled, staring at my empty plate as if it held the secrets of the universe. I couldn’t bring myself to meet anyone’s gaze, especially Harley’s, who practically radiated “I just made a straight boy come” energy.
“Don’t worry, biscuit.” Mom’s knowing smile made me want to spontaneously combust and have my ashes shipped to the Sacred Monastery of Keep Your Mouth Shut, where no onewould ever mention dicks again. “We understand you were occupied with more important matters.”
Sawyer snickered from across the table. “Yeah, I bet you werefullyoccupied.”
Harley burst into laughter beside me, the damn traitor. I wanted to die of embarrassment. If the floor could have opened and swallowed me whole, I would have thanked it for saving me from explaining my newfound dick appreciation to my entire family.
“Ugh, you’re all the worst,” I groaned, burying my face in my hands.
Gia rested her elbows on the table like a gossiping oracle. “You know, Ryker, for someone who just got laid, you’re remarkably uptight about sex.”
“I didn’t—we didn’t—” I stammered, then gave up trying to correct her. “Can we please not discuss my sex life over dinner? Some things should stay private.”
“Since when are you a prude?” Sawyer asked, snagging a slice of garlic bread from Mom. “You’ve never shied away from oversharing before.”
“That’s different,” I insisted. “That was before—” I clamped my mouth shut, halting myself before I could spill our secret. “Just because you and Gia have no boundaries doesn’t mean I want my family dissecting what Harley and I do behind closed doors.”
