Page 63 of The Brickwall and the Bombshell

“We better get going,” I say, headed to the front door. When I turn to find Greer by the door leading to the garage, I pause. “Where are you headed?”

“To the car.”

“It’s this way.”

She turns and cocks her head.

“Car is waiting.”

When the car pulls up in front of the hotel where the charity event is being held, I smooth down the front of my tux before turning to Greer.

“Ready for this?” I ask, seeing a slight hesitation in Greer’s expression.

She nods, but I see the hesitation in her eyes and wait her out.

Since Greer is typically so collected and put together, it’s easy for me to notice when she’s nervous or on edge about something, like now. Her eyes are darting out the window at the collection of people and she’s worrying her bottom lip.

Taking a deep breath, her gaze turns back to mine. “What are we— I mean, I know we’re pretending, but how do we make this look real to everyone else? How do we sell this?”

Pretending, right.

Because this isn’t real.

“Should we set up some ground rules, like kissing, but no tongue?” she continues, her expression easing a little.

Hearing the wordskissingandtonguecoming out of Greer’s luscious mouth has me wanting to bite my knuckles to distract my dick from responding.

“Su—” My voice comes out higher pitched than any response should warrant.

I cough into my hand, clearing my throat, willing my mind and mouth to work in tandem so we can play it cool. “Sure. That sounds fair. Hugging?”

“Of course."

“Hand on your back?” I ask, adjusting my suit coat.

“Absolutely, like a gentleman,” she says with a hint of a smile. “Sneaky hand-jobs under the table?”

I choke on nothing, my own body rebelling against me at Greer's salacious words.

I finish smacking myself on the chest to dislodge whatever shock and desire are pulling there, trying to suffocate me.

Meanwhile Greer is offering nothing more than a smirk and a wink.

At least her nervousness has dissipated. At the expense of my premature death.

Her smile soon disappears, the mirth in her eyes dimming, as those intrusive thoughts take over her once again.

“Hey,” I say, taking her hand in mine. “I’m also going to keep you safe, okay? You don’t have anything to worry about. I won’t let you out of my sight and there will be heavy security at this event.”

She finally exhales, her usual confidence coming back. When she gives me a genuine smile, I know it’s going to be okay.

Even if I would’ve had a hundred women to choose from for this fake relationship, I still would’ve picked her.

It’s a good thing fate, and a stupid fucking stalker, dropped her right at my doorstep.

“No worries,” she assures. “We’re going to kill this.”

A minute later, the driver opens the doors and we’re immediately blinded by flashes. I hear people call my name, but I’m accustomed to tuning out the noise and focusing on a task. Tonight, that task is to appear to be infatuated with the woman at my side and happy to be here.

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