Pretend to Be Mine

hen came Maya's off-key humming, punctuated by spoon clangs that c

e room, a piece of toast clenched be

aire's girlfriend!" she annou

a.m. to do push-ups made of hundred-dol

. The toast in her teeth wobbled dangerously. "Are you auditioning for a kitchen orchestra

. You are living the collective

ke dating a rich, hot man with jawlines sharp enough t

avelly with sleep. "It's not

f he e

uzzed. We

spering theatrically, "

one. Caller ID:

flipped.

ng her fingers against the be

aitorous thumb had

ipped, far too businesslike for someone who was allege

Adrian. Do you usually call all your girlfri

e faintest exhale of amusement? "I'

Call

, outraged. "Did he

ing to make you sign a PowerPoint

nerves stuffed into my tote bag. A sleek black car idled outside, its tinted windows gleaming like

rns. The scent of fresh leather and polished stone made my chest tighten with a mixtur

d, posture effortless behind his

de him, all mischievous

one smooth as silk. "This is Marcu

d flourish. "We've met before. You're the br

sweetly. "Do you come

d back, laughing. Ad

" Marcus declar

et to business." He slid a t

rances, boundaries, the du

"You actually m

Clarity avoi

mployee handbook. "'No public arguments. Always arrive on time. Dres

nce Required." Wait, do I need a timer for holding hands now? I tapped the

y shoulder, grinning

" Adrian

want to see how long before sh

igning this unless I get amendments. Like t

ow. "You find my e

rooms like you're au

ghing. Adrian looked like he was questio

ith eyes fixed straight ahead, expression unreadable. Marcus, however, leaned forward from the passenger seat, gri

soul is very expensive.

rom Adrian-though he disguised it

I gathered my things, muttering, "

oothly, finally glancing my

hut behind me, cut

on the couch with a bowl of

re groaning, "Oh no. You alr

es, and collapsed beside her. "I do

ands. "Don't say I didn't warn you. T

med quietly outside, oblivious to the absurd drama unfolding in one small apartment. I

ugary milk, the absurdity of

possible rules. I was in de

laying a role I would

ght I was preparing for a role, but a small, insistent thought whispered that pret