Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
“But do you even know what love is?” Dev asks.
I toss a grape from the charcuterie board at him. “Yes, I know what love is.” I want to tell him I’ve been in love with his best friend for forever, but I’m taking that secret to the grave.
“I think it’s smart.” Chloe pops a cracker into her mouth. “They always say putting on a defense case is like a smoke and mirrors show. Get them focused on something. That way, you can sneak in the facts and win the case.”
“Exactly,” I say, my eyes meeting Roman’s for a split second.
“Obviously, we’ll go out on a few dates.” Roman steps next to me, placing his hand on the small of my back. It sends shivers racing down my spine, and I nearly jump at the contact.
“You should go to the club,” Chloe says before popping another cracker into her mouth. “I know for a fact a few of the partners are members there. That way they’d see you there. Know it’s legit.”
“The club?” My eyes go wide. She can’t possibly be talking about my brother’s adult sex club. “Greed?”
Chloe nods. “Obviously, I can’t disclose member names because of privacy issues, but it might surprise you who would see you there. And who they might tell.”
Roman jumps in. “I don’t think it’s Greer’s scene.”
Unease settles within me. Is there an expectation for a woman dating Roman to be kinky? I’m so not kinky. Doubts trickle in whether this will work. We’re complete opposites. He's quite popular with the ladies, so will anyone believe he’s settled down with me?
“Agreed,” Ledger says. “That’s not the best place for Greer.”
Now I feel like the unicorn in the room. I want Roman to see me as an adventurous, experienced woman, not the innocent—prudish—little sister of his best friend. So I blurt out, “I’d go.” My face heats at the thought of going to Club Greed under the guise of Roman’s significant other. “If it helps the cause, I’m down for it.”
“No,” Roman says with conviction.
“We can discuss it later,” I say. Because what is this attitude he’s giving at the mention of the club?
“No,” he says. “I’d rather take you to places where we can wine and dine.”
“Aw, you’re having your first fight as a couple,” Chloe teases.
The timer for the biscuits dings and I move away, dropping the topic. Clearly Roman has no interest in being seen with me at a place he’s frequented. I jerk the oven door open, annoyed by my thoughts of him hooking up with other women at the club. That’s probably why he doesn’t want to go there with me.
While Devereaux tells Roman where he’s not allowed to touch me, I butter my biscuits, becoming more annoyed with each stroke of the brush.
“Just keep your hands in safe zones,” Dev says.
I roll my eyes. “It’s not like we’re going to make out in public twenty-four seven,” I say. “We have a little class.” I glance at Roman, still annoyed. “Is that what you do with women you usually date? Maul them in public?”
“He hasn’t dated anyone in forever,” Ledger says, bringing over a plate so I can place the biscuits on it. “Maybe never.”
“Shut up,” Roman says to his brother with a slap over the head.
“I’m just stating the facts. Greer’s a lawyer, so she appreciates facts.”
While Chloe and Dev take platters of food into the dining room, I study Roman, trying to remember the last woman he dated. He never brings women around, but there has to be someone I’m forgetting. “What about Robin? Rapunzel? What was her name?”
“Regina?” Roman asks. He scoffs. “I went out with her a million years ago for a hot second. We definitely didn’t make out in public.”
I plate the biscuits, dropping each one with a plunk. “Well, I know you’re no saint, Roman.”
His captivating smile almost sweeps away my unreasonable jealousy. “Is that what you want? A saint, Greer?” He steps closer to me.
“I don’t mind if the halo is a bit tarnished,” I say, so I seem less nun-like. “Everyone is a sinner.” For good measure, I wink.
His brows pull together, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think he’s the one annoyed now.
“Brunch is served,” I say, shooing everyone out of the kitchen and into the dining room.
For the next half hour, we busy ourselves filling our plates and talking about Dev and Chloe’s impending baby. And then, Ledger nearly causes me to choke on my biscuit when he asks, “So, why didn’t you pick me to be your fake beau? Why did Roman’s name pop into your head first?”
“Don’t be jealous,” Roman says with amusement twinkling in his eyes. “Clearly, I’m more handsome.”
I laugh it off like a loon. “I figured Roman would have more time, since…you’re busy…being busy, ya know?”