Page 21 of Carnal Games

My steps falter, putting a brake to my idle thoughts.

Opposite the grocery store, on the sidewalk, stands Nathan illuminated by the streetlight.

He’s wearing a formal black tux, looking dapper and gorgeous. Hair styled back and his impeccable height demanding attention the moment you see him.

I’m left speechless because I knew he was handsome, but I didn’t truly notice how much.

A bewitching smile curves his lips when I close the distance between us and he sees me. His warm eyes roam down my body from top to bottom before traveling back up. “You look beautiful, Iris.”

I finger the strap of my purse shyly as I reply, “Thank you.”

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.” He waits as I pull out my phone to book a cab for us. He recites the address., belonging to a lavish gated community in the opposite part of town where I’ve never stepped foot. Afterward we wait for the ride to arrive, showing it’s two minutes away. “I’m sorry I insisted on a cab.”

He inches closer. “It’s okay, I understand. I’m just glad you decided to come.”

“I won’t lie, I’m a little nervous.”

“Why?” His tone is genuinely curious.

“I never really know how to act at a party. We’ve only just met and you invited me to a bash for your parents’ wedding anniversary. What will they think? Or your friends?”

Gosh, the more I talk, the faster my heart beats in distress. A normal person wouldn’t be stressing this much. Yet here I am. Despite the pep talk I gave myself in my bedroom about being more adventurous, I am retreating to my old overthinking self.

My eyes burn, as I fight frustrating tears from forming.

I blink when a gentle but firm touch tips my chin up.

Nathan stares down at me, and in a soothing and calm voice says, “Stop panicking in that pretty little head of yours, Iris. You don’t have to be anyone but you. Hell, you don’t evenneed to talk to anyone but me. We’ll spend time together, dance, and enjoy the music and the delicious free food.”

He utters the last part with a wink, making me laugh. “I like free food.”

“If you’re concerned about being introduced as my friend, we can tell people we are dating instead.”

His suggestion shocks me. “Won’t that put even more pressure on us?”

“Honestly, no.” His hand drops from my face. “In fact, no one would even bother us.”

“Why?” I squint my eyes and slowly drawl, “Are you a Casanova, Nathan?”

“Maybe,” he answers sheepishly. “At least, I was in high school. I’m trying to clear my reputation but it isn’t working. Trust me, if I told them we are just friends, that would give them the shock of the century and raise questions.”

Wow. I didn’t see that coming.

Again, why am I surprised?

He’s sweet and charming.

“I only have one best friend, Nova, and I can handle him. Besides, he’d be too distracted with his fiancée to pay attention to anybody else,” Nathan promises. “Everybody else knows I’m a private person and they won’t ask you too many questions, if at all.”

Our cab arrives, the driver honking at us.

Nathan takes my hand, guiding me across the road. “You can think it over on the ride there. Either way, I intend for you to have a good time. A night to celebrate our newfound friendship.”

Both of us settle into the back seat of the cab and I give the driver the code to start our ride.

The tight space doesn’t feel suffocating, and I cut the comfortable silence by asking, “If I’m going to be your fake date, I think I should know your full name.”