Page 17

Reaching over, she puts a hand on my arm. "That's not what I was saying, Florence." Her voice is warm, soothing. "It just doesn't seem like you to cave to this man."

"It's not just him," I point out. "It's been less than a week since I said no to him, and now the whole of Delmont thinks he and I have something going on." I exhale sharply. "I detest social media."

She squeezes my arm before letting go.

"I'm not the biggest fan either," she admits, "but Mel's fiancée is good at it. She'll help us counter his BS. I'm sure she'd be willing to help." Her eyes widen. "Actually, that would be a good way for us to be noticed. She's fairly high-profile. If we go out with them, it would definitely create a buzz."

"Who's this?" I ask curiously.

"Do you follow college sports much? She was on our gymnastics team a few years ago that won the national championship. Renna Lee. Although," she adds thoughtfully, "that might be a conflict of interest, since she and Mel both work for the hospital."

I don't generally have time for sports, but I remember the hype. "I remember it. I don't recognize the name."

"Serenity. The Serene Beam Queen."

"I think I remember her. She's the one who was good on that skinny beam, right? Is she a doctor now?"

She shakes her head. "That's her, but no. She's a surgical nurse."

Something about a case last year niggles at my memory.

"I don't think it would be a problem to be seen socializing with her, but I'll double-check with Hettie. We should be seen just the two of us a few times first though."

I pause. "I'll get you a credit card for clothes. For most of our 'dates' wear whatever you have, but for things like the charity gala, you can get a new dress."

"Or a pantsuit," she grins. "You can wear the dress; I'll wear the pants. Trust me, it'll give people something to talk about."

"How do you feel about public displays of affection?"

"Do I mind making out with you in public?" she teases. "Whatever you're comfortable with, I'm game."

"You have to say something if I make you uncomfortable. I don't want to push you into anything."

She laughs. "Florence."

Her eyes drop to my lips and linger.

"You're not going to make me uncomfortable. Although… I don't want the first time you kiss me to be in front of an audience," she says, her voice low.

I blink.

I'm not used to women being so forward. They're usually more intimidated. "I think we can arrange that." I force my eyes away from her full lips, licking my own. "We should talk about compensation as well."

"I don't want your money."

I study her. "I have to compensate you. I'm asking a lot of you."

She shakes her head. "I told you when we first met. I'm just interested in someone to spend time with. It can be as friends."

"So you want to hang out with me," I say dubiously. "I'm not exactly the epitome of fun times, Josephine." I call her by her full given name.I like the taste of it.

"How old are you?" she asks abruptly.

I blink. "It's rude to ask a woman her age."

Her laughter sends a rush of warmth through me. "If I'm your fiancée, I should know these things," she teases, her voice husky.

I bite my bottom lip. "Fake fiancée," I remind her drily. I brush off the heat in my belly. "I'm forty-two."