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“Proof that you’restilla bad influence, Calloway,” Louis says with a wink, flashing me his boyish grin.
With those light-green eyes and messy hair, he’s an absolute dream.
He places his hand on my lower back, guiding me through the foyer of Park Towers and eventually outside, where a line of SUVs awaits. More men in suits stand on the sidewalk, and it’s impressive. I smile at Louis with genuine admiration as the paps snap photos of us. He interlocks his fingers with mine, kissing my knuckles as flashes nearly blind me. It’s all performative. It always is with us.
The vehicle door swings open, and we climb inside. I shiver, and he removes his coat jacket, handing it to me. It smells like the palace.
“Photos will be circulating within the next hour,” he says. “Thank you.”
“It’s the least I can do. About tonight, I’m sorry it went off the rails so quickly.”
He tilts his head at me. “No need to apologize. If I were Asher, I would have played the same card.”
“Why?” I ask, confused. “I don’t understand.”
“To show you who’s really in control. You completely meltedinto him, babe. If you’d ever kissed me like that, I’d haveneverlet you go. That’s a promise.”
I swallow hard. “Don’t say that.”
Summers ago, when it was time for me to return to grad school, we agreed to stay friends. The attraction is undeniable, but the real magic is missing. Lust doesn’t last; we both knew it would only be temporary if we went any further. I could never make him happy the way he needs, and his commitment lies with his country.
So, now we’re friends who make out and fake date whenever we want to distract the world. It’s always worked until tonight. Maybe Banks knew Louis was my decoy.
Of course he did.
Louis laughs. “Say a prayer for him. Tonight, the Calloway Curse will take over.”
I glare at him. “Thewhat?”
“Please tell me I’m not the first one to mention this.”
I burst into laughter, finding the information absurd. “No one has had the guts. Spill the details.”
Louis shrugs. “Before we met, I was warned about you. The rumor is that any man who kisses you is doomed for life. Anyone you’ve ever been with wanders around like the Headless Horseman, but instead, he searches for his heart.”
My laughter continues. “Please tell me you made that up.”
“The curse is real, darling. I wouldn’t say I’m personally doomed, but to this day, I still use our relationship as a benchmark to decide whether to pursue someone.”
“Seriously?”
“You have no idea how unforgettable you are.”
There have never been hard feelings between us.
“You are too,” I admit, knowing I’ll never forget that time with him.
We fell fast and hard, both inandout of love. Our relationship was an explosion, but it was over quickly after it began. I have no regrets.
“I’ve always sensed that Asher has been waiting for you on the sidelines. I think my presence unlocked something in him.”
I laugh. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”
“But is it?” he asks.
The SUV zooms down the street. I glance behind us and see at least eight other vehicles following closely. I’m used to security, but nothing like this.
“Will you tell me the name of the woman you’re secretly seeing?”