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“Hello, Lily Pad.” He smirked, kicking off his shoes on the mat. I’d never heard of Lily Pad as someone’s nickname. But somehow, he made it unique and interesting. Or maybe I was under his spell. That was the only rational explanation for my strange behavior.

Attikus was indeed excellent at adapting. Before today, he’d walked around his home with his shoes on, spreading dirt and germs on his pristine floor. I didn’t know too many men who paid attention to details like him.

“Hello, Whistler,” I said, wondering if he liked me calling him that.

A small smile formed on his lips as he placed the food on the marble island. The scent of the delicious dinner filled the space.

“Did you give yourself a tour of the house?” He looked at me.

“You have a lovely home. I saw everything on the first floor, but I didn’t look at the second floor.

“Why not?”

“Do you want people going into your office or bedroom when you’re not around? Especially people you don’t know well?”

He took out two pretty plates from the cabinet and placed them on the round kitchen table. The dining room had a long rectangular table made of petrified wood. It was a gorgeous art piece that shouldn’t be eaten on.

“You’re not a stranger, remember?” He removed the food containers from the bag.

I helped him bring the six containers to the table. “What if you have things you don’t want others to find out?”

“Like what?” He pulled out a chair at the table and gestured for me to sit.

I sat down. “Like personal things that might embarrass you.”

He folded himself into the chair across from me. “I’m a boring man, Vanessa.”

I didn’t know why, but my inner thighs quivered at the way he said my name. His baritone seemed to sing to it.

“Now that’s a lie.”

An eyebrow lifted. “Do you find me as interesting as I find you?”

Was he playing the role of fiancé?

“You’re a fascinating mystery,” I said, also playing my role. The pretense hid the nerves and heat blooming in my body.

“Then I give you permission to uncover the clues. Nothing in this home embarrasses me.”

Everyone had secrets. Why was he being so open with me? Or did he have another place that held his dark secrets?

He rose from his seat. “Do you want anything to drink? Wine, juice, water?”

“Water is fine, thank you.”

He walked to the fridge, pulled out two bottles of water, and brought them back to the table.

I stood and walked to a drawer. “Do you have spoons for the food?”

“Left drawer near the second sink.”

I took out the spoons and brought them back to the table. One of the food containers held four Vietnamese subs. I thought about asking why he’d bought so much food for two people but remembered how he’d wolfed down everything at the restaurant.

When he sat down, I scooped the rice with the teriyaki beef onto his plate. “You love this dish.”

“I do.” He beamed like a little kid. “Here, let me.” He piled up my plate, surprising me.

“You’re very thoughtful,” I said.