Page 98 of Between Desire and Denial

“We’ll see. Let me meet Mr. Perfect, and I’ll tell you.”

“Not possible. I took over his profile for a fair price.”

“You paid him off?”

“I’ll pay off every guy who matches with you from here on out.”

“I haven’t matched with anyone in… You aren’t giving me matches, are you?”

“Again, they aren’t me.”

“You’re out of your mind.”

“Or you’re in denial about the fact that you’re my exclusive girlfriend at this point.”

“We’ve barely spoken this past week.”

“You barely answered me, sure. I’ve been texting and calling your ass nonstop.”

“You know, I thought your brother was crazy over Kee.”

“I’m crazier than him.”

“It’s not something to be proud of.” I stared out at the people in the bar. “I don’t need a boyfriend. I had one, and he was—”

“Absolutely an asshole to you. I won’t be.”

“I don’t even know what to say.” I shook my head at him but then a laugh bubbled up from inside me, and I hiccuped. “When did you buy the app?”

“The day after you matched with him.”

“So, it’s been you the whole time?” I narrowed my eyes. “You got the picture of my legs.”

“That’s why I called you immediately.” His hand crinkled a napkin on our table. “You were sending pics to some other guy.”

“You were flying around the world meeting up with women,” I blurted out.

He frowned. “What?”

“I—” My mouth snapped shut. “I might have talked myself into thinking that you were. Because Ruff—"

“I’m not him.” Dimitri cut me off. “I’ll never be someone like him.”

Then, I rubbed at my temples. “I think we need to get through this business with Paradise Grove first.”

“Agree to see only me and we will.”

“Jealousy doesn’t suit you.” It totally did. “So, no more dating apps?” I tried to sound dejected, but I hadn’t been putting in any effort towards them anyway.

“You think I’m not going to be enough for you? You need another man to fulfill your every need?”

It was at that moment that my phone lit up, still face up on the table, and a text came through.

Jameson: Franny’s still gone next week, so I can do 1 p.m. on Tuesday for lunch to talk more?

When my eyes shot up to meet Dimitri’s, his were burning with that jealous green ember that my body reacted to.

And all he said was, “No.”