Page 80 of Fake Dating Mr. Prince

My silence must have indicated I wanted to know what she had to say because she barely waited a beat before talking again.

She pouted. “And it worked.”

Now I was utterly confused. “What worked?”

“You did it to make me jealous.”

“I did?”

She must not have heard the question in my voice because her face lit up with a huge smile. For a second, it reminded me of the old Simone, the one I’d fallen in love with. I was momentarily stunned when the typical feelings of hurt and anger didn’t follow that thought. In fact, I didn’t feel anything toward her.

“You did. I knew it.” She reached up and wound her arms around my neck. This time she didn’t bother with a peck. Her body was flush against mine as her mouth pressed and moved insistently over my lips. It didn’t seem to matter that I wasn’t participating when she tried to force her tongue into my mouth.

I pushed her away from me.

She stumbled and gaped at me in shock. “What the hell, Dean?”

“Simone, I don’t want to be with you.”

Her wide-eyed gaze narrowed. “Fuck you!”

“I told you I wasn’t interested. You didn’t get the hint.”

“You’ll regret the day you turned me down.” She stalked back to the couch and grabbed her huge purse.

The moment she left my office, a giant wave of relief washed over me. I was happy to finally have her out of my life. I wondered about her threat and figured if she wanted to bring up the past and get mileage from it, I’d be fine.

With Ashlyn and I as a team, the more the press saw us together, the less credibility Simone would have. Besides, I’d bet Ashlyn would go on air with me and help me clear up the matter if it ever came to it.

I checked my watch.

Fuck!I was going to be late. I sent a quick text to Ashlyn.

Me: On my way. Got held up.

Ashlyn: Everything okay?

Me: It’s perfect. See you soon.

***

IPARKED IN FRONT OFAshlyn’s building, and my breath hitched the moment I saw her. Damn, she looked amazing. A strapless black dress fit her curves in a way that made me want to carry her upstairs and rip it off of her. When she moved closer to the car, I caught sight of the sparkle at her throat.

It was the black diamond necklace I’d given her last week. I’d seen it and immediately thought of her. I wanted her to have it even if it meant letting her think it was costume jewelry. Seeing it on her was like showing the world she was mine.

She didn’t even wait for me to open the door. As soon as the locks clicked, she’d pulled on the handle and got inside.

“Hey, I missed you too.” With her, my mood often turned playful.

Her soft chuckle filled the car. “Nah, I was just excited to get another chance to be in this sweet ride.” She shifted to face me. Her wide smile dropped the moment her eyes met mine. She quickly sat back and pulled her seatbelt on.

“No kiss?”

She stared straight ahead. “We’re already late. Shouldn’t we get going?”

Her voice was tight.

What had I done?