Page 64 of The Pretender

“I guess if you base your entire relationship on zodiac rhetoric…”

“There’s truth in them.”

“There’s truth in a lot of things, but that doesn’t make it universal. Listen, Deo, I know you like to stay as emotionally detached as possible, but you’re different around Balt. I think he’s getting to you, and you should let him.”

“I’mnotemotionally detached.”

Brogan simply raises an eyebrow, and we both end up cackling.

“Maybe a little,” I concede. “But really, Balt and I have talked about this. It’s not serious. We’re just having fun, and he happens to have the skill set to help the business while he’s here.”

“Whatever you need to tell yourself. Give me your phone.”

“Why?”

“Just do it.”

I pull it from my back pocket and hand it over after unlocking the screen. Brogan types for a few seconds, then hands it back.

“That’s the best website to order stuff from, and it comes in super discreet packaging with a generic company name on it.”

My eyes roam over the sex toys on the front page. “Thanks.”

“My pleasure. Happy to help another sexual deviant.”

I chuckle. “Shut up.”

While we laugh and shove each other’s arms, Balt appears in the room doorway, leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest and a smile on his face.

My laughter dies down and I pop to my feet and straighten my shirt. “We were just goofing around.”

“It’s nice to see you having fun. You’re gorgeous when you smile.”

“Suh-woon,” Brogan coos. “You are so dreamy, Balt. Deo deserves a guy like you.”

“Brogan,” I complain, but they just kiss my cheek and wave on their way back to the dining room.

“Everything okay?” Balt asks.

I nod, walking over to him and dragging my hands over his pec muscles. “Very good. I just needed some intel that I knew Brogan would have.” I brush my lips against the edge of his jaw, enjoying the softness of his beard. “But don’t ask me what. It’s a surprise for you. I think you’ll like it.”

“If it has anything to do with you, I’m sure I will.”

“Charmer.” I glance behind me. “Everything wrapping up?”

Balt nods. “I offered to help clean the kitchen, but Nonna shooed me away. Your mom said we’ve been working hard so we can relax tonight.”

“How about I say goodbye, then we head back home for that bath?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

After quick hugs and thank-yous, Balt helps me into my coat and then puts his on, and we begin the cold walk back to the cottage.

“Moving into the main house feels weird to me. When my folks moved in, they had three little kids so they needed the space. It’ll just be me there.”

“For now. Eventually you may fill it up too.”

I look at him like he just turned green. “I’m not having kids. I’m not even sure I want to get married. It just seems like a hassle, but at the same time I feel guilty about it.”