Page 42 of A Win-Win Situation
At first, it’s a soft, hesitant touch, and I assume it will end like the chaste peck we shared at the town hall, but Lucas surprises me. His lips don’t leave mine after the first taste. Instead, the soft hand on my neck tightens slightly as he pulls me in closer. His kiss turns firm, confident, and shockingly real. I’m taken aback for a moment, my body going on autopilot. But my initial surprise melts away as the kiss deepens, and I find myself leaning in, my eyes fluttering shut. Every movement of his lips is met with a corresponding one of mine, igniting a series of reactions within me. The warmth of his mouth against my own makes a tingling sensation spread through my body—it emboldens me as I attempt to match his fervor. Our breaths become one, mingling in the small space between us, creating an intimate rhythm.
When the kiss deepens further, my fingers instinctively find their way to his chest, feeling his heartbeat beneath my touch. My senses heighten, and I’m aware of the warmth radiating from his body, and the taste of champagne on his lips. His hand cradles the back of my head, his fingers tangling in my hair.Any animosity we had toward one another evaporates in this moment.
The sound of applause breaks our trance. We slowly pull away, both breathless, our eyes locking for a heartbeat. Lucas's hand lingers on my neck for a moment longer, and I can see the hint of a small smile on his face before he licks his lips and turns to face the crowd.
I feel my cheeks flush as reality crashes back in, and I hear the hushed whispers and giggles from the crowd. I look for Adeline and Sophie. When I find them, they appear just as shocked as I feel, their eyes wide and their mouths hanging open.
What. The. Hell. Was. That?
It was a kiss.
Arealkiss.
A real, goodfakekiss, I remind myself.
The only reason he did it was because we had to show off in front of the audience. If it’s less than believable, they would all see right through us. Both Lucas and I agreed to commit to this, and we’re going to be the sweetest damn couple these people have ever seen. Which means that the kiss didn’t mean anything.
Just because I felt the kiss down to my toes doesn’t mean I want more of it, even though a twinge of electricity still lingers on my lips.
I mean, I wouldn’t be upset if it happened again. After all, we’re doing this for show and I need them all to believe it if I want to secure this new job. A little kissing here and there is necessary to maintain the illusion, but I must admit that I'm relieved he's good at it. But a nagging thought worms its way into my mind: did he think it was a good kiss? Did he think I was a good kisser?
Insecurity creeps up on me at that thought. What if the intensity I felt was one-sided?
Ugh, snap out of it, Leora. It wasn’t real, it was just an act.Stop overthinking it.
Besides, who cares what he thinks?
His touch on my back nudges me gently, his lips brushing tantalizingly close to my ear as he murmurs, "Leora, if you keep acting so surprised every time I kiss you, we might have a problem."
What anasshole.
"I’m not surprised, and you didn’t have to kiss me for so long." I whisper back with a feigned smile, even though a shiver runs through me at the promise in his words.
Every time I kiss you.
A smirk tugs at the corner of his lips as he leans in closer, his face dangerously close. His voice is a low and intimate whisper, intertwined with the soft music playing in the background as he retorts, "Well,wife, I do have a reputation to uphold. I can’t afford to disappoint you now, can I?"
His tone is a playful blend of arrogance and amusement. This time, I actually do roll my eyes, unable to suppress the hint of a smile.
The next fewhours are a blur of smiles, and small talk with strangers. We continue to play the part of the happy couple, dancing and mingling with the other guests. Lucas’s eyes meet mine every now and then, and in those brief moments of connection, I sense that he’s as eager as I am for this charade to be over. But every time his fingers brush mine, or he leans in to whisper something in my ear, I feel a flutter of a butterfly deep within.
I know it’s silly, and it makes me feel like that naïve little girl who always wished for fairy tales to come true. The girl who yearned for love and comfort in a world that felt so cold. Sophie’s words echo in my mind,"Can this turn into something more?"
I try to shake off my irrational thoughts. But the reality is that I had the perfect fairy tale—until I didn't. And that's when I realized fairy tales aren't real.
As the evening starts to wind down, Adeline and Sophie approach me, preparing to say their goodbyes. They have to catch their flight back home, and my heart sinks at the thought of being left alone.
I don’t think I can do this without them.
No, scratch that, IknowI can’t do this without them.
"Breathe sweetie. You can do this," Sophie soothes as she brings me in for a hug, and I instantly feel better in her arms.
"I don’t think so," I whisper back, doubt and apprehension evident in my tone.
Untangling from our hug, she grabs my face, her eyes reflecting a mixture of empathy and encouragement. "Yes, you can. Remember, we’re here for you. I have no problem jumping on a plane to come see you if you ever need anything."
Adeline wraps me in a tight hug, her words filled with genuine affection. "I love you."
