Page 102 of Dead Pretty

He smiles. I can tell he likes that.

“Any dog in particular?” he asks.

“Gary.” I grin. “I feel bad for Pork Chop though. But I don’t think I’m strong enough to walk him when he pulls.”

“So, why don’t I join you? We can walk them together.”

“Another date?” I ask, my eyes searching his.

He stares into my eyes. “You can call it another date. I’ll just call it dating.” He presses a soft, sweet kiss to my lips. “Which is what we’re doing, if you didn’t know.”

“We are?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Do I get a say in this?”

“Of course you do. You’ll say we shouldn’t date. But give me no actual solid reason as to why. I’ll counterargue that you’re being stupid because, clearly, we should be dating—if not for the chemistry between us alone. We’ll bicker back and forth. I’ll lose patience, and I’ll shut you up with a kiss. That will undoubtedly turn into sex. You’ll have a minimum of two orgasms—which is great. But then you will be late for work—not so great. Ultimately, you’ll give in and admit what we both know is inevitable for you and me, Audrey … which is, yes, we are dating.”

My mouth is hanging open in shock.

“Or”—he presses a kiss to my open lips—“you can just agree with what we both know is inevitable—that we should be a couple. And we’ll have sex now, saving the argument time. Meaning that I’ll still be able to feed you and get you to work on time.”

“Uh … I honestly don’t know what to say to that.”

He’s grinning. “Yes is the only word you have to say.”

I can’t stop staring at his handsome face. “You are like no one I have ever known in my life before.”

“Good.” He smiles. “I’m glad to be your first.” He kisses me again. “Now, say, Yes, Jack, I want to date you.”

I don’t respond even though I might want to.

It’s not the right thing to do.

I’m not meant to be happy in this way. I’m not meant to get close to anyone.

But he’s also right. This thing between us is inevitable.

Would it be so wrong for me to keep seeing Jack? See where this thing between us goes?

It might lead nowhere. It could all fall apart. I might actually realize in a week that I don’t like him.

I mean, I don’t see that happening, but you never know.

And … Jack might think the same of me.

He might get bored of my weird ways. Having to have sex with me wearing a tank top all the time. He might think, Screw this, and call things off.

I ignore the knot of pain I feel in my chest at the thought of it.

But … in the meantime, I can have some time with him now. Enjoy it before he leaves me. Which he inevitably will.

“Audrey …” Jack murmurs, kissing my jaw.

“Jack …”

“Say, Yes, Jack, we’re dating.” Another kiss to the corner of my mouth.