Faking Love (Fake It Book 1)

by Allyson Lindt

  She nodded. The way he spoke directly to her doubts, instead of brushing them under the rug, made hope blossom inside.

  He grabbed her fingers again and pulled her toward the bed. He sat down and prompted her to do the same, their hips and arms touching. “So I want to know everything about you, or as much as we can fill a weekend with. And I want to see you as often as possible. I want to give us a real chance.”

  It wouldn’t fix things right away, but he recognized that. She liked the solution, and adored that he came up with it. She leaned her head on his shoulder. “And then you’ll strip me down and have your way with me?”

  He chuckled. “I might do that in between, but not unless you tell me one or two more ways to make you scream loud enough our neighbors know what we’re up to.”

  Heat spread across her cheeks. “You just have to ask the right questions.”

  He slid from the bed and knelt at her feet. A pleasant tremor traveled through her when he ran his palms up her calves and back down again. He pulled off one shoe and then the other, and set them aside.

  He stood and kicked off his own shoes, made himself comfortable at the head of the bead, fluffed the pillows, and sat so his back was to the headboard. He patted the comforter. “Join me?”

  She climbed between his legs and sat with her back to his chest. He draped his arms around her shoulders, and she snuggled into him more. “What now?”

  “Now, we start simple. We’re both ruled by our jobs, so talking about work makes sense”

  The warmth of his arms was reassuring, and as much as she wanted to dive into the physical, she was content with what they were doing. “Sounds reasonable.”

  “So I’ve got a couple of nibbles on a new agent. Two have made me offers, and I’m narrowing things down.”

  She turned her head to the side as much as she could without pulling away from him. “That’s fantastic. Are you leaning toward one or the other?”

  “I’m getting close. They’ve both got an impressive client list, but I won’t be making my call until I’m done with more important things—you, namely.”

  “That’s fantastic. Congratulations.” It felt incredible to be happy for someone else’s good news. It was even better that it stemmed from the thing that almost kept them apart to begin with.

  He kissed her cheek. “Now you tell me how you got into a job that keeps you on the road so much. You wanted to travel when you were younger. How did you get from there to here?”

  He remembered her comment from the very first day they met. The realization warmed her as much as any of his flirting. “Well, when I was seven, I figured out the difference between a state and a country...”

  She paused. “Maybe I won’t go that far back. I started with my current employer as an administrative assistant. I have a knack for finding things, and my boss felt like my talents were underused, so he promoted me.”

  “Finding what kind of things? You said they make cosplay-themed lingerie. So, like, lace? Gravity defying satin?”

  “Not quite.” She laughed at the imagery. It felt amazing to relax and chat with him. Knowing the physical connection was there, and exploring an emotional and intellectual one on top of that. “When I was an assistant, I found information. Who owned domains. Property. Businesses. Now I look at sales opportunities we haven’t explored yet, and pitch to retailers to get our clothing in their stores. After the weekend in Nashville, I’ve added anime conventions to the list. Or at least, I hope to.”

  He squeezed her tighter. “I like that. So there’s a chance work might keep us together more often?”

  “I’m hoping.” As she said the words, they rang through her with a kind of desire that stole her breath. It sounded like an amazing possibility.

  CONVERSATIONS CLATTERED off tile and stainless steel. Lines inched forward. Luggage slid along the footprint-covered floors. Molly didn’t care how crowded the airport was. She was a little disappointed to be there, but the warm body at her back made the looming separation easier to ignore.

  She leaned back into Brandon, who was using a nearby wall for support. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. “What are you proposing?” His voice was low, but so close to her ear it cut through the noise at the gate for her flight.

  It was an incredible week—not just the sex, but everything. “Joint apartment custody?” she said.

  He pushed the bottom of her shirt higher, enough to trail his thumb along her bare skin. She loved that sensation. He kissed along her neck. “Technically, that term doesn’t make any sense. It means we’re sharing an apartment, but not at the same time.”

  She gave a fake growl, unable to wipe the smile off her face. She wasn’t looking forward to leaving this behind. “It sounded clever in my head, and you know what I mean.”

  “You’re right; I do. And yes, you should come stay with me whenever you can get away with it, and I’ll do the same.”

  She rested her cheek against his. “Final boarding call.”

  He nudged her away, grabbed her wrist, and spun her to face him. Hands at the small of her back, he tugged her close again. “I’ll see you next weekend?”

  She slid her body against his, burning every contour into her memory, to keep her company until they saw each other again. She draped her arms around his neck and kissed him, and he tangled his fingers in her hair, holding her captive for a moment.

  When they broke apart, he still didn’t let her go. She gave him a sad smile. “Really. Final boarding call.”

  He pecked her bottom lip, and dropped his hands. “I love you.”

  The three words shot through her like a spark. Neither of them had said that yet. She expected panic to follow, but all she felt was joy, relief, and rightness. She smiled. “I love you too.”

  He gave her another quick kiss and then spun her toward the gate. “Go. Before I talk myself out of letting you make your flight. Besides, I need to get to my gate.”

  She fell into line with the last of the stragglers, shuffled down the walkway to the plane like everyone else, and found her seat. One perk of so much business travel was frequent first-class upgrades.

  As she was getting comfortable, her phone buzzed. It was in her hand in a second.

  The text message was from Brandon. One of these days, I’m joining you on a flight. Mile-high club anyone?

  She was grinning like an idiot, and she didn’t care. She sent back a reply. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.

  Seconds later, he buzzed her again. I fully plan on keeping this promise.

  The text banter kept up until the flight attendant made everyone shut off their phones. She leaned back in her seat, smile cemented in place. I love you. The words echoed in her head, muffling the noise of the airplane wheels on the runway.

  For so many years, she’d struggled with—and eventually learned to avoid—any relationships that might lead to that conclusion. She’d reached the point where it hurt less to push aside that kind of affection, rather than deal with another guy who didn’t understand her work schedule.

  Now she had someone who not only understood, but also embraced the same things she did—the need to travel, the desire to see as much of the world as possible, and the passion for experiences.

  The realization tugged deep inside her chest and traveled through her, warming her heart.

  It would be tough to be apart, but he was worth it. They were worth it.

  Epilogue

  Six months later

  Brandon made his way through the crowded airport, dodging slow movers and stepping aside for the speed walkers. Most bits of travel had become so commonplace, he didn’t think about them anymore. It was part of the commute, which—thanks to his new agent—Brandon was doing a lot more of and for better jobs than he ever lined up through Adeline.

  But touching down in his hometown always filled him with a bit of apprehensive excitement. From the moment final descent was announced, until he retrieved his car from long-term
parking, a thrum of hyper-energy went through him.

  He pulled up an e-mail that came in from Molly while he was flying. The subject was Just showing you what you’re missing. Heat rushed through him, as the pictures loaded one by one, each of her in less clothing than the last.

  His cock throbbed. It was late, so the airport wasn’t too crowded. Still, he wanted to be completely alone, to enjoy these. There was one thing he could do, though. She was in an earlier time zone, so it was only nine there—no need to worry about waking her up. Besides, she’d be waiting for his call.

  “Hey. You just get in?” Her bright voice sent a combination of longing and lust through him.

  He loved talking to her, but he’d much rather be doing it in person. “Yup. Safe and sound.” He bypassed the luggage carousel and headed straight for the shuttles. They exchanged banter and small talk—how was his trip... the basic stuff—while he made his way outside.

  There was no one on the shuttle to the long-term parking. The silence, except for the sound of the heater, was pleasant. “So, what are you wearing?” he asked.

  She laughed. “You’re horrible. And still in public.”

  “Only kind-of public.” Maybe she had a point. He shifted in his seat, as his cock reminded him of the pictures waiting on his phone. And then something nagged him. Something was off about those pictures. What was it?

  “In that case... one of your ties,” she replied.

  All the blood rushed from his head at the thought of Molly in nothing but a tie. “Wait. Do I own any ties? I don’t think I do.”

  “Hmm...” A throaty, seductive tremor ran through her words. “I guess I’m not wearing anything, then.”

  He knew she was teasing, and he loved the sound of her voice when she did. The shuttle rumbled to a stop, and he tipped the driver and made his way across the lot to his car.

  The flirting was fun, but there was something more important he needed to know. “How did it go at work?”

  A long silence greeted him, and large chunks of his good mood shirked. “Molly?”

  “I’m working on it.” The teasing cheer was gone from her voice. “I mean, they took the request, they’re thinking about it, and it doesn’t look like it will be a problem.”

  That meant she didn’t have a yes yet. She was negotiating with her employer to let her do all of her job remotely, since she was on the road so often anyway. Brandon spent most of the off-con season at home, and that was where most of his voice jobs were, so they hoped she could find a way to move in with him.

  Still, it wasn’t a no.

  “I’m pretty sure they’ll say yes.” Some of the sadness vanished from her voice.

  He tossed his bag into the trunk, slid into the driver’s seat, and started the engine. “I was hoping... sooner, rather than later.”

  “Give it a little more time. I have a feeling it’ll all be good.” Her tone was smooth and soothing.

  He nodded at the empty car interior, still unable to completely squash his disappointment. “I’m pulling onto the road. I have to let you go.”

  “I understand. I’ll talk to you soon. I love you.”

  He still wasn’t tired of hearing that. “I love you too.”

  He tossed the phone onto the passenger seat. Moments later, he was navigating the familiar route home. Empty home. He tried not to dwell on the thought, but he couldn’t help it. Every time he said goodbye to Molly, it got harder to walk away.

  Within thirty minutes, he was pulling up to his condo. He trudged up the stairs to the second floor and down the hallway to his door. When he pushed inside, his heart leaped into his chest.

  Molly looked up from the couch, one corner of her mouth tugged up, and her bottom lip caught between her teeth. “Surprise.” She wasn’t wearing a tie, but she was wearing one of his T-shirts and a pair of his shorts. God damn. She’d never looked sexier.

  He dumped his stuff and crossed the few, short feet. He pulled her from the couch, wrapped his arms around her, and lifted her off the ground.

  She dug her nails into the back of his neck and kissed him deeply, a whimper escaping from her throat.

  He rested his forehead against hers. “You didn’t say anything.”

  “I didn’t want to ruin the surprise.” The impish smile was still there.

  That was what had been off about the pictures—his condo in the background. He pushed up the hem of her shirt, so he could settle his palm on her bare back. “How long are you here?”

  She shifted, sending tremors of want through him. “It depends on you.” Her voice was soft. Almost uncertain.

  His brain clicked over the words, struggling to process them, which was made more difficult by the insistence below his waist. “Explain?”

  She laid a series of light kisses across his lips. “I may have left a detail or two out about work.”

  The gears in his head struggled to move forward and finally pushed the snag aside. “You mean...?”

  She laughed. “Yes, I got permission to telecommute. So if you still think you can stand living with me...”

  He kissed her hard again, focusing on the fact that this time he didn’t have to let her go nearly as often. This incredible woman who made his pulse race was here. She was moving in. Spending every morning waking up next to her teased his thoughts. “I was starting to wonder how I’d make it another week without you, so I’m pretty sure I can stand it.”

  “Good.” She relaxed a little. “Then join me in our bedroom?”

  THE END

  To keep up to date on new releases and other news from Allyson Lindt, click here to subscribe to my mailing list.

  Please help this author's career by posting an honest review wherever you purchased this book.

  About the Author

  USA Today Bestselling Author Allyson Lindt is a full-time geek and a fuller-time author. She likes her stories with sweet geekiness and heavy spice, and loves a sexy happily-ever-after. Because cubicle dwellers need love too. Read all of her books to see why A Lust for Reading said her books made them "smile and literally laugh out loud", Revenge of the Feels loved the sizzling attraction, ...danger, betrayal and humor" and readers call them "book nirvana","geek hotness", "sexy" and "fast paced".

  Read more at Allyson Lindt’s site.