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.A play it forward sort of thing.”“Did you lose something down the drain?” The amusement in her tone didn’t quite reach her eyes.He’d have to try harder if he hoped to earn her trust.“Not exactly.” He moved closer, putting one hand on the door frame near her head.“I need you to pretend to be my date tomorrow night.”Her brows scrunched together, drawing his attention to her nose.Had she always had such a cute little nose? It was well-shaped with just a few freckles, utterly adorable.“Why do you need someone to ‘pretend’ to be your date? Just ask someone from your harem to go with you.”“My harem?” He laughed and pushed off the door frame, not wanting to crowd her.“I’m not sure what you mean.”“Yeah, right.I don’t have time for this.”She started to close the door, but he stuck his foot in the way.“Give me five minutes to explain and if you still want me to leave, I will.”After a silent pause, she sighed.“Five minutes.” She finally stepped aside and Chase moved into the front room.She closed the door then leaned against it, one hand still on the handle.“What’s this about?”“As you probably know, I was involved with a woman named Vanessa for most of the past year.” Just the sound of her name made him clench his teeth.Eleven months.He’d spent eleven months of his life saddled with her expectations.Their relationship had begun its downward spiral long before she ended the affair.He certainly didn’t want her back.Still, being rejected stung like a bitch.“You said ‘I was involved’.Does that mean you’re no longer involved with Vanessa?” Katie’s eyes gleamed, but the brightness faded before he could determine which emotion had caused the reaction.“She dumped me three weeks ago then told our friends I’m so torn up over the breakup that I can’t even look at another woman.”“Are you?” The shimmer in her eyes this time was definitely humor.Talk about pouring salt on an open wound.“I’m not, but you’re obviously amused by the possibility.” He didn’t have to fake a hurt expression.Her reaction annoyed and upset him.“Apparently, I’ve come to the wrong neighbor for help.”He took a step forward and she pushed him back, chuckling under her breath.“Don’t get all pouty on me.I’ve watched a continual stream of beautiful women flow in and out of your house for years.It’s hard to believe you can’t find a date.”“All the women I know are also friends with Vanessa.I don’t want to make any of them choose sides.This is between me and her.”“Why not just skip the party?”“A good friend is turning thirty.The party’s for him.In fact it was Michael, the birthday boy, who introduced me to Vanessa.Besides, staying home will only add fuel to the fire.Vanessa wants everyone to think she’s devastated me and I’m determined to prove she’s full of shit.”Katie stared at him, her wide green eyes brutally assessing.Then she shook her head.“I hate parties and… I’ve seen Vanessa.You show up with me and everyone will think you’re desperate not indifferent.”“Not if you let me buy you a new dress and have your hair and makeup done downtown.” He lowered his voice to a sexy purr.“Something tells me you’ll clean up remarkably well.”She tensed and folded her arms over her chest.“I can’t decide if I’m insulted or embarrassed by that.For the record, I have a closet full of fancy dresses upstairs and I’m fully capable of doing my own hair and makeup.”That brought up a whole barrage of questions.Why did she have a closet full of “fancy” clothes if she never wore them and why did she never bother with makeup or a more flattering hairstyle? It was as if she didn’t want anyone to realize how attractive she was, or she just didn’t give a damn.He wanted to understand what—or more likely who—had caused her to retreat into indifference.Rather than start a conversation she wasn’t ready for, he simply asked, “Then you’ll do it? I’d owe you big time.”Her stance relaxed but she didn’t immediately relent.“Where’s the party?”“They’ve leased one of the clubs in LoDo for the night.”“All right.You have me for two hours, no longer.I really do hate parties.”“Two hours at the party.That doesn’t include travel time.”She chuckled and moved away from the door.“Fine.Two hours at the party.What time should I be ready?”“We need to be there by eight.”“Then I’ll see you at seven thirty.”“Thank you.” He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.“I’ll see you tomorrow night.”* * * * *Katie closed the door with a heavy sigh then reached down and rotated the deadbolt.Damn it.Loki was right.Josiah had served and Chase volleyed.The game was definitely on [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]