Outmatched

I’m not taking any money from you,” I said into her silky hair.

“Then it’s a good thing I never got around to paying you.”

“You know your boy Ren is in love with you, right?”

The idea made me guffaw.

He shrugged. “No one will question our relationship now, Tinker Bell.”

Disappointment filled me as I realized

Not only because I had come to the uncomfortable realization that I had a humongous crush on the guy I was paying to date me (rookie mistake!), but because Fairchild had invited us to a garden party tomorrow.

She laughed again, and the sound struck me right in the chest.

“You’re beautiful when you laugh.” The words came out in a husky

strand of hair fluttering, and then poked my ribs with a bony finger. “Cut it out. And. Tell. Me.”

Each word ended with a poke. Violent little pixie. I approved.

“I need to get used to touching you too.”

“Uh-huh.”

Touch me lower, woman. I’ll do anything you ask.

“Evan said Rhys seemed into you, but it doesn’t surprise me that you’re not into him. You’re from different worlds after all.”

Seriously?

The truth was, I knew why I so desperately wanted to please the people I loved. It was a grief buried deep down

lounge. It wasn’t in the shape I wanted it to be; we needed something better than yellowing vending machines and two anc