Abbie cleared her throat, and her fingers played with the strap of her camera bag. “You’re different than most of the guys I know. You’re attentive and charming sure, but you’re also really paying attention to what I say. And you seem deeper than some of the other guys I’ve met here so far. But you won’t talk about yourself. And maybe it’s my limited experience, but most guys I know would relish the chance to talk about themselves. Instead, you probe into my head.”

She dragged in a deep breath and tucked one of her slim braids behind her ear. “And I’m sure you’ve seen yourself in the mirror, and you’re not a total douche bag about it. Hell, you even played superhero for me. So, in light of all these things that make you seem pretty great, I’m looking for your fatal flaw.” She smiled sheepishly at me.

I expelled the breath I’d been holding. That was what she meant? She hadn’t guessed that she should probably stay miles away from me? Well, I certainly wasn’t going to be the one to tell her. She thought I was too perfect? Too nice? It was certainly the last thing I’d been expecting her to say.

“I’ve got flaws. And most of them aren’t too pretty. But for the most part, I just keep things close to the vest. Opening up is a little hard for me.” Especially with secrets like I had.

She chewed her lip. “It is for everyone.”

I didn’t want to lie to her, but I couldn’t tell her everything. She’d run from me if she knew what I was. A killer. There was no forgiving that. “I’m working on opening up. But my fatal flaws won’t hurt you, I promise. I’m just a regular guy.”

She climbed out of the car and laughed. “Says the guy in the fancy car.”

I followed suit and reached for her bag to help her. “Okay, a regular guy with a few more toys.” And a fucking fake girlfriend. I’d never been more desperate to tell anyone the truth before. But I knew what was at stake for Gemma, so I kept my mouth shut.

She eyed my outstretched hand. “You were serious about helping me?”

“Is it so hard to believe I would want to?”

“A little. Yes.”

“Well, I’m full of surprises.”

She slid her camera bag off her shoulder and handed it to me. Our fingers brushed, and immediately I snapped my gaze to hers. The electricity jolted my body into instant alertness.

She licked her lips and took a step away. “Surprises aren’t necessarily a good thing.”