My heart skips a beat at JoAnna’s statement. And I have to restrain the nervous laughter that wants to bubble out of my throat. Barrett in love? With me?

For a moment, I let JoAnna’s wild assertion fester in my brain. What would it be like to be Barrett’s, for real? To be by his side because he wants me there, not because he needs a fake girlfriend for a business deal. Weeks ago, I would have laughed at the thought. Now, it doesn’t seem as absurd.

I can see it clearly. Time together spent cuddling on the couch, weekends strolling the city with Baxter and of course, lots of hot, passionate sex.

Sex with Barrett. That’s a fantasy I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the past few days. I’d like to make that fantasy a reality as soon as possible.

But, as much as I’ve gotten to know Barrett, I still have to wonder what is real and what is part of our arrangement. He’s still focused on his deal with Fred and our relationship is a part of that. We’re not a real couple. Yes, we’re hooking up now, but orgasms don’t equal love.

While JoAnna’s words are tempting to consider, I remember the real reason Barrett is here. I put it on my list. JoAnna thinks it’s because we’re together and all I had to do was ask. That’s the furthest from the truth. Maybe his reluctance to make this appearance has eased since we’ve been hooking up, but I doubt he would be here if I didn’t make it one of my conditions to continuing this fake relationship with him.

He's given me no indication that this is anything more than a business arrangement with benefits.

Now that my nails have returned to their normal length, I have to consider that everything might go back to the way it was before Frankie’s Faux Nails wreaked havoc on my life. There have been no conversations about what would happen when the nails came off. My obnoxious manicure had been the entire reason we started playing WordIt and Barrett was able to prove how skilled his tongue and fingers really are.

Now I’m wondering if I should have put sex on my list. Crap.

I watch as Barrett closes the book and like the other readers before him, he gives a final remark directing viewers to the Books 4 Kids website. When he’s done, the little redheaded girl jumps up and gives him a hug.

With her in his arms, our eyes connect and he winks.

Sweet Jesus. I don’t know how I’m going to do it, but I’ve got to find a way to have sex with that man before the night is over.

* * *