I pause, thrown by her admission. Zelda never admits when she’s wrong.

So wait, does this mean…?

“I’m releasing your trust,” Zelda says. “You’re doing just fine without my interference. You have your friends, your business… And if you still plan on proposing to Callie, I won’t stand in your way.”

What?

I gape at her. “Since when?” I ask. “I thought you hated her?”

“Hate is a strong word we reserve for improv comedy and hairless Siamese cats,” Zelda says automatically. “And of course I don’t hate her. I had my reservations, it’s true. But it’s clear, she’s a fine woman, with excellent taste in men,” she adds with a wink. “And you’re in love. I’m not going to argue with that.”

I swallow hard, suddenly feeling like the worst kind of asshole. Because I’m not in love with Callie, not really.

Right?

Zelda brightens. “In fact, I just had a wonderful idea. Why don’t you propose tonight? Here, in front of your family? It’s already such a romantic setting with the gala, and I have my mother’s diamond ring, I’ve been saving it for you.”

Oh shit.

Guilt hits hard as I fumble for an excuse. “Uh…Well…The thing is, I’ve been planning this perfect New York City proposal. Since that’s where we met. Once I have more details, I’ll let you know.”

“Of course. A man should plan this sort of thing for himself.” She leans up and kisses my cheek. “But don’t wait too long to let her know how you feel,” she adds. “You don’t want to let a woman like that get away!”

Zelda sails off, leaving me standing there, off-balance as hell. And it’s not just the whiskey talking. Because all night, I’ve been going crazy with jealousy if Callie so much as looks at another man—when I’m not panting with lust over her every move. She’s gotten under my skin, and into my brain, and…

Well, let’s not talk about what other parts of my body she’s affecting.

And the way she stood up for me earlier… I don’t think anyone I’ve dated has done that before. I know it was supposed to be just a charade, this whole fake date thing, but the way I want her right now is anything but fake.

It’s the realest thing I’ve ever known.

Could there be a chance she feels the same way?

12

Callie

Hiding out in the bathroom, away from the crowd, I despair.

What was I thinking, blowing up at Zelda like that? News flash, Dash isn’t my real boyfriend. I’m here as part of a business arrangement—one that relies on me charming his grandmother, not calling her out in front of all her fancy friends. I just couldn’t help myself, hearing her be so dismissive about everything he’s achieved. Sure, Dash likes to play it off, like it’s all no big deal, but I know him better now, and I can see through that act. He’s thoughtful, smart…

Sexy as hell.