He rolls his eyes at me. “I’m not going to let you kill my buzz. This is an accomplishment, and we should celebrate it.”

“Okay, okay,” I say. “What did you have in mind?”

“Let me make you dinner tomorrow night. We can hang out at my place. Watch a movie. Spend the evening together. Whatever.”

Because putting our relationship in proper perspective seems crucial to my self-preservation, I give him a saucy grin. “Have sex too?”

He surveys me with a heated gaze that electrifies me from head to toe. “If that’s what you want.”

It’s the least of what I want, but I’m not ashamed to say I still want it. “I do.”

Dean’s phone buzzes, and he pulls it out, grimacing at the interruption. “Huh,” he says on a chuckle a few seconds later.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“It’s a text from my mother. A photo of her with her new boyfriend. Mountains in the background. Says he’s taking her to meet his children. I’ll show you later.”

“Meeting the family. That’s a big deal.”

Shrugging, he says, “Maybe.” He draws in a long breath, then reaches over and squeezes my shoulder. “Anyway, just think, Solange. We’re done pretending. And by tomorrow morning, we’ll be home free.”

Well, no, that’s not precisely true. He’ll be home free. As for me? Considering that I’m starting to fall for this man, I’m still facing a high probability of heartbreak.

*  *  *

Lina calls as I’m heading to Dean’s Saturday night. Because parking is always at a premium in both of our neighborhoods, I’m opting to take a Lyft there.

I pick up on the first ring. “Hey, hang on. I’m getting a ride.” I throw my overnight bag in the backseat, greet the driver, then confirm Dean’s address. Once I’m settled, I get back to Lina. “What’s up, mulher?”

“Don’t ‘what’s up’ me. I’ve been trying to reach you all day.”

“Why? What’s going on?”

She sucks her teeth. “Really, Solange? You’re trying this with me?”

She’s right. There’s no point in being evasive with Lina. She’ll hound me until she gets the answers she’s looking for. “In my defense, I truly was busy. I helped Dean clean up his place after Ana and Carlos left this morning, and then I hung out with Brandon. But, uh, I’m headed back to Dean’s now.”

When she doesn’t immediately respond, I tease her instead. “What’s the matter? Max got your tongue?”

“Heh. I’m processing, okay? Because I thought the fake dating caper ended last night.”

“Technically, it did.”

Lina clears her throat. “So . . .”

“So we’re just hanging out.”

“Hmm, a summer fling before you leave DC. I’m not mad at you.”