Page 29 of The Keeper and I

“Yes,” she said, letting out a breath. When had she started holding it?

“That brings me to my next question.”

“Which is?”

“How do we prove we have it?”

Chapter 7

Laci’sspinewentramrodstraight. Part of her was scared of the question, and another part was glad he asked it. They hadn’t confirmed the boundaries of this fake relationship, or what they would do to convince the world it was real, and he’d kicked down the door to that conversation. She kept her eyes trained on the counter as she scrambled for an answer.

“Well…first off, we’ll need to spend loads of time together,” she began. “Coming over with takeaway should be normal. That way if Dane is looking, he’ll see at some point.”

Jordan hoisted an eyebrow. “You sure you’re not just in this for the takeaway?”

She shrugged. “Call it an added bonus.”

He chuckled.

“Second, we’ll need to make some public appearances,” she went on. “Or at least go out where paps might see us together.”

“And what is allowed in those scenarios?”

“Hand holding is a must,” she said. “And putting our arms around each other if we’re sitting down. A kiss or two could be good to make it convincing.”

“You have done some kissing at least, haven’t you?”

She shot him an annoyed look. “Of course I have.”

“Just checking.”

“So, while you’re here, we just…Netflix and chill I guess?”

It was his turn to choke. He swallowed down his sushi roll with a loud gulp and watery eyes. “What?”

“Netflix and chill. Y’know, hang out, watch movies.” She looked at him curiously. “Does it mean something else to footballers?”

“It means something else to everyone,” he said. He cleared his throat. “Okay, don’t take offense to this, but you’re fucking hot.”

“Why would I take offense? I am hot.”

“Right. So there’s no way that no one’s ever asked you to Netflix and chill before.”

Her cheeks warmed. “I mean, theyhave, but I’ve never agreed to it because I don’t think going to someone’s house to watch telly is a suitable first date.”

“In most cases, it isn’t. Because it doesn’t mean watching a movie, it means there’s a movie on while you shag on the sofa.”

If she got any hotter, she’d start sweating. In fact, her shirt clung to her back as she dropped her gaze.

“Oh. Well, I’ve certainly never done that before.”

“Which bit?”

“Any of it.”

She knew she shouldn’t be embarrassed, but she couldn’t stop the shame that crept up the back of her neck. Her heart pounded so much that she wondered if he could hear it. She wished he would say something. Anything to move past the admission.

“You’ve never…”