Page 82 of So I'll Know
“Tell you what,” she says with a grin. “I’ll help you win yourboy over tonight, and we’ll have dinner at my place sometime. No public stuff.”
I nod slowly. “Yeah, okay.”
She slides her cake to the center of the table and hands me a spoon. “Have some cake. It’ll make you feel better.”
I take the spoon and sliver off a small bite, moaning when the rich flavor hits my tongue. “It’s so moist.”
Sabrina starts giggling. “That’s what she said.”
I snort a laugh. “Very mature.” I lick the spoon and point it at her. “So, what about us?”
She looks at me pointedly. “So since you need to put on this façade just as much as I do, it’s settled. Want to be my fake boyfriend?”
“Sure, why not. Been in enough fucked-up real relationships, so why not a fake one?”
Once I pay the tab,we head out, and even though the walk isn’t long, we take an Uber to Jeremy’s apartment.
“We could’ve split the bill, you know.” Sabrina’s long nails tap rhythmically on the soft gray upholstery.
I smirk. “I used my company card, so it was a win-win for both of us.”
She barks a laugh. “Well, in that case, I’ll let the gentleman pay.” Then she looks disappointed. “Shit. I should have ordered more food.”
“This won’t be our last date, right? Always next time.”
After a few minutes in stop-and-go traffic, the car pulls up to the curb, and we get out. I texted Jeremy on the way, so the door is unlocked when we get there, and I lead Sabrina inside.
“What in the holy hell is that?” Sabrina asks, eyeing the ugly hot dog mat.
I snicker as I push open the door to Jeremy’s apartment andlook around. His place is tidy, like always, and he’s curled up on the couch under a soft, colorful afghan that I’ve since learned was his grandmother’s. T is asleep in his lap, though I start to suspect it’s all a ruse when his tail starts to flick.
“Took you long enough.” Jeremy’s voice is saturated with sass, and I have to smile. But when he turns to see Sabrina, he freezes.
She takes off her coat, hangs it up, and looks around Jeremy’s apartment with interest. “I love your taste,” she murmurs, her fingers trailing over one of the lacy curtains before approaching Jeremy’s bookshelf to peruse his impressive collection—a mix of old-school fantasy, horror, and romance.
“Uh, thank you?” I can tell he’s torn between taking offense and accepting the compliment.
“Jeremy, this is Sabrina. Sabrina, this is Jeremy. My . . . boyfriend.”
The blush that rises in his cheeks brightens his whole face. He stands up, pushes Toothless from his lap, and folds the blanket over the back of the couch. T sniffs and looks up at him indignantly.
Jeremy’s wearing gray sweats and a cropped sweatshirt that shows a strip of pale, toned abs. “Sorry,” he mumbles, running a hand through his hair. “I wasn’t expecting company.”
Sabrina turns to him. “I’m so sorry, hello.” Her smile is so wide that her straight white teeth contrast dramatically with her bright red lipstick. “It’s so nice to meet you, Jeremy.”
His gaze is hesitant, the distrust and jealousy in his eyes obvious, and I get it. Sabrina is beautiful. But little does he know that she has nothing on the hot mess standing in front of me. Even in his casual state, Jeremy is otherworldly stunning.
Sabrina plops down on the couch, and Toothless immediately jumps up next to her and nuzzles her hand. “What’s his name?”
“Toothless.” Jeremy scowls at him.
“Oh, it’s perfect. I love that movie.”
Jeremy starts to smile, but catches himself quickly. “Can someone just tell me what the fuck is going on? What is this?” he asks, gesturing widely at our formal attire.
I move closer to Jeremy and take his hand, twisting our fingers together. “So,” I begin. “I told you that my father is using Seb and Charlie’s careers as leverage, right?” He nods, and I see a hint of fear in his eyes as they bounce between me and Sabrina. “Well, the reason is he wants me to join the board at Skynet.”
He gives me a puzzled look. “But you said you don’t want to be part of the business world anymore.”
