Page 45 of The Plus One Pact

"Oh, I was going for something much more indecent." A teasing tone drops into her voice. "But I suppose I shouldn't do that in front of your brother."

"That brings up a good question, actually," Sasha says. "Let's face it. Daniel thinks you're a slut, Rome. And he's right. The problem isn't his perception. It's the judgment. But that judgment is something you can use to your advantage." She looks to me. "If he thinks Ivy is dick-struck, he won't be as doubtful about why she's around."

"I'm not sure I can pull off dick-struck," Ivy answers diplomatically. "But I can do affectionate."

"We're together. We're having great sex. We enjoy each other's company. Can't it be that simple?" I ask.

"For your mom, sure. But Daniel? No way," Sasha says.

She's right. Daniel needs to see the logic. That's the sort of person he is.

"You'll need to talk to each other," Sasha says. "Make each other laugh. Have the same life goals. Where do you want to be in five years?"

Ivy bites her tongue.

I don't have an answer.

"I'll make a list of questions for you two to answer in the next two weeks." Sasha pulls out her smart phone and starts tapping. She goes through her list, slowly, giving us time to get used to each question.

It's all normal couple stuff. Where do you want to live? Do you want to get married? Perfect vacation spot? Kids or no kids?

A million questions I've avoided.

After twenty minutes, she sends the files to us, sets her phone down, and adopts a serious expression. "There's one more thing I need you two to do before I leave you to your evening."

"What's that?" I ask.

"Kiss. Kiss like you're madly in love."

Chapter Eleven

Ivy

Kiss like you're madly in love.

There's no reason for me to hesitate. After all, Romeo and I did plenty of kissing. It wasn't the kissing of two people in a long-term monogamous relationship, but I'm sure it looked similar enough.

We want to connect, physically.

At least, he's willing to pretend to convince his family he’s a responsible guy, and I'm willing to pretend for the fantasy.

Can someone really tell why just by looking at us?

I turn a little more towards him. I hold my head up high. I call on all my confidence.

Sure, no one pays me an outrageous sum for an hour of pleasure, but I know how to kiss. I know what love looks like. I know how it feels to kiss someone I love.

Or I did.

Once.

Now, I'm not so sure.

Now, the pain of the last two years of the relationship, when things were really bad, drowns out the memories of hazy happiness from before.

We were together a long time. Since my junior year of college. Things were good once, weren’t they? But I can’t see back to that time anymore.

When did I last kiss and feel in love and only in love?