Larissa's POV
"Absolutely not!" The words tumbled out before I could stop them. "I mean... we haven't reached that point yet."
Denise's eyes widened with interest. "Yet? So you're considering it?"
"I'm not sure," I confessed, feeling heat creep up my neck. "There's definitely an attraction there. It's pretty overwhelming."
"I can imagine," she said with a knowing grin. "Did you see those paparazzi shots from last week? The man was practically devouring you with his eyes."
My face burned. "Denise!"
"Come on, it's obvious! I've never witnessed a guy stare at someone like that in public before." She sipped her wine thoughtfully. "I'm genuinely pleased for you, though. After that disaster with Wesley... you need someone who gazes at you with that kind of hunger."
Guilt twisted in my stomach. She had no idea this was all pretend, just another business deal for Carson.
"I'm taking things slowly," I said carefully.
