ELARA ~
"How many public appearances?"
Ernest looked up from his tablet. "Three for this week."
I nodded slowly, keeping my eyes fixed on the leather seat in front of me. "Kissing?"
He blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Excuse me?"
"It's a contract," I said, my voice flat, empty of the warmth I usually carried. "I'm asking what exactly this arrangement involves."
For a moment, he simply stared at me, evaluating the sudden sharpness in my tone. Then he cleared his throat. "There won't be any kissing."
"Oh."
I looked back out the window. The answer shouldn't have disappointed me. It wasn't like I wanted to kiss Ray or anyone.
My stomach twisted with a sudden, unwanted honesty. That wasn't entirely true.
I crossed my arms tighter over my chest, physically blocking out the thought. "Good."
The car fell silent again.Outside, the city rolled past in a blur of glass buildings and morning traffic.
