Silicon Valley Sweetheart by Alyssa St. Claire Page B

we need to talk about last night. You had no right to pull me off the dance floor like that.”
    “I’m sorry, but that’s just how I am sometimes.”
    “What exactly is that supposed to mean?”
    He busied himself checking the French toast. I could see this conversation was making him uncomfortable.
    “Do you have any idea how jealous it made me when I saw you with that other man?”
    “It’s not like we’re seeing each other exclusively or anything. And besides, you brought another woman with you to the club. Sounds like the pot calling the kettle black to me. What happened to her, anyway?”
    “I told her I needed to take you home. She’s pissed. I don’t think she’ll see me again.”
    “How can it be fair that you got mad that I was dancing with someone I met at the club when you brought somebody with you? If you want to tell me that I can’t see anyone else, then the same rule needs to apply to you, too.”
    “Why would I do that? It’s not like our engagement is real.”
    Those words hurt me more than he would ever know. “Why would you, indeed? I want you to leave my apartment right now.” I turned away so that he could not see the tears building in my eyes.
    “Let’s just have our breakfast. We can talk about this later.” He put the French toast and bacon on two plates. He placed one of them in front of me.
    “Syrup?” he asked.
    No, I didn’t want syrup. I wanted to have a serious conversation with him, but I still responded to his question, “No thank you.”
    We both sat in silence eating our breakfast. It was clear to me that I was falling in love with him. I didn’t know how I could continue our arrangement knowing that he didn’t have the same feelings for me.
    He set his fork down on his plate and looked over at me. “Fine. I won’t see anyone else if you won’t, either. Do we have a deal?”
    I couldn’t believe he just said that. I couldn’t respond, mostly because I didn’t know what to say. It bothered me that he felt it was his right to pull me off of the dance floor like that, but I’m more turned on by him than any other man I’ve ever dated. Was he honestly willing to forgo seeing other women for the duration of our arrangement?
    After a long silence, looking into his eyes, I asked, “Are you sure that’s what you want?”
    He stood up and wrapped his arms around me. It felt so good being close to him. Looking deeply into my eyes, he said, “It is.”
    “Then that’s how it shall be for the rest of our arrangement.” I secretly smiled inside I was so happy.
    We finished eating our breakfast. How I wanted him again. And I could tell that he wanted me as much as I wanted him.
    “I need to get going. I have to prepare for a meeting tomorrow. Don’t forget we’re having dinner with Fred and Brenda next week.” He kissed me on the cheek and walked out the door.

Chapter 15
    I was rushing around trying to find something to wear when Mark knocked on my door. “Just a minute,” I yelled out to let him know I’d be right there. We were going to his dad’s house for dinner. I finally settled on a white sundress. I walked to the door while I pulled the dress over my head.
    “You look wonderful!” Mark said, embracing me as he walked in the door.
    “Thank you. Is this dress appropriate for me to wear tonight?”
    “I happen to think you look best in nothing at all,” Mark smiled.
    “Yes, but I’m sure your father would prefer I come wearing clothes,” I said, checking my hair in the mirror.
    “I don’t think my father has any interest in how you come, to be honest with you,” Mark smirked. I tossed my hairbrush at him.
    “Let’s get going.”
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    M ark knocked on his father’s door. I was a little surprised he waited for his father to answer rather than just going in. Fred came to the door and greeted us both. He directed us to the living room.
    “Shirin, you look lovely tonight. Come in. Can I get you a drink?”
    “I’d love a glass of wine.