Things Liars Fake: a Novella (a #ThreeLittleLies novella Book 3)(19)

So good.

So not mine.





Elliot is a total douche.

I know it’s not fair to run comparisons—particularly on someone I haven’t met—but it’s obvious Dexter and his cousin fell off different branches of the family tree: they are the complete opposites. Where Dexter is kind, caring and approachably handsome, Elliot is in your face good-looking. Cocky. Spray tanned. Manwhore with a heart of gold. A schmoozer used to gaining anything he wants from women.

Used to getting in anyone and everyone’s panties.

Gross, did I just say panties?

Ew.

I’ve met a hundred Elliot Ryan’s in my short lifetime and I’ve no doubt I’ll meet more; he is certainly no novelty.

Not to me, anyways.

He’s sizing me up as a potential prospect even as he walks towards us, a knowing glint in his arrogant eye—he thinks I’m going to be charmed by his bullshit. His body.

His face.

He’s so conceited and full of himself he thinks I’ll ditch Dexter and leave here with him. Unfortunately for Elliot, I am immune and speak fluent douche.

Our dance near an end, Dexter relaxes his grip as his cousin approaches with a swagger, and I mournfully unclasp my hands from their spot around his neck. Standing steadfastly beside him, I reach between our bodies to grapple for his hand, lacing our fingers together in a show of solidarity.

Plus, I really want to touch him.

He looks down at our joined hands surprised when I give them a flirty little squeeze.

“Hey cuz, pardon the interruption.” Elliot is so full of shit I want to burst out laughing. He’s not one bit sorry—he’s rude. “Aunt Bethany said you brought a new girlfriend tonight, but I had to see it myself.”

His mouth is speaking to Dexter, but his interest clearly lies with me. “And you must be…?”

“Elliot, this is Daphne. Daff, this is my cousin, Elliot.”

Daff? Oh brother, he’s pulling out the pet names?

“Hi, pleased to meet you. I’d shake your hand, but as you can see, it’s otherwise occupied.” I slouch on my heel, leaning on Dexter for support. He immediately releases my hand to slide his arm around my waist, pulling me flush into his body. Shamelessly, I return the favor, hugging my date’s trim waist, letting my other palm rest on the flat of his abs.

I feel them flex under my fingers, and give them a playful little tickle.

“Dexter and Daphne. The Double D’s, get it?” Elliot jokes, pasting a megawatt grin across his handsome face. So good-looking. So pleasant. So fake. “Hey man—sorry about standing you up at the wine bar the other weekend after the golf tournament. I didn’t mean to leave you hanging.”

His eyes never leave my face.

“No worries. It all worked out.” Dexter’s hand gives me a squeeze. “Besides, I wasn’t there entirely alone.”

Elliot cocks his head thoughtfully to study us. I can almost hear the cogs in his brain working overtime. Almost. “Yeah, I heard that’s where the two of you met.”

“Yup, I’m a lucky guy.” Dexter kisses the top of my head.

Elliot squints at us. “Seriously though. The two of you are dating?”

Seriously though? Could he be any less subtle?

Dickhead.

“Well, the sparks really flew when we bumped into each other a few days later.” I look up into Dexter’s kind eyes. “Remember? You came to my rescue at the movie theater?”

“Was he wearing a bow tie?” Elliot laughs—a booming, obnoxious, and patronizing snort, revealing the dark side of his personality.

Asshole.

There was only one way to wipe that smirk off his face.

“Wearing a bow tie?” I ask purposefully. Slowly. “Well… he was wearing one at the beginning of the night. But I had it on in the morning.” I push out a giggle. “Sometimes all I have on are his glasses, isn’t that right babe?”

Bashfully in Elliot’s direction, I demure. “I love his glasses, don’t you?”

Unable to control myself, I rise onto my tip-toes and kiss the underside of Dexter’s chin. My lips linger, the tip of my nose giving his jaw a little nudge.

Mmm. He smells heavenly. Divine.

“Wait.” Elliot looks confused. “Hey man, am I seriously interrupting something? You’re not f*cking around?”

A laugh escapes my lips. “We were dancing! Of course you’re interrupting something.”

Idiot.

“Yeah man, we’ll catch you later at the bar for a round, Ellie. Your treat.” Dexter nuzzles my hair before spinning me around. “Right now I’m going to finish out this set with my gorgeous date.”

“Sorry Elliot.” Breathlessly, I don’t take my eyes off Dexter’s face. “You’re gonna have to excuse us—I just want to be alone with these sexy suspenders. I’ve been dying to run my hands under them all night.”

I shoot my date a pointed look. “All night.”

To emphasize my point, the arms wrapped around his waist snake up the front of his button-down shirt, the pads of my palms slowly move up and under his blue paisley suspenders.

“I-I..” he stutters, pushing up his glasses with the tip of his forefinger. “You like these?”