Page 37 of Something Like Shelter

My heart swooped.

“Right? She’s stunning,” Gracie agreed. “And he is so handsome, isn’t he?”

“He is,” I agreed, then turned to grab my clutch so I could shoot an ‘I’m gonna get you for that’ look at Gracie, which she happily ignored. “I will have my phone,” I reminded her, but when I opened my clutch, the manual pump was taking up the whole thing.

“Need me to take it?” Owen asked.

“Do you mind?” I held it out to him.

He plucked it from my hand, and the brush of his fingers sent a shiver up my arm. When my gaze flicked up to his, I found him already watching me.

Did he feel it too?

Was it just me and my touch-starved self?

“Thanks,” I said, curling my hand.

“Stand close, you two. I want to get a picture!” Gracie said.

“What are we, going to prom?” I asked, getting a little chuckle out of Owen.

“I have a feeling she’s not going to let us leave until we do what she wants,” he said.

“You’re not wrong,” I agreed.

“Okay. In front of the window,” Gracie instructed.

Owen and I shared a look but fell in line.

“Scoot closer,” Gracie demanded.

I was still rolling my eyes when Owen’s arm slipped around my lower back, curled into my hip, then pulled me against his side.

I was still looking up at him, a mix of what had to be shock and pleasure on my face, when I heard the shutter of my cousin’s camera.

For a second, I forgot this was pretend.

His arm was warm and solid around me, his hand resting at my waist with just enough pressure to make me acutely aware of every inch of him beside me. I could smell his cologne, something clean and warm that made me want to lean into his neck and breathe him in.

This was dangerous.

Not because anyone else would believe we were a couple. That was the whole point. But because I almost did. At least for the few seconds that I stood there with his arm around me and his eyes on mine.

“And one more looking at me.” We obliged. “And a smile!”

“That’s the car,” I said when I heard the doorbell. “Literally saved by the bell,” I murmured to Owen. “Please call if you have any questions. Anything. Or if you need—”

“I’ve got this. You go before you’re late.”

I wanted to go give my baby a million kisses.

But she was right; I didn’t want to be late.

“Where’s Tuna tonight?” I asked as he held open the door for me.

“Home. He had an extra-long run with me earlier, so he’s knocked out for a good, long while. He’ll be just fine.” He closed the door and came around to sit beside me. “So, is there anything I should know as your significant other?”

“Well, I think you know a lot about me in passing,” I said, then, with a smirk, “You might be the longest relationship I’ve ever had.”