Serena winced inwardly, careful to keep it from showing on her face. It wasn't out of pain but pure, unfiltered discomfort—a certain someone's fingers had found their way to her waist. The possessive touch sparked an immediate resistance within her, even though she held her composure. She didn't like it. Not one bit.
As she turned slightly, preparing to lift his hand off her waist and give him a warning look, he leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "So," he murmured, low enough for only her to hear, "I'm thinking we basically just keep whispering in each other's ears, throw in a few laughs now and then at absolutely nothing—convince everyone we're a couple. How about it?"