Free One Little White Lie by Loretta Hill Page B

‘I know it might be humiliating when everyone finds out I made up a fake boyfriend. But let me tell you, I’ve got a thick skin. Blackmail is not going to work on me.’
    â€˜You think I’m after your money?’
    She bent and rolled up her mat with short brisk movements. ‘Believe me, if you are, you’re not going to get very far.’
    For some reason, Henry’s shoulders began to shake and his face contorted as if he was trying desperately not to laugh. ‘If my brother could hear you now …’
    Kate observed this reaction with growing indignation. ‘You think this is funny ?’
    His voice came out surprisingly even. ‘Maybe.’
    Her lips thinned. ‘Well, then perhaps I need to make myself clearer. I don’t own a house or a car. I don’t even have a job. I’ve got like two hundred dollars in the bank.’
    â€˜I don’t want your money.’
    She continued anyway. ‘I’m a student living off a scholarship – which, by the way, is not transferrable.’
    This time a chuckle did escape him. ‘I don’t want your scholarship either.’
    â€˜I don’t have any jewellery, with the exception of my grandmother’s locket which she gave to me when I was thirteen. To me it’s priceless but it’s only nine carat and, to be honest, almost worthless to someone like you.’
    â€˜Kate, you can keep your grandmother’s locket.’ The amusement in his voice was more annoying than if he had actually laughed.
    â€˜Well, if you’re not blackmailing me, than what is your proposition?’
    His mouth bowed into a secret smile that was almost her undoing. ‘Come out for coffee with me and I’ll tell you.’
    What did she have to lose at this point? He was literally holding her life for ransom.
    â€˜All right then, I’ll come with you.’
    His eyes dilated with pleasure. ‘Perfect.’ She didn’t know why his happy expression gave her such zing down the spine but she firmly repressed it as they walked to the back of the room to stow their mats.
    â€˜So shall we just head to our usual?’ Henry asked casually when they were done.
    She glared at him. ‘We don’t have a usual.’
    â€˜But we could.’ He winked at her. She was about to protest further but the words dried on her tongue when he suddenly took her hand, tugging her playfully through the door as though it was the most natural thing in the world.
    They were out in the street before she recovered her senses enough to disengage herself and shove both hands into the large pockets of her hooded jumper.
    â€˜Salvadors?’ he queried and she realised he was talking about a tiny Italian cafe a few feet from them. She often got takeaway coffees there but never sat in. It was a cute little joint though, and casual enough to visit in gym clothes and not feel embarrassed.
    She nodded.
    They entered the café that sported only five pine tables, and an inviting glass counter that showcased the cakes on offer beneath.
    â€˜A flat white please,’ Kate said to the Italian woman smiling encouragingly at her.
    â€˜Make that two.’ Henry held up a couple of fingers.
    As Kate reached for her purse, Henry shook his head. ‘I’ll get it.’ ‘No, no,’ she insisted. ‘I’ll pay for myself.’
    Anything to remind him this was not a date, he was not her boyfriend and, most importantly, she would owe him nothing. Not even a cup of coffee.
    In the end they took a seat in front of the window. As soon as they were settled, Kate got down to business.
    â€˜OK, so what’s your proposition?’
    â€˜Three proper dates.’
    Her brow wrinkled. ‘How is that a proposition?’
    â€˜If you meet up with me three times and then still don’t want to see me after that, I solemnly promise to leave you alone.’
    She sighed. ‘This is silly. You shouldn’t