“What?” he asked, tamping down the unwarranted reaction.

“I’ve now figured out the difference between us.”

Alex squinted. Had he missed something?

“I’m firmly grounded in reality, while you dare to dream the impossible.”

He wouldn’t have put it quite that way, but true enough.

“I think we can probably learn to tolerate each other,” she continued. “I don’t see how we could convince anyone we’re in love.”

Alex took a pace forward, catching the scent of her perfume, tamping down yet another jolt of desire. This was crazy. He couldn’t be attracted to Emma. He wouldn’t let himself be attracted to Emma.

“You know your biggest problem?” he asked.

She stood up, but he still had eight inches on her. “No, but I bet you’re going to tell me.”

“It’s your defeatist attitude.”

“Actually, my biggest problem is you.”

“Sweetheart, I am your salvation.”

“Humble, aren’t we?”

“When you work hard and pay attention, you don’t need to be humble.” He inched closer, dropping his voice. “There are only six people in the world who know I’m not in love with you. I’m about to convince the rest.”

“The entire world?” She arched a sassy brow.

“You need to think big, Emma.”

“You need to think realistically, Alex.”

“They’re not mutually exclusive.”

“Statistically? I believe they are.”

“Then you need to be the exception.” Alex grinned to himself. He could give back as much sass as he got. “And, Emma, my darling, I am exceptional.”

She eloquently rolled her eyes. “Can I get something in the prenup prohibiting your ego?”

“Only if your lawyer’s a whole lot better than mine.”

She took a half pace back. “So that’s your big plan? We gaze adoringly at each other in public, while our lawyers duke it out in the back room?”

He gestured for her to sit back down. “That pretty much covers it. Now, back to our engagement.”