Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 84676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
“I wish you could see yourself the way I do, Leo. You have a small circle of friends who would bury a body for you. You’re lucky. Most people get one of those people in their whole lives. And being a bit suspicious is a smart move. You’re a rich, successful guy, and this is a tough city—a tough world. Someone’s always going to want something from you. I think you’ve kept your humanity when life could have turned you cynical and cold. You’re kind and sensitive and thoughtful and… I’m proud to know you. Yeah, maybe Caroline coming back into town has you shaken up. But maybe she’s the closet you never cleared out—something that’s been on your to-do list for the longest time. Maybe the awards ceremony is the perfect opportunity to—”
“Purge?” he asks.
I laugh. “Maybe.”
Silence echoes out from our terrace.
Maybe I shouldn’t have come tonight. Just as I’m about to leave, he reaches out a hand and I take it. He threads his fingers through mine. We sit there together in a quiet that speaks volumes.
“Thank you for dinner.”
“You’re worth it,” I say. He turns his gaze full on me again, and it takes my breath away.
What have I gotten myself into?
“I’m considering not going to the awards ceremony,” he says.
I feel like I’ve been dropped to the ground. “You really don’t want to see her.”
“It’s not that. I just feel like I’ve given it way too much attention. Like, no offense, but I knew you for five minutes before I brought you on as my fake fiancée and moved you into my apartment.”
“Right,” I say. I’m getting whiplash right about now. “I can go stay with Sophia tonight.” I manage to keep my voice steady as I deliver the words, but it’s an effort. Is this why he’s up here tonight? Because he wants space? I tug my hand from his. He reaches for me again, but I don’t reach back.
“No,” he says, his tone sharp. “That’s not what I’m saying. I want…” He sighs. He doesn’t know what he wants. “I want you to stay.”
“The awards are in a couple of days. And then it will be over. I’ll be gone.”
“I want you to stay. Not for the awards, but because I…” He looks me in the eye. “Because I like you.”
My heart lifts in my chest, even as my throat goes tight. “I like you, too.”
He pulls me onto his lap and circles my waist with his hands. “I don’t want you to go.”
This is what I missed when I was back in the apartment. This feeling when I’m with him like I belong. Like I’m someone’s priority. I’m sure Leo doesn’t mean to make me feel that way, but he does. Like I’m special—the only woman he’ll open up to, the only woman he’ll bare his soul to. The only woman he’ll look at just this way.
He makes me feel like I’m his exception, and I can’t decide whether to be moved by the realization, or afraid.
TWENTY-FOUR
Leo
I’m pacing outside the apartment building, waiting for Jules to show. She sent me downstairs about thirty minutes ago to get some air. That was right after I asked her for the fiftieth time when she’d be ready. I glance at my watch. Obviously, I wore my most expensive one. It’s not my favorite, but it’s part of the image I need to project tonight. Paired with a handmade suit, it almost completes the picture. But there’s one more thing I need, and she’s twenty stories up.
“Hi,” Jules says from behind me.
I spin around to find her coming toward me in a black, floor-length, strapless gown. The fabric clings to every curve and it’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen, even though the most it reveals is her shoulders.
“You look… incredible,” I say.
She grins at me, and I have to fight the urge to cup her face and kiss her into next week. “Thanks. You look pretty great yourself.” She tugs on my bow tie.
I half choke on my words like I’m a nerdy thirteen-year-old being introduced to Emily Ratajkowski. “Thanks. Are you ready to go?”
She lifts her chin slightly. “Sure am.”
We’re only a few blocks away from the Plaza, where the awards will be held. I slip my hand under hers for the drive and we sit in silence. For a second I wonder what will happen with Jules and me after tonight, but I push the thought away. I can’t think of stuff like that now. Someone opens the car door as soon as we pull up and I jump out the other side. I should be the one who helps Jules out.
I take her hand and she steps out of the car. She doesn’t look like a million bucks. She looks like a billion.
She stands and sweeps her hair over one shoulder. I take her hand. We should be moving into the hotel, but I can’t stop looking at her. She’s so beautiful.