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“Wow,” Matt says. “That’s a huge undertaking, even in a smaller community.”
“There are hungry and underprivileged kids in every community,” Rina stresses. “I was a hungry kid, and not because my family couldn’t afford to feed me. Trust me, my parents did very well, thanks to my hard work. They withheld food from me because I had to look a certain way. I knew how to count calories by the time I was eight years old, and it led to an eating disorder later in life. No kid should be hungry, especially in a country as wealthy as ours.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Nic says. “And I’m so sorry that you went through that.”
“Thank you. We also do clothing drives at the beginning of the school year, and we supply backpacks full of school supplies.”
“And you do it all on donation?” I ask, so intrigued that I’ve set my pizza aside.
“Most of it,” she says. “I fronted all of the money when we started, and I’ve hit up a lot of very wealthy people in Hollywood for donations over the years. It was particularly gratifying when I reached out to the same directors who told me I couldn’t eat for three days before a scene.”
“Jesus,” Matt mutters. “Does that shit still happen?”
“Every day,” Rina confirms. “Not just to women, either. It’s a corrupt business, for many reasons. I left because I knew if I didn’t get the eating disorder under control, it would kill me. And I couldn’t do that and act in LA.” She pauses and glances around. “Please don’t repeat that.”
“We wouldn’t say anything to anyone about what you say,” Nic assures her. “In addition to Luke being in the family, we have Leo Nash, Will Montgomery, Amelia Montgomery, Kane O’Callaghan…well, you get the idea. Also, Matt’s a cop and never tells me anything good.”
“I tell you plenty,” he retorts. Nic rolls her eyes, and Matt narrows his. “Did you just roll your eyes at me, little one?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“Looks like we’ll be having some fun later,” he mumbles before taking a drink of his soda.
“I miss the work,” Rina continues. “I know I’ve only been gone a week, but I enjoy it, and I miss it.”
“There are plenty of shelters that could use donations,” Matt suggests. “Especially women’s shelters.”
“You could do the hygiene packets for them,” Nic says. “Oh, and what about baby bags? A ton of women leave abusive relationships with babies in tow. You could do them by age group.”
“That’s a really good idea.” Rina seems to think it over. “But I think I’d need help stuffing bags and such.”
“We have an army of people who would love to help,” Nic says. “I know if we did a girls’ night, add in some wine and cupcakes, the Montgomery women would be happy to help put things together with you.”
“Really?” Rina’s face lights up at the idea. “I just got an anonymous donation the other day that would more than cover the costs. I would do it all under the nonprofit umbrella that I already own, so it would be simple. I can work on it in between torture sessions with Attila the Hun here.”
She points at me, making me laugh.
“That’s Ben the Hun to you.”
She snorts. “Matt, do you happen to know the names of a few of the shelters I can call?”
“I’ll write them down for you before you leave tonight.”
“Thanks.”
I had no idea that Rina was a humanitarian. It should have occurred to me to ask her what she’s been doing over the past several years, but it didn’t. I’ve been attracted to her physically since the moment she opened her door and then slammed it in my face. But knowing how passionate she is about giving back to the community makes her even more beautiful.
She’s gorgeous. She has a great work ethic, and she’s funny.
And she spends all of her spare time helping kids in need.
If that doesn’t finish the job of making me want her, I don’t know what would. And I do. I want her in my bed, against the wall, in the kitchen, and anywhere else I can get my hands on her.
Not because she’s famous. I don’t give a rat’s ass about that.
I’m attracted to Rina. The woman sitting next to me, gorging on delicious pizza and laughing with my friends. The woman who hates burpees and loves sugar. The woman who wants to put baby bags together for women who can’t afford to buy them for themselves.
Rina’s damn hot in so many ways.
“Where did you go?” Nic asks me, pulling me out of my reverie.
“Sorry. I was just thinking about tomorrow’s workouts.”
“Okay, that’s just mean,” Rina says. “I’m enjoying my cheat meal, on my rest day, and you’re busy thinking about torturing me tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
I grin as she glares at me and reaches for a chocolate cupcake.
