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“Yes, I fucking wanted you to stay.” He smoothed his hair, flinching when he touched the stiff locks. He had more gel in his hair than Justin Bieber on a Friday night. He needed a shower—but he needed her more. “I didn’t want you to leave. At all.”
She nodded, her eyes on his. “I didn’t really want to leave, either. But it scares me that I wanted to stay.”
He took a step closer to her, and this time she didn’t back up. “Because you feel guilty? Or you don’t think you should move on? Be happy?”
“Yes and no. I know I’m not making sense.” She set her purse down and held her hands out, palms up. “But miraculously enough, I feel more upset about what is going on between us right now, than Hugh. And then that makes me feel even worse. And guilty. So guilty. I’m not prepared for this. I’m not ready.”
He captured her hands, holding them close to his chest. He couldn’t not touch her. “I know how hard it is to move on, but sometimes the Universe knows when you’re ready—even if you don’t. Sometimes it’ll throw stuff your way, even when you swear you don’t want or even need it.”
She clung to him. “I’m starting to see that.”
He moved even closer, bending his head to inhale her fresh scent. Would he ever be able to smell her perfume again without immediately thinking of her? He hoped not. No matter the outcome of this affair—he wanted to remember her always. “You deserve to be happy.”
She nodded. “Max said that, too.”
Max. “Was he the bloke from earlier?”
“Yes, my brother-in-law. He was worried about me—and so was my sister—so she sent him to check on me.”
Relief flooded his veins, making him lightheaded. “Oh, thank God. I thought you lied to me and he might be your husband or something.”
She stiffened and pulled free. “No, I’m single. I wouldn’t sleep with you if I was married.”
“I know.” He tried to hold her again, but she shot him a glare. He’d managed to piss her off. Again. It’s no wonder he was always alone. He shoved his trembling hands into his pockets. “I’m sorry. I haven’t exactly seen a whole lot of faithful marriages in my life. It’s hard to remember not everyone cheats and lies.”
She nodded. “Who was the girl you were kissing?”
“A costar that wants to be more than costars.” He lifted his head, capturing her gaze. “I swear to you I’ve never touched her before tonight. She came at a moment where I was … weak … and I didn’t react quickly enough. I was about to send her on her way when you saw me. You are the only woman I’ve touched since coming here.”
For a while, she didn’t say anything, but then she finally spoke. “I’m trying to believe you, but last night you had a one-night stand. With me.”
He shook his head, his heartbeat thumping loudly in his head. “It wasn’t just a one-night stand to me by the time we came here. It was at first, but by dinner I’d changed my mind. To me, it was a new beginning. Or, I’d rather hoped it was.”
She swallowed hard. “I told you I wasn’t looking for a relationship. From the beginning, I told you I didn’t want anything more than sex.”
His world crashed around him. She was rejecting him. And he couldn’t do a damn thing about it but smile graciously and let her go. “And I’d hoped I could change your mind. I’m ever the optimist.”
“Apparently. But … ” She nibbled on her lower lip, advancing on him this time. He resisted the urge to back away from her like she had done to him. Resisted the primal urge to protect his heart from her words. “I don’t like musicals. I’m not fond of actors, either. You’re all arrogant and out of control. Annoying, too—no offense.”
He raised a brow, refusing to show her how much her words had hurt. “Would you like a dagger to stick into my back? It might be more effective.”
“Let me finish.” She rested her hands on his chest, much like the extra whose name he still didn’t know had, but Lexi’s touch was soft. Gentle. “I don’t like any of those things, but I like you. And I like watching you do them.”
He sucked in a deep breath. “Lexi … ”
“Can we start over?” she whispered. Holding her hand out, she said, “I’m Lexi—boring stock broker.”
He eyed her hand then closed his fingers around hers. “I’m Justin—an actor and singer.”
“Good. Now kiss me.”
She lifted up on tiptoes, her eyes drifting closed. He stared down at her, relishing every single detail of this moment while also battling the urge to whoop with joy and spin her in a circle. He wanted nothing more than to give her what she asked for, but still he held back. “I’m not done yet. We’re starting out honestly this time.”
She blinked up at him, her forehead wrinkling. “Okay?”
He ran his knuckles down her cheek. “I’m an actor, not a stage crew member, and I plan to spend my life on stage—until they kick me off. I’ve spent almost my entire life alone, and I’m not the best at being around others and trusting people. My parents died of drug overdoses. Not at the same time. My mom died when I was three. My dad when I was seven.”
He stumbled over the words. He didn’t talk about this. With anyone. Ever. She reached out and pulled him closer, offering him silent support while her eyes filled with tears. She gave him the strength to go on and tell her about his wretched past.
