“You wantbad girllessons?”
“I simply…well, this is going to sound odd, but I want to study you, like I have been with my homework.” Cowardice and embarrassment press against my chest. “Though Heather was furious about the beach—mostly because I left Ramsey behind. He wasn’t thrilled with me either, but he’d never say it. Next time we’ll have to bring him with us, otherwise, I’ll give her a heart attack. Can’t put her star talent in danger.”
I force a laugh, but my mouth is dry. “Is sneaking off again a good idea?”
I should back out.
Be responsible.
Be good.
I should remind her that every second we spend together is another risk, another headline. But then she tilts her head, eyes bright with mischief, and I know whatever argument I’m making in my head is feeble.
“Are you going to deny me more hands-on instruction?” she teases, flipping on her charm.
I can’t tell her about Susan. It really isn’t that bad, and because Reese Sinclair wants to let me orbit her atmosphere again.
I can keep this a secret. Reese doesn’t seem upset. Guess it’s not harming her, and that’s my priority.
I’ll keep her safe. Keep our time together out of the media to the best of my ability. I can protect her from my world. Because sometimes protection means carrying the burden alone. And I’ve always been good at carrying weight—what’s one more secret to break my back?
“Reese, we’re going to need you in your chair to adjust the hair here; we’re losing some volume,” a makeup artist calls over, eyeing us both.
She steps back, holding up my notebook like a shield, and the distance feels like the judgment I deserve. “Of course. Just getting some notes from the stunt team. I’ll be there in a jiffy.”
“What do you say, up for another adventure? If we can find something away from the tabloids, of course.”
I have no clue who this Reese in front of me is, but I want to find out.
I hesitate. The right answer is no. The right answer is distance.
But when have I ever done the right thing?
“I’m sure I can find something for us to do next weekend,” I hear myself say.
Being good is fucking overrated.
Little Fighter
I finally did the thing!
Dante
Conquered that stunt sequence we rehearsed today?
Little Fighter
Not exactly.
I managed to submerge myself in water without having a complete meltdown.
Dante
Funny, I recall someone claiming they’d been doing that all week.
Have you been feeding me little white lies?
Little Fighter
