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“I know, but I like it.”
He sighs. “I think she does too. And don’t think I didn’t notice that you’re trying to change the subject away from Autumn.”
“I’ve tracked her down. I’ve got everything under control.”
“Hmm, famous last words.”
“Are we done now? I’m about to hang up on your ass.”
Gage laughs softly. “Alright, alright. One more thing. I know the spotlight is on her, but if this new show is good for her and helps her discover that spicy side again then maybe give her enough room to explore it. Of all people, you can do that and keep her safe.”
A certain private club comes to mind. It’s definitely a place where she could let her inhibitions go. And as much as I want to be the man to take her there, it would be too dangerous. And the biggest risk has nothing to do with her safety.
13
AUTUMN
“What’s going on?”
Cara glances from me to my purse where I violently tossed my phone. I was imagining it was Jackson’s head being thrown into a woodchipper. I’m done playing by his stupid rules. If he can’t man up and admit that he wants me, then I’m going to make his life a living hell.
“It’s nothing.”
She laughs. “Yeah, right. I know we’re meeting in person for the first time, but I think three years of knowing each other is enough for me to know that something is seriously bothering you. You’ve been on edge ever since you got here. Did something else about you get in the news?”
“No. At least not that I’m aware of.” I hope not, that’s the last thing I need right now.
“Then what’s going on?”
I sigh. “My boyfriend and I had a fight. Sort of.”
“And is that who is sitting in front of my house?”
“How did you know?”
“I have a driveway cam.” She lifts her own phone. “It notified me before your phone started going off.”
I roll my eyes. “Yes, that’s him.”
“Should I be worried that he stalked you here? Do we need to call the police?”
“No, I promise he’s not being a stalker. The thing is,” I pause. I know I’m not supposed to tell, but I really do consider Cara a good friend and I need a friend right now, “he’s not really my boyfriend. It’s just pretend. He’s my bodyguard and I went AWOL on him today.”
Cara blinks a few times. “Okay, there’s a lot to unpack there. And the romance author inside me is literally jumping up and down. The fake boyfriend is one of my favorite tropes. Please tell me more.”
She scoots to the edge of her sofa and leans toward me, a delighted smile on her lips. I tell her about hiring Jackson and how the boyfriend thing is supposed to salvage my reputation.
“Okay, so why did y’all fight?”
“Technically, we didn’t. But we almost slept together last night.”
Her eyes light up like a kid in a candy store. “Go on.”
“After what happened at the concert, he’s afraid of being distracted. So, he keeps walking away before anything more can happen.”
Cara throws her head back and laughs. “Of course, he is. So, what are you going to do about it?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I’ve only gotten as far as pissing him off any chance I get. Like leaving him behind today.”
