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“I wasn’t trying to keep you a secret. I guess I don’t want my family to think that I’m a hypocrite or that I’ve changed my mind when it comes to that. Because I haven’t changed my mind. And as much as I enjoy being with you, whether we’re naked or not, well…”
“This is as far as it can go for you. Because I’m a little famous.”
“A little?” I smirk and can’t resist reaching over to tug on a blonde strand. “You must not notice the glances you get in public when people recognize you.”
“But you notice.”
“Oh, yeah. It’s not new to me. I’m Luke Williams’s son, after all. My family is chocked full of people in the public eye, so whenever I’m out with them, we get looks.”
“And that annoys you.”
“Down to the marrow of my bones.” I blow out a breath. “It’s annoying when women flirt or act interested in me only because of who my father is. They don’t want to date Keaton; they want Luke’s son.”
“Yeah, I can see how that would piss a person off,” she agrees with a nod. “What about men? Is it hard to make friends?”
“I have a small circle. I’m lucky that I like my cousins so much because only they really understand what this life is like. And I have a couple of friends that I’ve had since grade school who I trust implicitly. And that’s all I need. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to hurt your feelings.”
Her eyebrows climb, and she quickly shakes her head and sits up in the bed, holding the covers up to her chest.
“Are you kidding? It doesn’t hurt my feelings. You’re allowed to feel how you feel about anything at all. I don’t really think of myself as a celebrity because there are so many iconic superstars in country music that are super famous, you know? Like Garth or Reba or Dolly… They are all household names. I just have to say their names, and you know exactly who I’m talking about.”
“But you are definitely famous,” I remind her.
“I’ve had success,” she says slowly, that mind of hers whirling again. “But in the grand scheme of the business, I’m very mid-level, I guess you could say. Because, although I’ve done duets with some of the greats, and I’ve toured with them, I’m definitely not a household name. I can go to the grocery store or to the movies or just about anywhere without being recognized, especially if I don’t wear makeup.”
“You were recognized tonight.”
“Yeah, but that’s because we were with a whole group of famous people, Keaton. If it had just been you and me, I don’t think that girl would have given me a second glance. She was aware because of Vaughn.”
I purse my lips, thinking it over. “Maybe.”
“Listen, I’m not trying to change your mind. I’m just speaking the truth here. I’m not even trying to change what’s happening between the two of us. We’re having a good time while I’m here. I know the rules.”
She doesn’t look mad or upset at all. She’s just having an unusual conversation, and I can’t help but find that really attractive.
Because some women would be trying to change the rules.
But not Sid.
“You’re a beautiful, special woman, and I’m a lucky son of a bitch to be here with you.”
“You’re right, on all accounts.” She lies down again and grins at me. “Stella invited me to the party at Leo and Sam’s place over the weekend. Are you okay with that?”
“I was going to invite you myself.”
That makes her eyes widen in surprise. “Really?”
“Sure. You should come. It’s always a lot of fun.”
“I totally want to come. Don’t take this wrong, but Leo’s kind of a big deal to me.”
“Why would I take that wrong?”
“Because he’s a mega-celebrity, and I’m having a tiny fangirl moment here. But I promise, I won’t be a moron at his house. I’ll keep it together.”
“You’re funny.” I lean in to kiss her forehead. “You’re no moron. I suspect just about any musician would geek out about spending time at his place.”
“You do get it.” She sighs in relief. “After our conversation, I didn’t want you to roll your eyes and kick me out of your house.”
“I rarely roll my eyes.” I kiss her once more and then pull her against me. She rests her head on my chest, and it feels like everything shifts into place. “Get some sleep, baby.”
She doesn’t argue at all, just loops her arm around my stomach, and soon, I feel the long, even breaths coming from her in slumber.
“Dude, this is Leo Nash’s house!” She’s bouncing on the seat beside me as I pull into a parking space in front of the big stone house up on the cliffs, just north of Seattle. “I swear, I’m going to calm down and be sophisticated, but holy shit.”
