‘Yeah.We were in the middle of a conversation.You were trying to get the courage to take a photo which is a big deal and even though he wasn’t to know that, I didn’t like that he interrupted us.’
‘You could’ve just said no.’
He laughed then shook his head.
‘If I said no, I’d look like an asshole.That’s the thing I always found difficult to navigate with fame.It’s great that people listen to my songs.I’ll always be appreciative of that.But the other side of the coin is that you’re always expected to be “on” twenty-four seven.You become public property.People ask for photos, and they expect you to smile, right on cue, but they don’t know that five minutes earlier you just received a shitty call about someone close to you.All they want is a photo.To them you’re not a human being, you’re a ticket to popularity.Half the time they’re not even a real fan.Take that guy.He didn’t even introduce himself.He wasn’t interested in having a real conversation.He didn’t care whether or not it was convenient for me.He just wanted to take a photo to show his wife who “used to” like me.Others just want to get a picture to tell their friends that they met me, or to sell for money.’
The way Jake spoke was such a contrast to my ex.He loved the limelight.Craved it.When someone came up to him to ask for a selfie or autograph it was like a shot of adrenaline.Jake, on the other hand, talked about the spotlight like he hated it.
But if that was true, why was he constantly taking photos and documenting everything on social media?
Something didn’t add up.His words didn’t gel with his actions.And I needed to find out why.
24
HALLE
As I curled up on the daybed by the pool with my iPad, I tried to think about what to add as the final song for yesterday’s playlist.
I’d already chosen ‘Stargazing’ by Myles Smith (obviously – I freaking loved him), ‘Sky Full of Stars’ by Coldplay, ‘All the Stars’ by Kendrick Lamar and SZA and ‘Counting Stars’ by OneRepublic.But I couldn’t decide between ‘Waiting for a Star to Fall’ by Boy Meets Girl or ‘Stars’ by Simply Red.
Sod it.I was adding both.
They were classics and I knew Jake would appreciate a bit of eighties and nineties music mixed in with the more recent tracks.
Last night was actually really romantic.I loved gazing at the stars with Jake beside me.So I wanted the playlist to reflect that.
Just as I was clicking the add to playlist button, a gorgeous scent hit my nostrils.My head snapped up and…
Oh.My.God.
It wasn’t just Jake standing in front of me.
It was the version of him that I’d been trying to avoid for days: Shirtless Jake.
As my eyes scanned him from his broad shoulders, down his muscular chest, continuing south to take in the sight of his six-pack, I swallowed hard.
His body was even more incredible than I’d imagined.
Apart from that BUTT-RRR ad, Jake hadn’t done many endorsements that I could remember, so there were no billboards of him advertising underwear.Which meant this was the first time I’d been treated to this delicious view.Thank God I was wearing my sunglasses so he couldn’t see me gawping.
‘H-hey,’ I stuttered, quickly lifting my gaze back up to his face.
‘Hey!’ He smiled and yep, there went that pesky stomach fluttering again.‘Thought I’d find you here.What you doing?’
‘Yesterday’s playlist.Speaking of which, we’ve been here six days now if you include when we arrived on Saturday, and I haven’t received a single playlist from you.Am I worth so little of your thoughts that you can’t be bothered to make the effort?’
It wouldn’t be the first time.
‘No!’ Jake said quickly, concern etched on his face.‘Sorry.It’s not about you.It’s a me thing.’
‘Care to elaborate?’
Jake was silent for several beats, then rubbed the back of his neck.
‘Do you have time for a walk?’ His shoulders sagged.
‘Yeah.Our activity isn’t until this evening, so I’ve got loads of time.’
