“Hold up,” I say. “I know this is going to sound crazy, but I think I need a break from Hollywood.”
Pa cuts in, “Oh, sweetheart. You go on back to Hollywood. It’s where you belong. We’ll be right at home, cheering for you.”
“No, I really don’t want to.”
Ted’s face grows somber. “That would be ill-advised. You only get one shot in this industry.”
“I didn’t say I was going to disappear or anything, but I think it’s time that I evolve. I’ll still take movie roles, just less of them. Passion projects, if you will.” I look over at Prim, casting her a wink.
Ted looks at me, then around at the gathered crowd. “Well, I can’t say I blame you. Just don’t stay away too long.”
“Oh, trust me, you don’t have to worry about that.”
“You know, Ted,” Caleb says. “Her docuseries is dynamite, and her family is beloved. I think we should explore other opportunities.”
Ted’s nose twitches to the side. “You know, I think you’re right.”
Caleb looks to Irene. “I expect you to handle things here, close to Ali.”
“Alright, boss.” She turns to Jake. “So, cowboy, whaddaya say we get out of here?”
Jake tosses the keys to the van to Pa. “Don’t wait up!”
“Hey—hey!” Garrett shouts. “Are you really making a play for your best friend’s baby sister?”
“What of it?” Jake replies.
“Oh, nothing. I was just about to do the same.”
Garrett gives me a hopeful look. “Care to follow suit?” He extends his arm towards me.
I lick my lower lip and eagerly accept his invite. “Don’t wait up,” I shout over my shoulder as we hightail it to his Mustang.
?
Garrett
The door’s not even closed a full second before Ali’s leg is up and over my body, her mouth planted on one.
I allow myself the luxury of her beautiful lips for only a moment before I pull her back.
“There is a group of people, including your pa over there.” I point toward the field.
“Garrett, I guarantee you, every single one of them knows exactly what we’re doing—and they’re fine with it.”
“Well, I thought we were supposed to be having some type of serious conversation, but here you are trying to neck me. This ain’t a rom-com, Ali Kat.”
“This whole thing just makes me so horny.”
“That, I’d love to attend to. But we need to clear that air first.”
“Okay, what do you need to know so I can go back to dry humping you?”
I blink, trying to register her words.
God—I love this woman.
“So, is this us going back to our casual arrangement, or is there something here between us?”
