MilesfuckingDevon.
He was in my last movie. Played a gritty detective. Couldn’t remember his lines for shit, but had abs sculpted by Greek gods and a jawline that could cut drywall. A producer’s dream and my personal hell.
“Miles,” I said flatly. “Didn’t realize you were still in the Northwest.”
“Didn’t realize you had company,” he said, eyes already all over Juniper like she was a part of the catering. My heart was beating harder, hands curling into fists at my side as he eye-fucked her. “You didn’t tell me you had a sister, man.”
Juniper blinked. “I’m not his sister.”
Miles grinned, like she’d saidexactlywhat he wanted to hear. “Good. That would make this awkward.”
I opened my mouth, but Juniper beat me to it.
“I’m not interested.”
“Oh, come on,” Miles said, clearly not reading the room. “You’re way too hot to be stuck with this guy all night.” He gestured at me like I were a broken lawn chair.
Juniper leaned back slightly. “Actually, I’mthis guy’splus one. And if I look hot, it’s only because he picked out the swimsuit.” She laughed softly. “Heinsistedon this suit. I wanted to wear something plain.”
I choked on my drink. “Couldn’t have that.” I managed, trying not to swallow my tongue. “Not when you look likesin.” I felt my cheeks heat as she giggled.
Miles blinked. “Wait —you two?No way.”
“Way,” Juniper said, wrapping her arm around my bicep so suddenly I forgot how to breathe. “We’re tragically codependent. It’s a problem.”
I didn’t dare move. Or speak. I was still stuck on the feel of her fingers on my arm.
Miles made a face and turned away, muttering something about how he could “pull better in Vancouver.”
When he was gone, Juniper dropped her arm and turned back to the pool like it was nothing.
“Thanks,” I said, still reeling.
“Anytime,” she replied. “You looked like you were about to punch him.”
“I was.” I said too fast. Too quick.
“Which I’ll admit would’ve been hot. But probably not good for your press tour.”
I snorted. “Is that what you’re here for? Saving me from myself?”
“I’m here because you texted me like a sad puppy, and I didn’t have the heart to say no.”
“Ouch.”
“True though.”
Another beat. The music shifted to something low and thumpy. The party buzzed around us, but everything near Juniper always felt quieter. Calmer. Like there was no one else in the room.
Would’ve been hot.
Would’ve been hot.
Her flippant words settled in my stomach, burning warm. A shriek came from across the pool, followed by a splash and a wave of laughter, pulling me from my lusty spiral. Someone had just been shoved in fully clothed. Classic Hollywood fun: everyone pretending they weren’t waiting for the right moment to get wet.
Juniper raised an eyebrow. “You thinking about going in?”
I scoffed. “Absolutely not. I told you. Pale.”
