“Another one? You should wear a wedding band. I mean, it’s only a matter of time with your Scot, and this would shut down all these fix-ups.”
My phone buzzed and I had no idea who it was, but I took advantage of the moment and said, “Gotta go. This time, I’m getting close to firing you. Better look for a new job…”
She laughed. If there was one thing Genie knew, it was that she was indispensable.Must be nice…
My doorbell rang on Thursday night and I opened it up to Daniel and his suitcase.
Rourke didn’t waste a second, jumping all over Daniel in a way I wanted to. But it was considered unacceptable for me to beg that way. “Hi,” I breathed.
“Hi,” he said, ushering me inside before leaning in and giving me a kiss.
When we finally broke free, Daniel leaned down and put Rourke out of his misery, picking him up and fluffing the hair on top of his head.
“Hey, tough guy, haven’t you ever heard of ladies first?” Rourke stuck his tongue out. “I’m thinking he doesn’t care about chivalry,” Daniel said.
“Apparently not,” I agreed.
Noting Daniel’s black track pants and long-sleeved Lululemon shirt paired with sneakers, I decided he looked hot in leisure wear.
“Whatever has that look on your face, I hope to keep repeating it,” he said, setting Rourke down and gathering me close.
“Hungry?” That was how I responded.
“No. Thirsty, yes.”
“Come on,” I said, walking to the kitchen. “Leave your bag.”
When Daniel had told me he was coming back east, he’d mentioned,I’m going to skip the hotel and stay with you, okay?
Of course, I’d said, smiling to myself on my end of the phone.
Now, as I poured Daniel a water, I wondered how we got to this juncture—from college crush to romantic houseguest. But there was not much time to think on it as I asked, “Wine? Beer? Scotch?”
“Scotch,” Daniel said, grabbing his own tumbler. “I’m going to get the elephant in the room out of the way…”
“There’s an elephant?” One second, I was daydreaming over what might be next with this man, and then whoosh, there was a roadblock…
“Ryan is here…with an entourage. Which means there is a lot of paparazzi. And as you know, they’ve announced I’m starring in the film.”
So far, I didn’t see a problem, but I poured myself a wine while listening to Daniel.
“As soon as we set out to look at the club tomorrow, they will be following us, and so that means anything you and I do can be photographed.”
I felt myself nodding.
“What I’m saying is our relationship is about to be public unless we hide here. And even then, I can’t guarantee anything.”
“We are in a relationship?” Like an absolute novice, that was what I said, running my hand through my hair and pulling it back, feeling hot. In the moment, I wished I’d worn a tank top rather than the cashmere sweater I had on.
Daniel set down his drink now and took a step closer to me.
“This feels like déjà vu. How many times you’ve walked toward me, in this very room, Rourke on your heels…”
He stopped and looked at me. “Exactly. Like in a relationship.” He closed the gap and held me close, his breath tickling my cheek. “It’s unusual and not swipe-right kind of stuff, but we are in a relationship, Birdie. I don’t have a problem with thinking or saying it or letting anyone know it. My ex loved the notoriety that came with being associated with me, but I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable with the idea of it.”
I could only make out one word. “Uncomfortable?”
“With the paps. They will investigate you. Your background, what you do for a living, where you went to school. They will find out we previously knew one another, call this premeditated on your part, seeking me out after I made it big, and they’ll examine every facet of your life.”
