Do I want that? Can I afford that?
More importantly…do I care?
Because with him, the cameras, the whispers, the headlines—they all feel secondary. And that terrifies me more than any career move ever has.
I make my way over to the notebook Nate was working in yesterday and look at the doodles of doves. He’s artistic and should further develop his art.
I wish I could spend the day with him again, but I have to go to the studio to see Patrick and talk to him about my next film—the one I’m co-starring with Liam Hemsworth.
I’m a sucker for an Aussie accent.
I decide to send Nate another quick text to let him know I’m thinking of him, so I grab my cell and send him another picture of a clownfish. My lips turn up in a smile at my symbol for him, and as I go to put my cell in my bag, it rings.
Glancing at the number, it’s Nate. I’m a little shocked as I didn’t expect him to call. Swiping the screen, I answer with, “Hey!”
“Hey. I wasn’t sure if that was your code for asking me to call you or just a general hi, so I thought I’d better call… just in case.”
With a little giggle like a silly schoolgirl, I say, “Well, it was more of a “Hi,” but I’m glad you called. I can’t talk for long. I have to head into the studio. But do you wanna come over tomorrow for another tutoring session?”
“Yeah, sure, sounds good. Can I bring anything?”
“Nope, just yourself, and be prepared to learn!”
He chuckles, and the sound is like heaven to my ears. It shocks me slightly that I have even thought that, and as soon as it does, my skin litters with goose bumps.
“Sure. I seem to be able to absorb it a lot easier than I have with other people who’ve tried tutoring me in the past.”
“I’m glad I can help.”
“Thanks for being so cool about this.”
“What are friends for?”
I feel proud that I’m able to help him when it seems no one else can.
And maybe we are both learning something here.
Chapter Six
NATE
As I drive to Ria’s mansion, I’m nervous.
I know I’m going as her friend, and she obviously doesn’t want anything other than that, but I can’t help but wonder what kissing Ria would be like. Those plump lips, that tiny but curvy frame, holding firmly against me. I’m growing hard just thinking about it. I rearrange myself as I pull up to the security gate. Jersey looks at me and nods, pressing the button to open it. After one visit, I like that he seems to know me.
I park by the fountain, and Ria walks out wearing a short, tight as fuck dress. It does nothing to ease my aching cock as I rearrange it again before sliding out of the car and walking up to her. She beams and pulls me into a tight hug. I kiss her cheek, earning a little laugh, and she grabs my hand. Just like before, we head straight for the pool.
“It’s good to see you.”
“You too. You look great,” I say honestly.
“Oh… this old thing,” she says with a sarcastic laugh.
Shaking my head, I grin as she takes up her usual spot on the sun lounge, and I sit down on the one next to her. “So, what’s the plan for today?”
She smiles, throwing her hand in the air and clicking her fingers. I furrow my brows until I see a maid come rushing out.
“First things first… drinks. Marianna, sweetheart, can you please get Nate and me something to drink?”
