If I’d known how much it would hurt her, I would’ve fought harder to keep him off the show.
“What’s wrong, Roman?” Jazzy’s voice cut through my thoughts. “You’re pacing like a caged tiger. You should be thrilled—after last night, we’ll be back on top of the ratings. But we do have a situation with Gemma and Gia. They can’t stop vomiting.”
I kept my expression neutral, though I had a pretty good idea of what was going on. Even from across the field last night, I’d caught Cassie’s murderousI’ll hex you into oblivionglare. Honestly, I was more surprised Carter hadn’t gone down with them.
“Did Dr. Cartwright have a look at them?” I asked.
We always kept medical staff on hand.
“Yes, she’s got them both on IV fluids, but she’s worried they may need more advanced care.”
I suspected the only real cure was for them to leave. And honestly, we didn’t need them. There’d be plenty of drama with the exes who remained. My priority wasn’t them anyway. It was Demi.
Why hadn’t Cassie hexed Jonas? Had he threatened her—or Demi?
“Tell her to do whatever she thinks is best,” I said, waving it off. The truth was, I didn’t want them here. I didn’t want the show to slide into cheap and icky, as Demi would say. I wanted her to be proud of me. To see that I hadn’t sold out. That I hadn’t cheapened love for ratings.
“I’ll let her know. Are you sure you’re okay? Or are you just dreading interviewing Demi?” Jazzy scoffed. “Sometimes I wish I’d never cast her. She almost ruined the entire season. But after last night, I’m almost ready to forgive her.”
I narrowed my eyes at Jazzy, biting back the diatribe burning in my throat. How dare she say anything against Demi. The urge to defend her surged hot and fast, but I forced it down. The last thing I needed was the studio sniffing around, asking more questions about my feelings for her.
Feelings I couldn’t even name. They lived in that maddening space betweenI can’t stop thinking about herandshe drives me insane.
I decided to take a different approach. A more professional one.
“Do you ever stop and wonder if what we do actually helps people? Are we really in the business of love?”
Jazzy pressed the back of her hand to my forehead.
“Are you coming down with something too? Where’s this sudden philosophy kick coming from? We’re here to make the studio money. If people happen to find love along the way, great. Now, get Demi to open up about Jonas. The ratings will be through the roof. Finally, little Miss Everyone’s Friend did something interesting.”
My fists clenched at my sides. I bit back the words I wanted to hurl at her. How dare she reduce Demi to a storyline. Demi was trying to do the right thing—the thing I should have been doing. Helping people find love.
And more than that, I needed to helpherfind it. Even if it killed me.
“At least her heart’s in the right place.” I couldn’t help it—I had to defend her.
Jazzy looked down her nose at me.
“So is mine. I’m here to save this show—and apparently, you from yourself. I say this as your friend—be careful. Don’t throw your career away for her. For all we know, she played us to get on the show. I’m not buying her sudden one-eighty.”
I could see why she’d think that. From the outside, it probably did look like Demi had fooled us.
“I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine,” I lied.
I was anything but fine. Demi was turning out to be my kryptonite—and I was falling for her, hard, when I damn well knew I couldn’t have her.
Jazzy patted my arm. “I’m just worried about you. I’ve never seen you like this.”
That was because no one but Demi had ever affected me like this before. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to play it off.
“Back-to-back seasons has just been a lot.”
“Well, I think we are back on track. I don’t think Demi has any chance of making our new set of cast members all friends. Cassie looked like she might strangle Carter last night. That could be fun,” she chirped.
More and more, I questioned whether I was architecting love or ratings. And Jazzy seriously underestimated Demi. But I didn’t say a word.
“Well, good luck.” She waved and headed for the door. “I’m off to check in with the doctor about Gemma and Gia.”
