“But agreeing to help so Dylan can land the support he needs for Wild 4 Kids—that’s awfully generous of you.” Colton nods in approval. “It’s an awesome charity. Thanks for doing that.”
I swallow. “Of course. I totally get the idea of art being therapeutic for kids.”
“Well, Sky’s waiting for me. I’ll see you later, Jasalie. Nice to see you.”
“Same here.”
Once he’s gone, a sweaty rush of discomfort washes over me. What if Dylan and I are both in way over our heads?
Chapter Thirteen
Lilla laughs as we take the elevator down to the lobby. “So you’re a star! I can’t believe you didn’t tell me and I had to see it for myself—you and Dylan on Hollywood Now!”
I blow out a breath as we step out of the elevator and walk into the bar. “Bill’s already texted me his congratulations. Which is just ridiculous. I don’t look like a star—I look stupid.”
“Bill said he thought you looked like a model, and I agree. You looked hot, especially when you took that cameraman down. And the way Dylan was looking at you”—Lilla gets closer and whispers in my ear—“I think he’s in love with you.”
I laugh and playfully tap her with the stack of pamphlets in my hand. “Far from it I’d say. Come on, let’s get started with these.”
I start tossing the pamphlets on any table I pass.
Lilla follows along next to me, picking up every pamphlet I put down. “You’re not supposed to put these on the dining tables. Bill said to designate one table in the corner just for brochures and pamphlets, and then the guests will come by and leaf through them. At least that’s his hope.”
“They’re not going to freaking leaf through a bunch of pamphlets on our company.” I swerve to avoid a few players entering the room and exhale in relief that Dylan’s not with them. “This is a huge waste of our time.”
“What’s going on with you?” Lilla asks me. “You’re awfully grumpy for someone who just spent an entire day with your dream man.”
“I’m not grumpy,” I protest. “And I told you how I screwed up the interview. It was humiliating. His agent was furious with me. I just hope Dylan doesn’t tell his entire team about it.”
“I’m sure he’d have no reason to,” Lilla reassures me. “I think this is about more than the interview, though.”
I increase my pace through the room.
“I think this is about that ridiculous pact you two made to keep this thing between you temporary.” Lilla hops alongside me as I march toward an untouched corner table. “You’re having regrets, aren’t you?”
I grab the pamphlets and brochures out of the binder and start putting them, in no order whatsoever, onto the table I’ve chosen. Lilla takes some out of my hands and helps me.
“Jase,” she says firmly. “Am I right? I am, aren’t I? You’ve fallen for him.”
I don’t answer her at first. I work to collect myself.
No, I practice saying in my head. I haven’t fallen for Dylan. Not at all. We haven’t even had a proper kiss, for God’s sake. How could I fall for someone without knowing if I like the way he kisses? It’s not possible.
“Lilla.” I turn to face her. “I can’t have second thoughts about the temporary nature of what we’re doing. While it may seem crazy to you, to me it has been a relief. It gives me great clarity about when this relationship will be ending. And believe me, Dylan is on the exact same page.”
“Well, according to your little plan, your affair or whatever it is ends day after tomorrow. That’s less than forty-eight hours away. You going to sleep with him between now and then and still not fall in love with him?”
I open my mouth to argue over all of her points, but then I shut it again without answering. I frown and turn back to the table.
“You may want to live in this world of delusion,” Lilla says to me. “But I’m not. I see the complete reality of this situation you’ve gotten yourself into, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the two of you decide to do about it. Should be interesting.”
Should be. Too bad I’m the star in this psychodrama. If I weren’t, I may actually enjoy the ending as well.
* * *
“Hey.”
I hear the greeting, but it’s so quiet I don’t quite register that someone’s there. I keep throwing down pamphlets.
