“I don’t know. It looks like you both like each other. He’s obviously obsessed with you.”
I think about what she says and wonder if that is true. I thought he felt that strongly about me once before, but the moment he was pressured, he caved and just did the simple thing. How would he react under pressure now? I have no idea what his career ambitions or even personal ambitions are. Does he even want to be in a relationship? Would he blow off anything we might have for his career?
“He was once before, and look how that turned out.”
“I don’t think you can hold the past against him. You’re both completely different people now. And you’ve both grown from that experience.” She grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. “If you feel a connection to him, you owe it to yourself to explore it.”
“I’m not sure it’s a connection. More like sexual attraction.” I try to laugh at the idea that it’s anything more than a little lust,but the look from Stella says she knows it’s more than that. From that look alone, I know I’m totally screwed.
“Alright, let’s go see some bad-ass women, then,” Stella says as we pull up to studio valet. She shifts us from the heavy topic, knowing I’m not ready to go any deeper, and I appreciate it.
I wanted to come today because it’s a roundtable interview with seven Oscar-winning women who, in some form, were the first in their category. Sophia is there because she’s the most recent winner. I know the questions and topics discussed will be a gold mine of insight. I can’t wait to hear from these women firsthand the struggles and obstacles they face in this industry, not just the edited soundbites that make it seem like we’re making progress.
I see Sophia laughing with the other women and head that way.
Stella whispers as we walk up. “What did I do in a past life to deserve to be around such gorgeous and powerful women?”
I’m not sure what I did in a past life to deserve her. These women would be lucky to know her. I lean in to hug Sophia and Stella holds her arms out for a hug, too.
“Hey,” Sophia says, “I wanted to see if we could talk about arrangements for Jake’s wedding before you leave today.”
That invite feels so random, yet I’m almost desperate for any excuse to see more of Wyatt. It felt like maybe he felt the same way when he tossed out the invitation to join him.
“I haven’t decided if I’m going yet,” I say.
“Why not?” Sophia asks.
“Why wouldn’t I go to a wedding of someone I’ve never met with a guy I haven’t seen since high school?”
“You’ve seen him a lot lately,” Stella interjects.
“You’re going,” Sophia says. “I’m not letting you talk your way out of it!”
Her smile suggests she can read every dirty thought I’m having about her brother and knows I won’t be able to resist the invite.
She’s not wrong.
“What if I promise to hire hair and makeup to help you both get ready for the event?” Stella offers.
I look over at Sophia and see her eyes pleading with me.
“Fine. I’ll talk to Wyatt.”
twenty-five
. . .
WYATT
This isthe first time I’ve gotten a good look at Blair’s house in the daylight. The white stucco and navy shutters and front door give the small bungalow a coastal feel. A covered porch sits on one side, featuring a wall of windowed doors that slide open for easy access to the outdoor living space. Two cozy chairs and a couch complete the look. It’s exactly something I would imagine her living in, and I wonder what the inside looks like.
Blair is already waiting outside on the porch steps for me. I check the time again to make sure I’m not late. As I park and exit the car, she walks down to meet me.
“You look stunning,” I say.
My eyes roam her body from top to bottom, taking in the light purple dress she’s wearing. It’s strapless, with a structured bodice showcasing her curves. The flowing skirt hits the ground but slits on both sides of the dress, so when she walks, I see layers of fabric tangled with her bare legs and strappy heels.
“Thank you.” She watches me appreciate every curve of her body. “You look nice.”
