I laugh, poking my tongue out.
“Seriously though, what if you catch feelings or he does?”
“We won’t.” I nod confidently.
“Athena—”
“Look, I have been single for what, ten years? Even if I didcatch feelingsas you put it, I wouldn’t know what to do anyway. I would be so awkward that I would cringe him out and he would dump me quicker then he signed the contract.”
“You’re not awkward, you’ve just forgot what it is like.” She gently reminds me.
“I don’t think so.” I shake my head and move onto my back.
“Stop that.”
I roll my eyes.
“Anyway, how’s the research coming along?”
“Really good.” I smile at her. “I am learning so much. I mean, I was a little hesitant because I had no interest in writing this book. I just wanted to make Maria happy. She pushed it and I agreed. I still don’t have any urge to write the words down, but researching is going well.”
“You can’t force it. No matter what your agent wants you to write, if the words aren’t there then…” Her voice trails off.
“I know.” I sigh, just when I hear a knock at the door.
“Ooo who’s that, lover boy?” she sings, giggling.
“Bye,” I respond and cut her off.
Moving for the door, I open it and see Royce standing there.
“Busy?”
“I wanted to nap but I am assuming you being here means I am needed somewhere.”
“That’s right, baby, I need you dressed and ready to meet me in the lobby in thirty minutes.”
I shake my head. “You must know about these plans in advance, you can’t just spring it on me.”
“My bad, it’s on the schedule.” He bats his lashes.
“Really?” I scrunch my nose. “I didn’t see it.”
“Yeah, I added it twenty minutes ago.” He winces.
“Royce!” I slap the top of his arm and he chuckles loudly.
“It’s a last-minute sponsor thing; we’ve got to have dinner. Anaïs and my dad will be there, Cowan and some unfortunate soul he has dragged along…” He trails off and beams at me. “I need you there, kid.” He steps closer, wrapping his arm around my back as he pulls me towards him.
“I know,” I whisper, my eyes dancing with his.
“You’re a saint.” He lets me go and moves past me as he walks into my room.
“What are you doing?” I follow him as he pulls my wardrobe doors open and starts rooting through the rails.
“Trying to find you something to wear.” He turns his face to look at me, giving me a look.
“I feel offended.” I stamp my foot and cross my arms over my chest.
