She harrumphs. “I swear that man would do anything if it means I’m out of your life. To him, I’m a liability who—”
“Don’t,” I cut her off. “Don’t call yourself that. If anybody is a liability, it’s me. That’s not what this is.”
I know what she’ll say.He doesn’t know that, though.And he doesn’t. Nobody knows the truth regarding our situation. Just because he’s on my payroll doesn’t mean he’s privy to it either. Although he likes to disagree.
Which is why he’s always up my ass about why Emaly and I are married when we live separately. He used to ask a lot more questions in the beginning before he realized I wasn’t going to give him any answers. That’s part of the reason he’s acted sour toward her. I’ve made sure to correct that behavior whenever they’re around one another because I’ll be damned if anyone disrespects her in my presence. It’s bad enough Em’s own parents do it, I’m not going to let someone I pay partake.
“Ashton doesn’t know that, though,” Emaly responds, making me internally snicker at the commentary I knew was coming. “And since you refuse to inform him why we’re married—”
“He doesn’t need to know.”
She deadpans, “Little Bear, he is supposed to help you grow your career. And because of me, you’ve had backlash that’s made it harder to get brand deals. I understand why he doesn’t like me. But maybe if he understood the situation better, it would help you.”
I knew she was going to bring this up. “Em, it doesn’t matter.”
Her frown deepens, wrinkling the corners of her mouth. “It does tome. I hate seeing people tear you apart.”
“Then stop reading those stupid tabloids,” I tell her for the umpteenth time. “They’re not going to get any better. People like them are paid to report the worst about others. Nobody wants to read about how ridiculously in love a couple is. They’re going to click on the article that highlights every reason people are toxic.”
Her shoulders drop. “That’s so sad.”
“It’s the truth.” It’s also a conversation I’m sick of having, but I’ll keep having it until she gets it. “You and I are both fine. We’re happy. My money isn’t in jeopardy because I’m lacking new sponsorships. I’m smart with my investments, Em. I’ve got my salary. Most of my signing bonus is still in savings. You arenotto blame for my deals drying up. You didn’t make me shove my dick into other women.”
She pins me with a sad expression. “I fell in love with somebody, Thomas Xavier. I’m to blame for a lot of things.”
The admission isn’t one spoken often. Not because it’s a secret—there are few things we keep from each other. Her falling in love is not one of them. We’ve always had that close bond where we’ve been open about our lives. And seeing her find her person… Shit. It’s one of the best things I’ve gotten to witness.
Unfortunately for her, that love is the one thing that’s off-limits for others to know.
“He doesn’t need to know,” I repeat.
End of discussion.
The doorbell rings, making her sigh. “I love you too, Little Bear. You know that, right? I can love both you and Ronnie equally.”
I’ve never questioned it, although the love she has for me is far different. “I know that. You show me how much you love me all the time. Why else do you think I married you?”
Her next hug is brief. “I’ll go upstairs and leave you and Ashton to talk. Dinner is at seven. We’re supposed to meet my parents in the city.”
As she heads for the stairs, I call out, “Looking forward to it,” as sarcastically as possible.
When I get to the door, my agent is impatiently waiting on the other side. “About time,” he grumbles, shouldering his way in.
It’s a damn good thing I like him eighty percent of the time, or that would piss me off. “Please, come in,” I muse dryly.
He heads to the kitchen with his satchel containing the same shit as it always does. His laptop, a notebook, and an ungodly amount of paperwork. “We’ve got business to discuss, especially before your next little PR stunt.”
Ashton begins setting up at the kitchen island, so I make myself comfortable on one of the stools and grab an apple to snack on.
He glares at me when I bite into it, not caring how loud I am. I’m not saying I enjoy ticking the guy off, but it’s certainly a pastime that entertains me while he’s here.
“You’ve got your serious face on,” I say with my mouth full.
Ashton mumbles something under his breath as he turns his laptop screen toward me. “Your photos from Our Open Table event got good traction, and a few big outlets have picked it up. But the PR team and I have had to do a lot of work to change the narrative and do damage control.”
“I thought we were all on the same page. Me going to theseisdamage control,” I point out.
He levels me with a look. “The whole idea of you doing these things is to create positive press, not the kind that calls you on your bullshit.”
