“Right in front of the beach.” He wiggles his brows, knowing the ocean is the way to my heart. It’s the only thing I’ve missed since being here.
“And you’re sure I can afford it?” I ask, double-checking, because I just need to hear him tell me again. There are way too many zeros at the end of the price attached. Just seeing the number forces beads of sweat down my forehead.
Talk about the pressure to succeed.
“Twelve times over. With the money you’re getting fromthismovie, you’d be able to afford it without ever working again. Add the rest into the mix, and you’d be able to own every single penthouse in the city.”
“Right.” I nod. “But don’t you get lonely in your big apartment all by yourself?” I watch him closely for any sign of weakness, but he only gives me his signature, Tate-like grin—one I’ve seen too many times to count.
“Lonely? Bro, once these movies start pouring out of you, you’re going to have enough women to last until the end time.” He laughs, taking his phone, and going back to checking hisemails. “Our flight leaves in three hours. Pack an overnight bag. I’ll have Marv arrange a driver to take us to the airport.” He rises from the couch without saying anything else.
“Wait, doesn’t our interview with Mara air tonight?” I say, and he stops in his tracks to face me.
He nods. “It does. But I can guarantee you don’t want to be here when it explodes. Especially if you and that girl are still pretending to be together.” He turns on his heels again, closing his bedroom door behind him.
That girlhas a name.
I pull my phone out of my pocket, feeling an overwhelming need to pre-warn Jenna about what’s to come, and that I won’t be here in Grangewood if she needs me.
Me:Hey, just a heads up…
Me:Tate has arranged for us to look at some property in California in the morning, so he and I are flying out tonight. Do you need me to stay?
Snow:I’m fine, Cole. Do what you need to do.
Me:Also, that interview with Mara goes live tonight. It’s very typical Mara, if you know what I mean. Promise me you won’t read too much into it.
Snow:Did you sleep with her in NYC?
Snow:Not that I would care if you did, but I would just rather hear about it from you.
Me:No. I didn’t. I haven’t slept with anyone else since the night of the F&T awards.
Me:Promise me, Snow.
I watch as the three little gray dots appear and disappear countless times, and I wait impatiently for her to text me back. When I see her four little words, I let out a sigh of relief.
Snow:I promise. We’re all good.
If we’re all good, then why are my legs moving of their own volition toward the elevator, and why is my finger frantically hitting the down button?
If we’re all good, then why does my stomach churn with the certainty that by the time I get back from California, she and I will go back to being complete strangers?
I cannot go back to her pretending like I don’t exist.
I won’t.
I pound my fist on her door after checking to make sure it’s locked, waiting with my hands in fists by my sides until she opens the door.
“Cole, what are you doing here?” she asks, her pink lips looking extra pouty as she says my name like I make her nervous.
I like that I make her nervous.
“I just had to make sure we’re all good.” I gently push past her into the apartment I’ve grown to know well.
“Sure, make yourself at home,” she says sarcastically. “I told you, we’re all good. Nothing to worry about. Water?” she rambles, resorting to filling her glass from the tap so her hands are occupied, and I round the bench to follow her.
“I didn’t believe you.” I spin her to face me, loop my arms around her waist, grip her ass cheeks firmly, and lift her onto the marble countertop, capturing her mouth with mine. She moans quietly, the sound igniting the heat inside me effortlessly.
