Page 62 of Weddings, Revenge & Fake Dating

“These photos have consequences. Your career is about to explode, but only because every horny person on this earth thinks they have a shot with you. Even my grandma wants a date.”

“Whatever happened to me having talent and luck? And tell Francine I miss her.” I wink and take a swig of water.

“The only luck you’ll have is if I don’t murder you tonight.”

The stagehand returns with a robe. I thank them and slip into it.

“We had a plan, Nathan, and it’s finally working,” Natasha says.

I glance up from tying the belt. “You heard back from the network?”

“Jerry called this afternoon and said it’s between you and a few other guys. One’s a food porn influencer on social media. The other is that professional escort who’s part of that crazy scandal. The others don’t even matter. The point is, you’re this close to becoming the next Bachelor King.” She squeezes her fingers together. “You can’t be attached to anyone the moment they pick you.”

“It’s not a done deal yet.”

This is the real reason she hunted me down. Natasha has been trying to get me on this show for the last three seasons, and if what she says is true, this is the closest we’ve ever come.

“My money’s on you.” She steps too close, then runs her palm down the length of my arm and across my chest. “It always has been.”

“Nat.” I snatch her wrist and lift her hand off my body. The only person I want touching me is Jeanie. I don’t expect or even comprehend the feeling, but it’s so strong, I can’t ignore it.

If this were a week ago, Natasha and I would have been up against the nearest wall fucking. With her, it’s only about sex. Hell, for me that’s all it’s ever been with anyone, except for one person, and I haven’t figured out why yet.

“Oh, I see.” She smiles and crosses her arms again.

“This one’s different,” I say.

“Fine. You can play house a little longer, but when this offer lands, you’ll have to cut ties. It’s the only way to finalize this deal.”

Natasha disappears as fast as she appeared. But now, I’m staring into space with a serious problem.

My time with Jeanie might be more limited than expected, which makes getting back to her tonight even more dire. I take out my phone and dial my assistant.

“Cadie, find Edwin. I need a private jet from Tampa to Miami ASAP.”

27/

nathan

No-Pants Dance-Off

Jeanie spins, spots me, screams, and cheerleader-kicks her phone from the mattress.

It launches across the room, hits the wall, and tumbles to the floor. The rap music dies in a drawn-out whine. Swiping the nearest pillow, she shields the fact that she’s no-pants partying while wearing a bikini top that barely covers her nipples.

“Too late!” I say. I’ve already seen everything, from the naked booty dance, where she mesmerized me with her jiggling back end, to the drool-dripping kiss with Mini-Wolf.

Her mouth hangs open in shock as a million reactions cross her stunned face. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, unsuccessfully trying to act normal.

“H-hey, boyfriend. What are you doing here? While I’m doing private things? I thought you were, uh, working,” she stammers.

“Thought I’d surprise you.” Since I left Tampa, I’ve been on edge, eager to feel her against me again. Hell, I’ve been on edge since we met.

“Surprisiest surprise ever!” She glances around as if searching for an escape.

Her attention settles on the open slider to the terrace. A glimmer of hope brightens her eyes but it quickly fades. She must have remembered she’s staying on the top floor.

“If I knew I’d be greeted with a lap dance, I would have been back sooner.” I clap for her performance. It was hotter than the center of the sun, and I’ve never been so goddamn turned on.