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“So I didn’t dream you saying that,” I whisper.

Nathan stares into my eyes. “Loving you doesn’t scare me. It’s losing you again that does.”

If Nathan hadn’t left the very next morning, there would’ve been time for me to say the words back to him. Maybe it’s better we didn’t both confess our feelings for each other before everything Nathan went through. It feels like a gift to get a second chance to do it all over again now.

He kisses me on the forehead. “I haven’t stopped loving you, Scarlett.” He sounds like he’s battled through the lies once again and found his way back to the truth. It sounds like he’s trying to hang on to it for dear life. “I won’t ever stop loving you.”

Then his lips are on mine again. This kiss tells me the truth. He really does mean it.

And now I finally get to say the words back to him. “I’ll love you for as long as I live,” I say slowly, savoring every syllable.

I have no costume, no makeup, no legend to live up to. It’s just me as Scarlett Payne and him as Nathan Lambros, playing the truest versions of ourselves.

It’s the most vulnerable and exposed I’ve ever felt.

And it feels right. To me, to my gut, and to my heart.

Encrypted Text Thread with Special Agent Josie Meyers

10:00 p.m.

Ron’s back at the hotel. Looks like the judges are doing a photoshoot before the next competition. Attaching more about Ron’s volunteering history.

10:15 p.m.

Target in elevator. Headed to the seventeenth floor.

10:17 p.m.

Target entered room 1708.

10:17 p.m.

Target’s Con-designated room is 1307. Looking into now.

10:21 p.m.

Target has a key for 1708. No forced entry.

10:21 p.m.

Room 1708 is booked under Robb C. Ginsy, who checked in a week ago.

10:21 p.m.

Will work on a warrant for all rooms Ron’s entering.

10:30 p.m.

Payne? Confirm receipt.

Chapter 34

SCARLETT

1 hour and 30 minutes until midnight

I’m so caught up with Nathan that I almost don’t hear my phone buzzing on the nightstand. Getting intimate in a tub is fun once, but only once. After that, there aren’t enough towels in the world to provide enough cushion. By now, we’ve made our way over to the bed. My phone buzzes again.