Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Then she walked out.
I met Mila’s eyes. “Sorry.”
To my surprise, she laughed. “Wow. Judged and found lacking by the devil herself.”
I wanted to kiss her. Wrap my arms around her and hold her, but I held back.
Andi glanced at the script. “I read that book. Heavy stuff.”
“Yeah, not interested. MJ has other ideas. I have yet another fight on my hands.” I ran a hand through my hair.
“If you ever decide to stop fighting, call me. I have some names for you,” Andi offered.
“You won’t take me on?” I teased.
“I do authors, not actors. But I know some good, honest agents and managers who will work with you. Not against you.”
“I’m sort of locked in.”
She smirked. “I employ a lawyer who can find a loophole in the most ironclad of contracts. If you’re interested, let me know.” She glanced at Mila as she left. “I’ll meet you outside in twenty.”
“You really aren’t staying?” I asked.
“Maybe tomorrow. We have a bunch of things to work through,” she said sadly. “I want to see you work your magic.”
“Today isn’t exciting. We’ll start the real stuff tomorrow.” I stepped closer. “And I’ll show you magic anytime, pretty lady. Just like last night.”
“We have to talk first.”
“We will. But if I don’t kiss you in the next ten seconds, I am going to explode.”
She looked behind me and must have been satisfied with what she saw. She lunged, gripping my shoulders and rolling up on her toes. I caught her around the waist and kissed her, dipping my tongue inside her sweet mouth and tasting her. I groaned, holding her tight, knowing it had to be fast. I was breathing hard when I pulled away, smiling at her rosy cheeks and wet mouth.
“Now, I’ll go be Duncan.”
I left before I changed my mind, dragged her into the kitchen area, set her on the counter, and lost myself in her for a while.
It was hard to walk away from her, but she was right. We had to talk.
She deserved to know the man I was so she could decide if I was the man she wanted to be with.
Christ, I hoped so.
CHAPTER TWELVE
MILA
I spent the afternoon researching addiction. What happened in rehab. Why so often it failed. The struggle the person faced daily to make it work. It was intense. Sammy texted me in the afternoon, her words simple but heartfelt.
Sammy
Mila, I’m sorry. You’re right, I shouldn’t judge. I just worry about you because I love you.
You can’t stay mad at me. I’m your favorite big sister.
I stared at the screen, my thumb tracing over her words. It was rare I was ever on the outs with anyone in my family. Or anyone I cared about. Today, I had managed to upset two people I loved. Sammy and Andi. I sighed and replied.
Me
Not mad. I’m sorry I got upset. I care about him. I love you.
I have to live and make my own mistakes too, you know?
Her reply was swift.
Sammy
I know. I just don’t want to see you hurt.
I sent back a heart emoji, not sure how to reply.
Me
Talk soon.
I tossed my phone to the side, walking out onto the balcony. It was hot today, the breeze nonexistent. I lifted my face to the sun for a few moments, letting it warm my skin. I was restless and edgy. The pool was deserted, and I was certain the adults-only one would be empty this time of day. I thought about going down and doing some laps to help get rid of my energy, then dismissed the idea. I wasn’t in the mood.
I wasn’t sure what I was in the mood for. Even writing held no appeal.
Deciding a walk might be good, I gathered up my hat and glasses, heading to the door. Andi was on the other side and jumped a little as I pulled open the door.
“Hey, kiddo. Where you off to?”
“Just a walk. Feeling restless.” I stepped back. “Come in. I’ll go in a bit.”
She followed me in and sat at the table, glancing at my notes. “Research,” she mused. “I should have known you’d be looking into addiction.”
“I need to know what I’m fighting against.”
“Are you prepared to fight this?” she asked quietly. “Does Nicholas already mean that much to you that you want to take on this fight? It can be painful. In fact, it is painful.”
“Yes.”
“I was afraid you’d say that.” She sat back. “He’s been in rehab four times in three years. Erratic behavior is a standard for him on set. It’s a slippery slope, Mila.”
“I want to hear his side of the story. There’s more than we know, Andi. I’m convinced of it.”
“Not everyone who is broken can be fixed.” She met my gaze. “Not everyone wants to be fixed.”
My heart thudded hard in my chest. “I know.”
“I don’t want you hurt, kiddo.”