Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 91065 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91065 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
“No. I didn’t know that.”
Never mind the earlier implication he made about being labeled a womanizer. But that was only gossip created for attention, right? Unless I understood him wrong.
“It’s not a big deal to never have a steady relationship, is it? You haven’t had one in a long time, and it’s been the same for me.” He pauses. “If you don’t count the occasional actress or whatever.”
The occasional actress or whatever . . .
At least he didn’t say “the occasional supermodel.”
“I thought you were going to say you haven’t had the best reputation because you get into fights or do drugs.” I muster a laugh, but when I catch my reflection in my bathroom mirror, that laugh doesn’t even come close to reaching my eyes.
He holds his hands up. “Ha ha—it’s nothing like that.”
“Say more, please,” I encourage him from the doorway of my bathroom, stuck in my spot.
“My agent, Trent, suggested that if we were seen together”—he points between the two of us, his finger going back and forth—“it could generate some buzz. You know, the whole ‘celebrity romance’ thing.”
Dex uses air quotes when he says the words celebrity romance and confuses me further.
“I’m not a celebrity.”
“I know that, babe.” He smiles sweetly. “But I am.”
I stare at him, trying to school my expression so it’s not one of complete horror and shock as I process the absurdity of what I’m hearing.
“Are you saying Trent wanted you to pretend date me for publicity?”
Dex shakes his head quickly. “Not pretend. Actually date. And I did.”
“Dex,” I say slowly, trying to keep my voice steady. “Are you telling me that you’re only dating me because your agent thinks it will help your career?”
“I mean—he might have suggested it, but after giving it some thought, I really did want to work things out.”
My mouth falls open. “Are you out of your fucking mind?”
This is the perfect occasion for cursing, don’t you think?
Dex, for his part, barely flinches at my harsh tone or my harsh words.
“I’m just telling you what he said! Don’t shoot the messenger.”
Oh. I want to do so much more than shoot him right now—is he fucking kidding me? I narrow my eyes in his direction, steam practically pouring out my ears and nose.
“You know I am looking for a long-term relationship,” I say. “Someone who wants to have a family, who wants to spend time not only with me but with my daughter. I have a kid, Dex—this isn’t a joke to me.”
I feel my nostrils flaring in the most unflattering way.
His hands smack his knees, and he blows out a puff of air. “I can’t help it if this is my reality.”
Yes. Yes he can.
“Are you listening to yourself?” I practically shout. “Relationships are supposed to be about feelings—not strategic career moves.” I pause only for a second. “The one and only reason you met my daughter the first time is because it was an accident. I never in a million years would have allowed her to meet you this soon.” Ever.
Dickhead.
Dex stares, looking perplexed. “Why? I’m a decent dude.”
“Decent dude?!” My voice has risen a billion octaves. “Oh my God, you’re fake dating to make yourself look good! They write romance novels about this, it’s not real!”
And yet.
It is.
It’s happening and it’s happening to me.
It cannot be normal to be sitting around, thinking about your personal life as a potential career move, but this is why he’s him and I’m me and it was never going to work.
My heart races, anger and disbelief forming a boiling rage in my chest. I cannot freaking believe I let myself get caught up in this charade! Dex’s eyes soften, but I refuse to be swayed by this asshole who pulled the wool over my damn eyes. I’m too furious to be drawn in by his good looks and unrelenting charm.
“This was supposed to be different.” My voice is cracking. “I thought you were different. I thought you gave a shit. Yes, you’re a big kid, but I’m the idiot who thought our differences would be a good thing.”
Dex moves from the bed so he’s standing, hands immediately reaching for me. “I never meant for it to get this complicated—I didn’t think this would be a big deal. I really do care about you, Margot. I care about Wyatt.”
“Oh my God, stop talking,” I snap, shaking my head. “You care? Ha! You’ve allowed your agent to manipulate you for your own gain, and the only thing he cares about is making money off you.”
How can he be this naive?
I turn on my heel, storming out of the room, my mind racing with the implications of what just happened. How could I have been so blind? So stupid. The realization hits me like a ton of bricks: I need to protect my daughter from this mess.