Method(70)

“Because of Maddie?”

He nods. He’s told me bits and pieces, but when he does, I sense he leaves a lot out.

“So, this is the part you tell me the rest of the perks, right?”

His expression turns grave. “If by perks you mean insanely lavish vacations on fifty-foot yachts, open doors everywhere we go, and big toys with big tags? Sure, that can be a part of it, but it’s not really what I’m into. I rarely enjoy my downtime. When I’m home, I’m picking through scripts in an attempt to create more tunnel vision. I’m ambitious, cheap, and moody at times, especially when the role is tough. I get lost in my head and often. But I will love you, Mila and I’ll show you just how much.”

“Sounds toxic. I’m not a babysitter.”

“For you, I’ll grow up.”

Lips still trembling, I sink into his gaze and I know I’m already screwed. For the moment, I love him just as much as I loathe him.

“I need to think about this.” It’s all I’ve got. I’m too afraid to hold the ink at the moment and sign on the dotted line. My life will change with Lucas, and drastically. Inside I already have, I’ve made the room, I’ve dreamed of a possible future. I want him, but he himself is warning me away.

He reads my indecision, and I see the hurt it draws. “If you really want to go, I’ll take you home.”

“No, stay,” I manage. “I’ll stay too.”

He looks surprised and equally defeated pressing his brows together. “Mila—”

I didn’t realize a tear had slipped out. He leans in and takes it away with his lips before closing his eyes with a sigh. “That fucking hurt worse than anything I’ve ever felt. I’m sorry.”

“But you can’t promise you won’t do it again?”

He slowly shakes his head.

“So, what you’re telling me is I’m in love with both Jekyll and Hyde?”

He gradually nods.

“Is that all? Any kids running around I don’t know about?”

“I think this is enough, don’t you?”

A voice sounds up from behind us.

“He tried to get me pregnant once, then again, he could have been aiming for the toilet.” Lucas turns with a grin and Blake comes into view. His short curly blond hair is swept up in a faux-hawk, and his solid black tux looks poured on him. He grins at me, his eyes trailing from mine down the length of my gown.

“Ah, Lucas, you weren’t lying, she’s a knockout.”

My cheeks heat slightly as Blake jabs him with his elbow. “Nice job in there, asshole, I think you just got yourself banned from the union.”

“Risk and reward,” Lucas says confidently.

Blake rolls his eyes still smiling at me. “This guy won’t do anything interesting on a school night, but give him a Hollywood party, and he goes all Evel Knievel.” He winks and extends his arm toward me. “Would the lady care to dance?”

“Absolutely—”

“Absolutely not,” Lucas snaps with a jealous edge that I feel to my toes.

“Does this mean we aren’t friends anymore?” Blake says in an exaggerated southern drawl. “If I thought you weren’t my friend anymore, Lucas, I just don’t think I could bear it.”

I’m giggling like a school girl, and Lucas exhales, tossing his head back. “Fine. Mind yourself, Iceman.”

“Understood,” Blake retorts with the same drawl, tilting his head and extending his arm further as he leans in. “Let’s go make him crazy jealous.”

“Let’s,” I take his arm and hear Lucas mumble, “fucker,” as we pass.

“I’ll have her back before the clock strikes midnight, pumpkin. Be sure to tip your waitress.”

Lucas sounds up behind us. “You’ve got five minutes.”

“Oh, me, oh, my, the boy is hopeless, good job, Cinderella.” He lets go of my hand briefly before taking two glasses of champagne off one of the passed trays.

“Bottoms up, darlin’. I could sure use a drink after what I just heard.”

Smiling, I tip my glass. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous.”

“Nope. I met my lady love, married her. Poor woman,” he says with a grin. “But I am quite shocked at the conversation I walked into.”

“You mean eavesdropped on,” I say as he takes our glasses away and discards them before leading me to the dance floor.

Once we’re dancing, he wastes no time.

“So, things are getting serious. I wonder what pet name the press is coming up with for you two right now. Something catchy, though I’m not sure what they can do with Lucas and Mila.” He cocks his head as if puzzled while guiding me through Sting’s “My One and Only Love”.

I stay mute.

“What? No comment, you can trust me. I know a little about a lot.”

He winks, and I can’t help myself, I sigh inside a little. Blake West is gorgeous, and I’ve been a fan of his for years.

“Things were getting too serious out there, thanks for the dance.”

“Not over yet,” he says, guiding us forward and back on perfectly timed feet.

“I’m glad we finally got to meet. I’ve heard a lot about you.”