Virtuous(39)

“Flynn…” I’m tempted. So very, very tempted.

“I told them I’m bringing a date.” His teeth close over my earlobe, and I feel it in every nerve ending. “You aren’t going to leave me high and dry, are you?”

I draw back from him so I can see his face. “You said you weren’t going to call me, and yet you still planned to take me to the Golden Globes?”

“What can I say? I’m a hopeful person. And then when I got your text yesterday and knew I would see you again, I hoped I could talk you into coming. I saw that text as a sign.”

“So even as you try to warn me off you, you’re scheming to get me to LA.”

“Yes, I’m guilty as charged. I figure if you have all the facts, you can make an informed decision.”

“And I have all the facts now?”

“Except for one.”

“What’s that?”

“I’m sorry I didn’t call you after our very special evening on Saturday. I’m sorry I let someone else’s opinion sway me when the only thing that should’ve mattered is what I know to be true—you’re special, and I want a chance with you.”





Chapter 8





I hold my breath while I wait for her to answer me. I wouldn’t blame her for saying no after what I’ve told her about my life and what to expect if she spends time with me.

“Tell me the truth,” she says.

“Always.” I ignore the alarm bells from my brain, reminding me of the secrets I am keeping from her.

“The thing with the media… How bad will it be?”

“It could get pretty bad. They’ll dig for dirt, and if they don’t find any, they’ll make it up. You’re apt to have problems with your job if they decide the attention is too much of a distraction. You’ll be defending yourself against accusations that aren’t even true.”

“All that from one night out with you?”

“All that and maybe more.” I wish I didn’t have to make her aware of these things, but I have to be fair. They’re the realities I live with every day. Celebrity is a dicey business in the age of the twenty-four-hour news cycle. It’s my life. I’m used to it, but I won’t expose her without making her aware of the potential fallout.

“You make it sound like I’d be crazy to go with you.”

“You would be, but I still hope you’ll come anyway.”

“There are things… about me… that I don’t talk about. Ever. To anyone.”

“Are these things that would come out if the press were to dig into your life?”

She shakes her head. “I was someone else then. I’m not that person anymore.”

I want to ask her to explain. I want to be the one she tells, but I’d never ask her for more than she’s willing to give. I’ve already figured out that pushing her outside her comfort zone is the fastest way to push her away.

“Then other than the potential for a huge distraction and massive hubbub that I’ll do everything in my power to protect you from, it’ll be like any other date.”

She tosses her head back and laughs, and I fall in love with the sound of her laughter. It’s lusty and genuine and gorgeous, just like her. I want to make her laugh every day just so I can enjoy the delightful sound. “Like any other date, huh?”

“Like any other date that includes designer attire, a few camera flashes, a couple of celebrities here and there, lots of parties.” He shrugs. “No biggie.”

“Just another night in Tinseltown for you.”

“It won’t be like any other night if you’re with me.”

“You’re good. I’ve got to give you that.”

“Is that a ‘Yes, Flynn, I’d love to go to LA with you and be your date to the Golden Globes’?”

“That’s a yes, Flynn, I’d really like to go to LA, but—”

I groan loudly and throw myself back against the sofa. I’m being silly and dramatic. “I hate the word but. I’ve never hated a word more than I hate that one.”

“But,” she says, smiling, “I want to make sure I can get the time off before I commit.”

“Ugh, you’re killing me. When will you know?”

“I’ll ask tomorrow.”

“How will I survive until then?”