Virtuous(65)

“I didn’t mean it that way.” I hate that I’ve upset him.

“You wouldn’t care if I went off and f*cked someone else because you’re not ready to put out? Is that what you’re saying?”

His crude language is shocking to me, but not as much as the flash of jealousy that roars through me at the thought of him having sex with another woman. Clearly, I didn’t think this suggestion all the way through.

His face relaxes into a smile that’s full of male satisfaction. “Thought so.”

“Did you say that to make me jealous?”

He returns to the sofa, bracketing me with his arms on either side of my body. “No, silly girl, I said that to show you how ridiculous you’re being. I want you. Only you. When I said I’d wait, I didn’t mean until a more convenient vagina comes along, tempting me to stray.”

“That’s gross!” I sputter with laughter even though I find him outrageous. “I can’t believe you just said that. Although I’m sure you’ve met many a convenient vagina in your time.”

“Vaginas are rather readily available for big movie stars like me.”

I love that he laughs so easily at himself and his lifestyle. I love that he cares enough to make me jealous. “You were right.”

“About?”

“I was jealous at the thought of you with someone else.”

“Good. You should be. I’m all yours.” He pauses and takes a deep breath. “And because you’re all mine and I want to protect you, we need to talk again about Sunday. While you were asleep, Hayden called, and when we talked about the Globes, he asked if I’ve arranged security and properly prepared you for what’ll happen afterward.”

“You arranged security? For me?”

“Hell yes, I did. The media will be relentless when they put two and two together with you and me. Since I can’t be with you every minute of every day, I’m not going to risk you being hurt or overrun by them.”

I swallow hard at the thought of being pursued.

“And,” he says haltingly, “because of what you told me earlier and the possibility of that making headlines, I’m wondering if we should change our plans for Sunday.”

“There’s no chance of that making headlines. It’s buried so deep, they’ll never find it.”

“If there’s something there to be found, babe, they’ll find it.”

“No, they won’t.”

“You’re sure?”

“Positive. But I’ll understand if you don’t want to go to the trouble and expense of security. I can watch it on TV and cheer you on that way.”

“I couldn’t care less about the cost of security—or the trouble. I want you with me, but I’d never do anything to cause you further pain. You’ve already had enough.”

“I won’t lie to you. The thought of being pursued by reporters is unnerving to me, but I’d really like to go with you. If that’s all right.”

“It’s more than all right. We’ll have a fantastic time.”

I smile up at him, and he bends to kiss me. He roots around under the blanket until he finds my bra and sweater. “How about some dinner?”

“That sounds good.”

Without making a fuss of it, he helps me into my clothes. I don’t miss the flash of desire that overtakes him at the sight of my bare breasts. Knowing he wants me so badly is a powerful thrill.

Once I’m decent, he rings for Jacob, and we enjoy a delicious meal of tender filet mignon and cheesy scalloped potatoes.

“These potatoes are my new favorite food ever,” I tell him.

“They are pretty damned good.” He refills our wineglasses.

Between the rich red wine, the delicious food, the sexy man keeping me company and the restorative nap, I’m feeling more relaxed than I have in years—a thought I share freely with him when my inclination is to keep most thoughts to myself.

“I’m so glad to hear that. I want you to relax and enjoy everything this weekend. You so deserve to be pampered.”

“I don’t know if I deserve it, but I won’t say no to it.”

“We’re going to have a lot of fun. I promise you that.”

The approach into LAX is bumpy due to wind, and I cling to Flynn’s hand. When the wheels finally touch down on the runway, I can finally breathe normally again.