Page 15 of Hot Ride

She's not pulling punches or playing into my bullshit rockstar persona. Scarlett sees right through the facade to the insecure mess underneath.

And you know what? I fucking love her for it.

I let out a low chuckle. “You don't hold back, do you?”

“Why should I?” Scarlett's gaze narrows. “You're surrounded by ass-kissers, huh?”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “And you've appointed yourself for the job?”

“Well, someone has to do it,” she says, a playful glint in her eye.

I shrug. “It gets old. Real fast.”

“Must be tough, being envied and adored by millions,” she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Our eyes lock for a heated moment before I break into a low chuckle. God, I've missed this—the sarcastic banter, the way she calls me out on my crap without apology.

I laugh, shaking my head. “Alright, you've got a point.”

There's something about Scarlett that centers me. Strips away all the artifice and bullshit that comes with my public persona.

When I'm around her, I don't have to try as hard. I can breathe.

The realization hits me like a freight train. I want—no, I need—to keep Scarlett close. To have someone in my inner circle who isn't afraid to keep it real, who treats me like a normal human being instead of putting me on some pedestal.

I feel a sudden, almost ridiculous impulse. “You know, with your no-nonsense attitude, you'd make a hell of a manager,” I say, only half-joking.

Scarlett snorts, rolling her eyes. “Please.”

Scarlett bursts out laughing, a sound so pure and real it sends a rush of warmth straight through me. “Me, managing you? That's a disaster waiting to happen.”

“Why not? You can keep me grounded. Call me out on my bullshit when needed. Hell, you've been doing it since we were kids.”

Her laughter fades into a soft smile, her eyes meeting mine. There's something vulnerable there, something honest. “You can't afford me.”

“I've got deep pockets. Name your price.”

I grin, enjoying the easy banter between us. It's been a long time since I've been able to just joke around with someone like this.

Scarlett shakes her head, amusement dancing in her eyes. “Not a chance. I've got enough on my plate without babysitting an overgrown man-child.”

“I’m very well-behaved,” I said, feigning hurt and placing a hand over my heart dramatically.

“And dramatic,” she teases, pushing a stray hair out of her face.

I chuckle. For the first time in a long while, I feel like myself again. And it's all because of Scarlett.

Damn, maybe having her close isn't such a bad idea after all. “I could use someone like you on my team. Someone who isn't afraid to tell me when I'm being an idiot.”

She doesn't respond right away. Instead, she studies me, searching for the truth in my eyes. “You're a complicated man.”

“Maybe,” I say, shrugging. “Think about it. You and me, taking on the world together. We'd be unstoppable.”

She laughs, shaking her head. “You're overestimating my abilities.”

“Nah, you're underestimating yourself,” I counter. “You've got a sharp mind and a take-no-prisoners attitude. That's a rare combination.”

Scarlett falls silent, considering my words. “I'll think about it.”

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