Page 36 of Trust Me

“Okay, let me get ready to film. It’ll be about twenty minutes,” she says, leaving the room.

As she walks away, all I can think is how much I’ve been enjoying today.

And how much I shouldn’t be.

Chapter 17

Jasmine

Back in my room, I pull out my notes app on my phone and filter through the list of ideas I have for content. I decide on cinnamon roll cookies, which are essentially sugar cookies made with cinnamon and topped with a cream cheese glaze.

I check my nails, ensuring my polish is perfect. Since viewers only see my hands in the videos, I like to make sure they look good. I take a few minutes to write down the steps on a sticky note, something I can follow and a list of the ingredients I will need.

While I do that, my mind can’t help replaying this afternoon so far.

I couldn’t tell Elio that the reason I don’t want to get to know him is that I already am trying my best not to like him and suppress the attraction I’ve felt since the day we met. Getting to know him on a personal level will do nothing to help my efforts.

I caved and played chess with him because he had a good point. Part of me was tired of pretending that I didn’t like him, and if he knew I was faking it, why bother anymore? I need to challenge myself by getting to know him while also controlling my feelings.

I can do that, right?

So far, he’s not at all the man I tried to convince myself he was over the years. He’s wickedly smart, attentive, funny, and easygoing. I’ve learned all of this from one day, so I’m partially afraid to see what’s to come while also being partially excited to uncover more of the man behind what the tabloids say.

Entering the kitchen with my things, I nearly drop them to the floor as I take in the space in front of me. There’s an expensive-looking camera propped up on a stand and some fancy lighting set up around the kitchen. There’s even a new set of pastel orange baking utensils and bowls on the island counter.

“What is all of this?” I gesture to the kitchen with one hand.

Elio shrugs nonchalantly. “It’s part of my end of the deal to help you with your business, no?”

“Yes, but I thought that was more internal business stuff, not buying new equipment and baking utensils.” I marvel at the pastel orange mixer, not missing that it’s one I’ve had my eyes on but could never afford.

“I’m going to need your social media passwords so that I can handle that stuff. For now, you need a new aesthetic if we’re going to rebrand your page. That starts with a new and brighter space for one. The new camera will help with video quality, and the lights will help with clarity.”

“What about the new baking tools?” I inquire, knowing this is exceeding what I can afford to pay him back.

“Also needed for your new branding. I got the hint that you liked the color orange, so I went and ordered this stuff last night. It arrived this morning, and I cleaned them and put everything away before you got up,” he explains casually, as if the simple gesture isn’t poking at my locked-up heart.

“Thank you. It’ll take me a while to pay you back, so maybe we could set up a payment system.”

“Absolutely not. You’re not paying me anything for this.” He scowls at me.

“But—” I try to protest, but he cuts me off.

“There’s nothing to argue here. So I’ll let you do your thing. Write your passwords down and I’ll work on some stuff while you film,” he instructs, passing me a sticky note and a pen.

I jot down the information for him, shyness creeping up my spine as I look back at him. “Could you, um, go in your room while I film? I don’t usually let anyone watch me. I like to be alone when I work.”

I know that’s my excuse for a lot of things, that I like to do it alone, but it’s all I’ve known.

I expect him to argue with me, but he doesn’t. “Sure, I’ll leave you to it.” He raps his knuckles on the granite top, giving me a curt smile before heading down the hallway to his room.

I turn around and take in the kitchen, my eyes landing on a new coffee machine I haven’t seen before. I was clearly half asleep this morning when I made breakfast because how did I not see it before?

Walking closer, I see that there’s a mug that says ‘book lover’ and a dispenser of maple syrup for my coffee. I let out a deep breath. I can’t believe him. He easily spent thousands of dollars on all of this equipment and was observant enough to learn my favorite color to ensure it fit my personality when rebranding my channel.

To top it off, he bought me a coffee machine along with my favorite syrup flavor. The gestures are making me feel things I’ve never felt before. It’s a fluttering in my stomach, warmth and excitement thrumming from my core to the rest of my body.

I send him a quick text before I begin.

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