Page 14 of Love Off Script

“Did you say, ‘that’s what she said’ to eating anything?” She raised both brows in my direction.

I didn’t make a mental note of saying it out loud, but it sounded like me. “Probably.” I chuckled, and she shook her head. “Sorry.” I didn’t realize how bad my filter was, but it must be one of those things: if you don’t use it, you lose it.

“You don’t have to keep apologizing. I’m not a prude. I like it when you are just yourself. It makes it easier for me to talk to you openly.”

“Phew.” I faked wiping sweat off my brow. “That's a relief because I was struggling to keep myself in check.”

“Well, if that’s reining it in, I’d be curious to hear what you say without restraints.” There was one of those sarcastic comments she let slip, and I could feel the energy shift—she was loosening up.

“All right, tell me about this girl you have an eye on. I have to do some recon before I can offer useful advice. And even then, it’s questionable.” I laughed, but that was one hundred percent the truth. I pulled out my phone before continuing. “Do you care if I record this part for the show? I need to document our journey.”

She chewed on her lower lip. The lightheartedness was gone, and in came the uncomfortable storm. It was almost frustrating how much I could feel from her.

“I can just do audio if you’d like. But I have to give my producer something so he knows this is legit. After he found out about Sonya being the one who called this in, he came up with something unsavory for me to do instead.”

“I don’t want you to get in trouble with your boss.” She was genuinely concerned, but I didn’t want to guilt her into doing something.

From her reactions to things, it seemed like that could have been a common occurrence for her with other people in her life.

“It’s okay. We don’t have to do this if you're having cold feet.” Despite the potential consequences of a firewater fountain shooting out my ass, if she chose not to proceed, I wouldn’t continue for my benefit.

“No, I want to do this. And I need to be more like you.” She swallowed hard, and I had to correct her right there.

“That’s not true. You don’t need to change for anyone. And I promise you, I’m not a role model. I have more issues than a nun at an orgy.”

The corner of her lip hitched into a smirk. “That’s what I mean. You are direct and don’t hold back. That’s more of how I want to be. I’m not saying I want to be you, but I’m hopeful I can pick up a few things.”

“That’s something you have inside of you already. You are just more subtle about it. Why don’t you work on my menu, and I’ll see what Yoni has for me to eat.” I tried to hold back my snicker but failed.

“But what about the footage you need for the show?” Concern laced her voice.

“I’ll take care of that. It’s obvious you need to take this slow, and if the audience wants me to help you, they will have to be okay with me doing it right. Pushing you off the edge without a parachute isn’t an option.” I nodded, impressed with myself—maybe I was better at this mentor shit than I realized.

“Are you sure?” She was so meek, and I wanted her to put herself first.

“If I said no, what would you do?” I cocked a brow in her direction.

She shrugged. “I guess I’d buck up and try to overcome my stage fright.”

I stood and grabbed her by the shoulders. “No. You tell me to fuck off because you’re not ready yet.”

She stared up at me, and I realized I was practically smashing my tits in her face as I shook her.

“Now you should tell me to back up and stop making you motorboat me.” I released her shoulders and opened the door so I could breathe and give us both the space we needed.

She appeared scared, but apparently, I was wrong. “Technically, it was probably closer to a paddle boat.”

I wasn’t sure if she was mocking my breast size or saying I hadn’t shaken her fast enough to qualify for that speed rating, but I couldn’t keep myself from laughing. “See. You have a strong personality inside you. We need to get you to release it. How about I send you a list of questions, and you can text me the answers? This will prepare us both for our meeting tomorrow, and maybe we can move forward with a game plan.”

Her face brightened, and I could tell she was relaxing again. “Sounds good. And I will work on ideas for your meals, but even though it’s vegetarian, I’m not putting you on a pussy diet.” Her tone was so serious that it took me a second to realize how funny it was.

“You will get the girl in the end.” I walked out, chuckling to myself. It didn’t matter if she was never ready to do the show; I wanted to see this through.

She deserved happiness, and for whatever reason, I wanted to be part of that.

Chapter 8

Shiloh

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