Page 54 of Faking It

Lisa nods, all smiles now. “It’s fine. I understand. If only there were something else that I could do.”

“By any chance, are you aware of another hotel that might have an available room? I realize it’s a busy weekend…”

“I can give you the answer to that question, Gideon,” Jared interrupts. “It’s a no. I already told you, they’re all full.”

“He’s right,” Lisa joins in. “Consider yourselves lucky for even getting this one.”

Gideon nods in understanding, flashing a charming smile that makes Lisa tuck her hair back while returning a charismatic smile of her own. “Thank you for your help, anyway.”

“No problem.” She quickly reaches across the counter for a notepad and slides it over to him, along with a pen. “Do you mind giving me your autograph?”

As he nods and takes the pen, I turn to Jared, whispering, “What are we going to do? There’s no way we can all fit in one room.”

“Yeah, especially when there’s only a queen-sized bed, and heaven knows I’m not sleeping on the goddamn floor.” Jared pulls out his cell phone. “I’m going to bunk with someone from the camera crew.”

“Carey?” I pry with a sneaky smile, nudging him. I’d noticed him flirting on set with the assistant camera operator, a striking blond guy.

“No. Paul,” he replies casually, referring to the digital technician.

“Are you serious?” I whisper in surprise. “Jared, they work for the same team!”

“And?” he asks with a quirked brow as Gideon comes to join us.

“It’s messy,” I point out.

“And it’s none of your business,missy,” Jared snaps. “Besides, there’s nothing wrong with playing the field. Every other man does it, so why shouldn’t I?”

His disturbed expression, along with the concern on Gideon’s face as he stares at him, tells me there’s something going on here. None of my business, so I back off. I have bigger issues, anyway, like surviving the night in a room with Gideon.

With raging hormones.

That kiss is still living rent-free in my head. My body is still on fire. Knowing that at some point he’ll be naked in that shower isn’t going over well in my head. In fact, my thoughts are already conjuring images of him doing things to me that would make a hooker blush. That’s not good. Being near him when I’m emotionally unstable is a terrible thing.

I can’t take Jared’s place, though. The entire crew would find it suspicious that Gideon and I aren’t sharing a room.

Zoning back into their conversation, I hear Gideon mutter, “Sleeping around won’t help with getting over what he’s done, Jared.”

Jared shrugs. “Maybe not, but it makes me feel good, at least. YOLO, isn’t that what you always say?”

“Yeah, I learned the hard way that it’s not a blanket phrase.” He pats Jared’s shoulder. “Not everything that feels good will be good for you.”

“Heard.” Jared doesn’t look convinced, though. A broken heart can destroy one’s sense of reasoning. I suspect that’s what’s happening to him right now.

His face suddenly clears with a cheerful smile. “I’m heading over to Paul’s right now, so I’ll see you cuddle buddies tomorrow, m’kay? Don’t do what I wouldn’t do,” he smirks. “Which leaves the door wide open. You’re welcome!”

I watch him go with a chuckle, which fades when my gaze shifts to Gideon’s speculating stare. “What?” I ask.

A soft gleam fills his eyes, and he shakes his head. “Nothing.” He sweeps his hand toward the elevator. “I got our room key. Let’s go.”

With his palm against my back, gently nudging me along, and his free hand carrying our luggage, we walk to the lift amid stares and occasional greetings from fans, which I respond to with smiles, along with a side of head-nodding and gentle waving. It’s still surreal that I’m being recognized everywhere I go, all within this short time. Agreeing to this fake relationship is probably the best decision I’ve ever made.

Until we get to our room.

Then it really sinks in.

One bed.

A long night.

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