Page 56 of Faking It

Tori pulls a red dress off the hanger. “Remind me of the cons, please. “You’re fake-dating a hunk of a man, which could catapult your career if this movie does well. I’m not seeing the issue here.”

I attempt to run my fingers through my hair, then remember I styled it in an updo, an attempt to keep off the summer heat. On the outside, it might seem like a dream come true to Gideon’s scores of female fans. For me, I’m walking on pins and needles, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Which it will if I let Gideon in. There’s a fine line between real and fake, and with me developing feelings for him, I’m scared I’ll cross it.

That night we spent in the hotel last week was a clear sign of how thin the line was. Gideon opted to spread a throw blanket on the carpet and make his bed, but that wasn’t enough of a distance. He was still too close, too tempting. I tossed and turned all night, desperate for morning to come, envying a fucking throw blanket, for goodness sake. It didn’t help that he was doing the same thing. From my bed, I heard the soft rustles as he occasionally turned to each side. Fuck if that didn’t drive me crazy, knowing he wanted me as much.

I’m puzzled that he made no move. A part of me expected him to. The battle between disappointment and relief left me confused. Did I want Gideon to ravage me or leave me alone?

“Are you going to answer me, or are you going to be huddling in a corner by your lonesome all night?”

“I’m kinda concerned, Tori. Going along with this ruse might eventually do as much harm as good.”

“How so?”

“That line between real and fake has gotten blurred.” I huff, deciding to let her in on the secret I’ve been keeping all week. “Gideon and I kissed.”

Tori’s freezes with the dress pulled halfway over her head. “Wha—”

“It happened on set, during a scene. Only it was real for me. It may have been for him, too, but I’m not sure.” I palm my hot cheeks, staring at her in despair. “It was amazing, Tori.”

“Yaay, you!” Tori claps, then her jubilation simmers. “I don’t see why you’re looking so concerned, though. Are you worried that things will be awkward between you two, or that he might not be attracted to you?”

“I’m not worried about any of that.”

“Good, because you’d be wasting your time. I saw that photo ANON posted of you guys hugging at the party. Fake relationship or not, that man is feeling you.”

Violent flutters fill my stomach at her confident-sounding words. Yet, I fan them away. “It doesn’t matter. Gideon and I can’t be a thing.”

“This is the point where you defend that strange remark.”

“Gideon’s a player, Tori. He’s with a different woman every week. Why would I want to get involved with a guy like him?”

“Are you thinking of marriage?” she asks.

“Not right now, but eventually,” I reply.

She points at me. “Exactly. You’re not looking to settle down right now, either. Have fun, great sex, enjoy being with a superstar for once,” she advises, pulling the dress over her hips.

I scoff. “I want to be my own superstar. Besides, how do you know the sex will be any good?” A rhetorical question, considering I already know the answer.

“You can always tell how good a man will be in bed by the way he kisses,” she says with confidence. “At least, that’s what I’ve experienced.”

“Well, good for you, but I’m not screwing Gideon. Once the movie releases, there will be no need to see him again.”

My stomach drops at the thought, but I brush the stupid feeling aside. The endgame is to wrap this movie, do all the promotions, then put a safe distance between Gideon and me after the movie gets released. Out of sight, out of mind. Whatever attraction I feel will fade away. I won’t need to fear him getting too close. My secret will remain safe.

For now, I’m going to keep a level head, focus on performing the hell out of that role and get my career going. Showing up to this star-studded party with a pleasant smile is part of my strategy to get there.

“Let’s see whatreallyhappens when the movie ends,” Tori whispers conspiratorially, slinging the purse strap over her shoulder.

“Wait a minute.” It’s just sinking in that she’s all dressed up. “Do you have a hot date or something?”

Tori’s brows lift with an extravagant shock; then she chuckles softly. “What do you mean? I’m going to the party with you.”

Oh, boy. I slap my forehead when I realize the mistake I’d made. “Babe, I wanted you to drop me off, not attend the party with me. I’m sorry. I should’ve made that clear. This party is for invited guests only.”

There’s a long, awkward pause. The longer it draws out, the more I feel like shit. I already felt terrible when Jared told me I couldn’t take a plus one with me. “If I had a choice, I’d take you. You know I would.”

Her arm goes limp, the purse falling to the floor. “Bummer,” she mumbles glumly.

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