Page 143 of Plus Size Player

It took me a second to understand what he was telling me. “Oh. Okay.”

“I need to look over the paperwork and see how it impacts the overall picture. But nothing is finalized yet. I still have to look at things before any of this is official. I don’t want you to worry.”

I was very worried.

Forcing a small smile, I attempted to nod. “Okay.”

“It’ll be fine,” he reassured me. “Nothing is set in stone until I sign off on it, so you’ll know when I know.” He grabbed my face and searched my eyes. “But I got you. You’re not being replaced.”

“That’s what it sounds like,” I whispered.

“You represent RLF. Your contract is binding.” He broughthis forehead to mine. “And let’s be real, no one can take your place.”

“According to Bowen—”

“According tome,no one can take your place.”

My heart fluttered. I knew he meant what he’d said. But he owned RLF; he had no control over what Bowen wanted to do. And Bowen wanted the other model.

Not gonna lie, that stings.

The Bowen deal was a good business move. The fact that Bowen wanted another model wasn’t a good look for me. So as much as I wanted to believe Russ would take care of things, business was business.

Pressing my lips against his, I tried to shift the conversation. “You’re about to have your first Fashion Week runway show. September is going to be an amazing month.”

“Yes, it is,” he agreed, wrapping his arms around me. “And I hit my lawyer up. We’re meeting on Tuesday to go over the legalities of everything.” Lowering his head, he put his lips to the shell of my ear. “We’re going to be okay.”

I leaned my body into his. “You want to tell me the plan?”

“Once it’s ready to be put into action, I’ll tell you. Just trust that I’ll take care of it. Of you.”

I felt his words as boldly as I heard them. Tipping my head, I puckered my lips and waited until he kissed me.

We spent the rest of the day talking, eating, fucking, and enjoying each other’s company. We decided to watch a movie, but when the storyline lagged, we both seemed distracted and lost in our own thoughts. But after we showered and got in bed, we were back to ourselves again. Because his hands on my body and his lips against my skin evaporated any and all worry, stress, and doubt from my mind.

Unfortunately, when he left for work in the morning, all the thoughts that he’d pushed away came flooding back. I’d climbed out of bed around eight o’clock and after a trip to the gym, a long hot shower, and a breakfast sandwich that needed a little more spice, I was ready to start my day.

And the first thing on my agenda was to check my email.

My September schedule was set already. I was going to be making appearances every weekend in different cities and a once-a-week Wednesday meeting at the RLF office. And because I didn’t have any other contracts, I had a lot of free time for my mind to spiral.

I knew Russ said he had it taken care of, and I trusted him. But without him telling me what was going on and without any work to do, I couldn’t help but worry. So, I spent the day going over my contract with a fine-tooth comb. The next step was to reach out to my lawyer uncle to make sure I didn’t screw myself by putting all my eggs in the RLF basket.

It was scary to feel so sure about something and then have it ripped away. I was so sure about RLF, and then Bowen swooped in and threw a curveball.

What if that happens with Russ?

I pushed that intrusive thought away.

As if she could feel me spiraling, my mother called.

“Hello?” I answered.

“I’ve been instructed by your father to let you know that he’s taking me on a romantic getaway this weekend,” my mom stated in lieu of a greeting.

I laughed lightly. “I’m glad to hear it. Do you know where you’re going?”

“No, not yet.”

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