Page 30 of Bookgasms
She pauses. “Just to be clear, when I say everyone, I want all four of you in the shoot and video. Teasing will ensue about me not being able to read sex scenes without getting horny, and someone can ask if I want to act out the scene. Jason can take control and direct everyone where they need to be. After all, who better to direct us than the man who wrote it? Then we do the scene. I’ll need to figure out how to work out the photoshoot, but I want it to be of us in the bed. But, yeah. That’s my idea. Obviously, if you don’t want me to use your book, I can reach out to some other authors. Or just have a pretend book. There’s absolutely no pressure.”
Dani bites her bottom lip as she waits for their responses. She’s worried about how they’ll respond to the idea, but I know she’s especially worried about how Jason will react. After all, it’s his work she wants to use, because she adores his books.
I’ve read a few of them with her, and they’re damn good. It just never would’ve occurred to me to act out a scene from it.
“You already know I’m in,” I tell her with a smile, and she shoots me a grateful look.
Jason clears his throat. “I think it’s a brilliant idea, but I have some concerns.”
“Of course.” Dani gestures for him to continue.
“My face is never associated with J.B. Griggs—especially not since I started appearing on Victor’s channel. The last thing I want is for my readers to know about that.” He pauses, making a face. “Not that I’m ashamed of being a part of this world. I just don’t want people who read my books to know what I look like naked. It’s why I’m always in a mask during signings and why Victor never attends with me. I like to keep the two parts of my life separate.”
“Oh, I know. I thought we could just say that it was made with J.B. Griggs’s permission, and you can be listed as yourself for the video. Obviously, Lorna will need to be aware of who you are, so she knows we actually have permission, but I would never try to out you like that, Jason.” She pushes to her feet and moves to kneel between his legs, squeezing his hands. “And if this makes you even slightly uncomfortable, then I’ll nix the idea. No hard feelings—nothing.”
Jason’s lips turn up at the corners as he reaches out to push a strand of hair behind her ear with his free hand. “It’s definitely not a no, darling. I kind of love the idea of getting to see one of my scenes being brought to life. But if we all agree to this, I don’t want to just be the director. I want to participate.”
Dani claps her hands. “You’ll know what scene will work best where you can participate and direct. Is that a yes?”
I watch as he and Victor exchange a glance.
“Sounds like it could be fun,” Victor admits. “Plus, it’ll bring more attention to Jason’s book, so we’re down.”
Andrés chuckles. “As if I’d turn down the opportunity to be in a scene with the four of you.”
Dani actually squeals. “Oh, my God! I’m so fucking excited. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This is going to be amazing!”
Of that, I have no doubt. My girl always has the best ideas.
Not your girl,I remind myself.
I might share my body with Dani, but that’s as far as it goes. Yes, we’re friends, and she knows more about me than anyone else.
But we’re just friends.
I sigh, finding it harder and harder to believe the lies I tell myself.
Running a hand over my face, I settle back into the couch as I listen to the four of them. They’re discussing scenes from various books, and though I’ve read a few of them, I don’t remember the scenes they’re talking about. All I remember is that the books were hot.
I may or may not have gotten myself off to a scene or two.
Since I can’t provide anything helpful, I take the time to observe the four of them.
It’s hard to believe I met them all at pretty much the same time—all of it within a week. It’s been at least two years, although I can’t remember exactly when.
The funny part is, it feels like Dani and Andrés have been a part of my life forever. I met Andrés first, and we were already growing close when I met Dani, who introduced us to Victor and Jason.
Sleeping with Andrés was probably not my smartest idea. I used to be able to tell him anything, but I saw the look in his eyes the night we slept together. He was falling for me, and I was not okay with that.
I don’t know what makes me view him and Dani so differently since I’ve seen the same look in her eyes and I’m still sleeping with her. Maybe it’s a gender thing.
Or maybe it’s because I just can’t give up one of the best people I’ve ever had in my life—after already giving up Andrés.
Shaking my head, I tune back into the conversation just in time to watch Dani jump to her feet and hurry into her office. She returns a few seconds later, holding a book.
“Even though I know you read my books, it still feels weird seeing you hold it.” Jason chuckles nervously.
“Pish posh.” She waves him off. “Your books are amazing, and I own every single one in paperback and in e-book. That way I can read them over and over again.”
